Square-Enix: making new games is hard, we'll just re-make old ones [UPDATE]

by John Bardinelli { Apr 22nd 2007 at 3:30PM }

[UPDATE: It seems this story was based on this original report from a satire web site. Joystiq regrets the error.]

With the recent success of the Final Fantasy Advance games on the GBA and the 3D remake of Final Fantasy III on the DS, Square-Enix has announced a new business model that, well, isn't new at all. The company has decided to focus on re-releasing old games for new systems, punching up the visuals and adding bonus content in the process. Get ready to own the original Final Fantasy ... again.

Cashing in on gamers' nostalgia has been profitable for many companies (especially Nintendo), and despite our cries to stop the ports and sequels, we still hand over the cash. We can't say we're thrilled with the news, but it does bring a glimmer of hope for some of the company's forgotten franchises.

First person to say "FFVII ON TEH PS3" or "CHRONO TRIGGER 3D ON THEE DS!!!1" wins a cookie.

[Via Siliconera]

Tags: finalfantasy, port, remake, square-enix, squareenix

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

Shmil @ Apr 22nd 2007 3:34PM

CHRONO TRIGGER 3D ON THEE DS!!!1

bluezy @ Apr 22nd 2007 3:38PM

FFVII ON TEH PS3

Papa @ Apr 22nd 2007 3:47PM

XENOGEARS ON TEH 360!1

NoHitHair @ Apr 22nd 2007 3:49PM

I'm glad they're remaking old games. Obviously most video game companies these days are simply too inept to offer any ingenuity in unique titles.

At least this way we know exactly what to expect and based on the past it should be a lot of fun.

http://blog.myspace.com/nohithair

BPM @ Apr 22nd 2007 3:55PM

Depends on the quality of the remake.

If the remake seems sluggish or off somehow compared to the original, I'll pass. Things such as odd changes in difficulty, odd calculations, etc.

However, if the remake does more to the game than just new visual and audio, such as new levels, characters, items, etc, then it may be worth it.
Megaman: Powered Up for PSP is a perfect example of a great remake. Not only was the original NES game remade with new visuals and sound, but there were two new Robot Masters (Oilman and Timeman), the ability to play as different characters (multiple versions of Megaman, original Rock, Roll, Protoman, and all 8 Robot Masters), a challenge mode, AND a level constructor.

If more remakes had the same level of new content as MMPU had, then more of them would be worth buying (that is, if you already owned the original).

Arno @ Apr 22nd 2007 3:57PM

I wouldn't mind a FFVII remake at all. Bring it to the 360 though and make the Sony fanboys jealous.

Jerk Face @ Apr 22nd 2007 3:58PM

Part of me gets angry when I read this article, since Square Enix can just remake all of their old shit and roll in all of the money they make.

Then again, another part of me can't wait to shell out Too Much Money for all of these shitty remakes.

*sigh*

And if they are going to remake games, they had better at least stay away from the first three Final Fucking Fantasy games. They suck. The DS version of III? IT SUCKS. The sooner everyone realizes that NES RPG's are all too old for even nostalgia to save them, the better we will all be.

Now FFVI or VII or perhaps the juggernaut that is Chrono Trigger remade with next gen graphics?

Well THAT would be a different story.

jay @ Apr 22nd 2007 3:58PM

I'm partially glad of this. I missed out on the NES and SNES Final Fantasy games, and to an extent the PS1 games. I picked up 1-6 for GBA and DS and I'm really liking them.
I believe this works when technology changes. In the GBA remakes it was portability, on the Virtual Console it's convenience and low price. I see no point in the PSP versions and won't be picking them up as they've already been made portable.

A handheld port of FF7 would be ideal for me since I only played the original for about an hour.

Needles @ Apr 22nd 2007 3:59PM

They've actually made new games!? This is news to me.

"Late Wednesday night, on their Japanese web site, Square Enix announced that it will be working under a new business model, focused more on re-releasing existing titles and creating sequels to older games."

Seriously how is that a "NEW" model. Same thing they've been doing. NEW games were rare to begin with from them. Sequels and milking franchises...not so much.

