There's no denying that Square Enix makes incredible CG with its games. The upcoming Final Fantasy remakes on PSP are no different. As one can see by the intro cinematic to Final Fantasy II (above), Square puts a lot of effort into making their cinematics look gorgeous. While we appreciate the added effort into movies like the one above, we'd much rather see the time and money go into completely revamping the game engine. When one considers how the actual gameplay looks (video after the cut), one can't help but be a little disappointed.
Final Fantasy II shows dualistic production
Continue reading Final Fantasy II shows dualistic production
Crazy Japanese woman returns, with tears, in new FF TVCM
With a game like Final Fantasy, you don't really need to have a good advertising campaign. At least, that's what we think Square Enix is thinking with their commercial for Final Fantasy II. It appears that the same much-too-overenthusiastic woman from the first ad continues to be the series spokesperson, and this time, she's moved to tears by Final Fantasy II's epic storyline. Get her some tissues, stat!
Final Fantasy II will hit America this July.
Final Fantasy remakes blip on Gamestop's website

While Gamestop doesn't have the most reliable release date information, they can be very good at accidentally revealing new games before they're officially announced. Remember Oblivion? This is probably a positive indicator that the games will receive an English release, but I hope that price is completely fabricated: there's no justification at all for a $40 price tag on an NES game remake.
[Via 1UP]
Square Enix surprise: its a PSP port of a GBA port of NES games

It looks like EGM's Rumor Mill is starting to develop into truth. "Square Enix is whipping up a wild lineup for PSP this year ... These guys are serious too! I'm talking new games, remakes of old classics, and an all-new, unexpected Final Fantasy spinoff that will make the fanboys flip."
Well, we can check off "remakes of old classics" off the list: Square Enix just announced their "20th Anniversary Series," which will be heading to PSP. First two games on the table? Final Fantasy Anniversary Edition and Final Fantasy II Anniversary Edition. Both games will feature the enhancements of the Nintendo-published Final Fantasy I & II Advance: Dawn of Souls, and also include new CG movies and "further enhancements."
While these aren't the games we've been clamoring for, I guess it's a step in the right direction. Any support from Square Enix is better than none, right? As it stands now, I'd much rather wait for Crisis Core than these remakes of remakes. Hopefully, we'll see the rest of the "wild lineup" that EGM hinted at.
[Thanks, zaki! Via The Magic Box]
[Update 1: Scans are available at Jeux-France.]