Final Fantasy’s 30th Anniversary Brings New Games and Entertainment

Even though the venerable Final Fantasy series doesn't technically turn 30 until December, Square-Enix has chosen today, the 20th anniversary of Final Fantasy VII as the day for their big "30th Anniversary Event". The event, which Square-Enix hosted in Tokyo, was used to showcase highlights from the series It also reveled in nostalgia for the beloved franchise as well preview upcoming Final Fantasy games and content. Among the announcements were updates for Final Fantasy XV, Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age, and Final Fantasy VII's upcoming remake. On the FFXV front, new DLC was announced, including:

• a special booster pack to be released on February 21st which features superhero-themed invincibility costumes
• Episode Gladiolus, the first of the game's story-focused DLC to be released March 28th
• Episode Prompto, the second DLC, to be released in June

[caption id="attachment_93084" align="aligncenter" width="650"] A preview of the Magitek Exosuit free DLC[/caption] Square-Enix also reminded everyone that the Final Fantasy VII remake is still coming, despite radio silence on planned release dates or progress. As a teaser, they released a key visual showing off protagonist Cloud Strife with a backdrop of antagonist Sephiroth and the city of Midgard, where FFVII begins. [caption id="attachment_93085" align="aligncenter" width="800"] FFVII Remake's new key visual[/caption] Also announced was Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age. It's a remaster of 2006's Final Fantasy XII, which includes a new gameplay system that was previously exclusive to the Japanese version of the game. The Zodiac Age is set to release on July 11 for the Playstation 4. In terms of non-game related news, the event also revealed some strange new merchandise that will soon be available. They range from Final Fantasy-themed wine, a new FF-themed fashion line, Moogle, Cactuar, and Chocobo themed cakes, and fifteen new types of Cup Noodle that will be based on classic FF villains. There's also a new lineup of live entertainment focused on the series including new musical tours for Final Fantasy music, an FF14-themed escape room (in Japan only), FFVII-themed sculptures at Sapporo Snow Festival, and a Final Fantasy exhibition that will take place in 2018. It's a lot to take in for fans of the series, but unfortunately most of the live entertainment and exhibitions are limited to just Japan. For others, they'll have to be content with the bevy of new Final Fantasy gaming content slated for the upcoming months.