OhJustSomeRandomGuy @ Apr 22nd 2007 4:00PM

Einhander on teh PS3!

Juan @ Apr 22nd 2007 4:02PM

I'd like to see a real remake. Everything thus far has been half-assed.

Give me something along the lines of Chrono Resurrection, and I'll be happy to fork over my money.

umm...hello?? @ Apr 22nd 2007 4:03PM

I would LOVE a remake of FFVII!!!

Note to Squeenix: PLEASE make your spellcastings/summons scenes SKIPPABLE!!!!! I don't mind 40+ hour gameplay games, but making it 100+ hours due to unskippable sequences is friggin' RIDICULOUS and makes it extremely difficult to pick up and replay.

Ian Von Porter @ Apr 22nd 2007 4:03PM

Finally, after messing up the N64 with by using cartridges.. a Nintendo console may get FFVII.. the way it was originally intended.

gok @ Apr 22nd 2007 4:03PM

FFVII remake yess yess yess *FAPFAPFAPFAP*

Christian D @ Apr 22nd 2007 4:05PM

Parasite Eve on the PS3 or the 360 would be fantastic .. .

OhJustSomeRandomGuy @ Apr 22nd 2007 4:08PM

In all seriousness, Square-Enix makes some of the best looking games on any system. It takes them a long time to put together the stuff they need.

And it's not like the EA shit where all EA has to do is make the players look slightly less shitty each year. Square's gotta create a whoe world every time they make a new game.

So, a followup to Final Fantasy is probably going to take just a tad bit more than the standard EA Shovel-product, so they're probably doing remakes to "tread water" until their new games are done.

Fernando Rocker @ Apr 22nd 2007 4:12PM

Obviously Square-Enix likes more Nintendo than 360, so dont expect any of these titles on the Microsoft machine... sorry

Nintendo seems more reliable... so expect a lot of remakes on the Nintendo console and handheld.

Mr Khan @ Apr 22nd 2007 4:14PM

Hey, i liked the DS remake of FFIII, all except the ending, where the difficulty level shot up into the sky, and you couldn't save

Never finished it, but had a hell of a time cleaning everything else out

But yes, Squaresoft should focus on new content, the concept sort of works with Nintendo because they usually tastefully employ nostalgia (like the original song's presence in Sunshine, or all the references in Super Paper Mario)

But we'll have to see how far they take this model, or maybe this is a wait-and-see thing because there doesn't seem to be any console besides the DS that's a sure bet this generation...

Lord_Quinton @ Apr 22nd 2007 4:18PM

While they're at it, they need to make a Bushido Blade for the Wii.

Quakeulf @ Apr 22nd 2007 4:25PM

JUST GIVE US CHRONO TRIGGER FOR THE DS AND I WILL FORGIVE YOU FOR YOUR RECENT FF-FAILURES!

Steve @ Apr 22nd 2007 4:44PM

So what? If there was a game I loved on an old system I would be ecstatic to hear news of a version with HD visuals or the conversion from old fashioned 2D sprites to a 2.5D game (Think "New Super Mario Bros.")

Be honest. Wouldn't you be more excited to hear about a remake of "Super Metroid" than the announcement of some totally new title? I think a hatred of video game sequels is something people want to believe, but in their heart of hearts knows it's a silly kneejerk reaction they don't really mean.

Sequels have a tendency to ruin movies, but in video games they usually improve things. Anything is technically possible anymore with a movie, so in order to mamake ke an excellent sequel creativity is required in all aspects. Video games are different because things are constantly omitted due to development and technological restrictions. You could literally take "Super Metroid", give it nothing more than HD visuals and it will be superior to the SNES "Super Metriod". Could you take an old classic like Citizen Kane and remake it under modern filming techniques and create a superior film? It's possible, but doubtful. When it comes to video game remakes I say bring them on. Most of my favorite gaming memories are with sequels and remakes. Damn I loved Super Mario All Stars: that's a title filled with both.

And people often get the impression that this is an either-or situation. Either you get all-new games or you get sequels. I guess with Square-Enix it is but even when it is it will allow the creative juices some time to create a quality sequel. Instead of demanding a new entry every 1 or 2 years and destroy a franchise (i.e. Lara Croft, Sonic) the developers can create superior versions of quality older entries while allowing creative juices to flow for a true new sequel in 4 years.

KeenCommander @ Apr 22nd 2007 4:46PM

If someone really wanted to do a fan made remake of Chrono Trigger they should just keep it a secret until it's done. Square Enix can't cease and desist what they don't know about and once it's out on the interwebs there is basically nothing they can do about it. Grid Wars was cease and desisted but you can still find that all over the place. It would be impossible to purge the internet of it as long as no one at SquEnix found out before it was released.

Btrick @ Apr 22nd 2007 4:51PM

In all seriousness, Sony should really try to push Square for a FFVII remake for the PS3, and have it be exclusive.

FFVII already has the established popularity, and the whole extreme cool factor to it. Because of this, I think an FFVII remake would push consoles even more than FF13.

bounchfx @ Apr 22nd 2007 4:53PM

Chrono Trigger remake on DS with FF III like graphics would be the most amazing thing.

Make it happen S-E.

F(*^, while you are at it, port Seiken Densetsu 3 to DS too. jerks

tehpyro @ Apr 22nd 2007 4:59PM

I want a cookie :(

Carmen @ Apr 22nd 2007 5:01PM

I think that Square-Enix, remaking games is a very good idea, business-wise, but I do believe that if they stop making games for a while, some people may start an uproar. Esp. all those RPG fans, that need their Final Fantasy. Personally I'm contemplating getting an PS3, if they put FF games on the 360 no need then, for me, to buy a PS3.

Chris Putnam @ Apr 22nd 2007 5:14PM

@20:
---"*sigh* Square Enix hasn't said they will only focus on remakes. They said (an almost direct quote:) "in the future we will focus MORE on SEQUELS and remaking older games"."---

When was the last time they actually released a new game? I'll give them FFXII, since main-series FF games are unique enough to be called totally new even though they're technically sequels. But besides that?

What I'm getting at is that they're -already- almost 100% focused on remakes and spinoffs. If they're focusing even -more- on them now, what room is left for new games? Just how long are we going to have to wait between new content releases from this company?

I miss the Squaresoft of the early PSX era that wasn't terrified of taking a risk on something besides an FF spinoff/remake. What happened to the company that gave us Tobal and Einhander and Brave Fencer Musashi and all those other unique, totally awesome games?

Oh yeah. That movie. They released Spirits Within and it almost crushed them, and it made the company into a big blubbering coward. But come on - it was 6 years ago. At some point you've got to crawl back out of your cave and brave the sunshine.

Pag @ Apr 22nd 2007 5:17PM

Creativity is really going down the toilet in gaming. It was pretty bad when publishers focused almost entirely on making sequels rather than original titles. At least sequels contain new content -- now they just want to redo the same old games over and over? I'm appalled.

It's ridiculous that gaming is one the newest form of media and yet it's among the most based on nostalgia. I'm amazed at the number of people here who get excited over playing old games again with slight graphical improvements. People who are buying those remakes are just encouraging publishers to take less and less risks -- we're not going to see many original titles if remakes become the norm and sequels become the risky thing to make...

Dirk Dorkelson @ Apr 22nd 2007 5:20PM

Wow, the linked-to article has the wrong its/it's in the headline and a typo in the lead. Nice work, guys. Keep up the awesome journalism.

Jerome "the360loop" Francisco @ Apr 22nd 2007 5:25PM

dont mess with me with that picture! OMGWTF went through my head when i saw that. I remember all the one man projects that were out there making a 3D Chrono Trigger and how they all got seize and desist letters.

By the way, Chrono Trigger on XBLA give it achievements for all the different endings, different time to kill Lavos, do all the combo special moves, getting Ayla's special Knuckles!
It would be heaven for me

Erwos @ Apr 22nd 2007 5:31PM

The FF1 remake for PSP is just undeniably awesome. They did a really fantastic job on it, and it's much, much better than the original version.

mr mobius @ Apr 22nd 2007 5:55PM

Honestly, as a 17 year old who wasn't around for the NES and SNES era of Square, and someone who had a N64 instead of a PS1/X, I'm looking forward to FFIII coming to DS on 4th May in Europe (I think and hope because perfect timing for my birthday the next day). I wouldn't complain being able to experience some of the old rpg classics such as chrono trigger on DS (I have the ROM but haven;t played it yet) or something like FFVII on Wii.

LuigiHann @ Apr 22nd 2007 6:01PM

FFVII FOR THE DS!
COME ON, SERIOUSLY

deaftly @ Apr 22nd 2007 6:06PM

fuck buying remakes, screw you squaresoft!

Jacob @ Apr 22nd 2007 6:14PM

Just port Chrono Trigger to the DS. Hell, stick it on the Virtual Console. Why don't you want my money Square-Enix, why?

perfectchaos @ Apr 22nd 2007 6:22PM

maybe they could remake the bouncer into...you know...a game that's actually good?

personally i'd love to see a few of squareenix's classics updated, including secret of mana, rad racer, chrono trigger, einhander, illusion of gaia, and front mission 3

Matt @ Apr 22nd 2007 6:26PM

My god, people need to get over FFVII. It's not that good.

Ian M @ Apr 22nd 2007 6:30PM

im sorry but how is this not good news?

square enix are makine NEW games

AND

remaking old CLASSICS loved by thousands to the standards and graphics of todays games!

pretty freakin good news to me!

Ian M @ Apr 22nd 2007 6:30PM

oh and also, the gaps between final fantasy release dates have ALWAYS been long. squeenix are now big enough (mamouth enough) to be able to release these remakes in between titles. theyre not one team of people doing everything, and thus slowed, split between three arduous projects, they will have different teams for different projects.

higher quality next gen games take MORE TIME. stfu and live with it, or join the games industry and help.

Yourself @ Apr 22nd 2007 6:30PM

I don't really have much problem with companies remaking classic games, especially because although I had an NES and SNES, I was too young to really enjoy/comprehend RPGs.

I have a huge problem with what Square Enix is doing though, because they are remaking games that have already been remade. We don't need a new set of remakes for every console/handheld generation. It's getting pretty fucking ridiculous. And you figure that sooner or later they'll be releasing games on VC/PSN/XBLA, so essentially they're aiming to flood the market with 15-year-old games.

Yourself @ Apr 22nd 2007 6:32PM

Oh and @38
You couldn't be more correct. Most overrated game of all time short of Halo.

Emerson @ Apr 22nd 2007 6:35PM

I think they would make a killing if remakes of there early RPG classics made there way to Xbox Live Arcade and PSN.

Johnny @ Apr 22nd 2007 6:40PM

Bushido Blade series on 360.

Hey Apples @ Apr 22nd 2007 7:50PM

News flash, they haven't made any new games in *years*.

Sslapping a plot tweak and a new number at the end of the "final fantasy" title does not a new game make.

Squaresoft is better than SquareEnix @ Apr 22nd 2007 8:15PM

To #29 I agree with you. What happened to original games?

To # 38 & 43

You are so right, FFVII is bad.(Halo also)
When Square entered the PS era with Final Fantasy, that's when the series went downhill.

Graphics became more important than story. (FMVs)
What happened?

Teh Phri4r @ Apr 22nd 2007 8:24PM

i would like a sequel to VIII staring Siefer, Fujin and Raijin.
DS, PS2, or Virtual Boy, I don't care

JetSpike @ Apr 22nd 2007 8:52PM

Well, I just picked up Final Fantasy in Japan for the PSP (Tactics comes out on May 10th, and includes new characters etc and FFII comes out in June) and I must say I am impressed. First, it comes with both Japanese and English options on the disc (i.e. choose your language for script and menus). Also, the graphics are a nice improvement rather than the crappy ports like FFIV-VI on the GBA. I am looking quite forward to playing Tactics again and with portability. Personally, I still enjoy playing the first FF, 20 years after it first hit the NES.