Star Ocean 4 currently Xbox exclusive, Last Remnant delayed on PS3

by Andrew Yoon { Jun 10th 2008 at 8:15AM }

Fans of Square Enix RPGs may have assumed PS3 was the safe bet this generation of consoles. However, during a press conference in Japan today, the famed RPG maker announced its plans to support Xbox 360, with at least one exclusive, and two timed exclusives for Microsoft's current generation platform.

Star Ocean: The Last Hope, the fourth iteration of the popular RPG series, has been announced for Xbox 360 only. The official website makes it clear that the game will be a 360 title, but plans for a PS3 version haven't been completely ruled out yet. "We cannot announce anything on that. We can say that it will be released first [on the Xbox 360]. Whether we'll release it on the PS3 is undecided. We may release it, we may not." [Source]

Another Square Enix game, The Last Remnant, will be multiplatform. However, the game will debut on Xbox 360 first this year, with a PS3 version to come some time after, perhaps next year. This continues Microsoft's aggressive push to secure the Japanese RPG market, with Square Enix's Infinite Undiscovery being an Xbox 360 exclusive as well. PS3 fans need not fret too much, because at the very least, the Final Fantasy XIII games are still exclusive on PS3. For now.

[Via Joystiq]

Update: We've uploaded a screen grab of Square Enix's press release, which reveals the platforms these titles will arrive on.

Tags: infinite-undiscovery, last-remnant, square-enix, star-ocean, star-ocean-4, star-ocean-last-hope, the-last-remnant, xbox-360

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)

CsMisi @ Jun 10th 2008 8:23AM

Sony should be gonsidering for paying for exclusive third party content ... Money talks and this is getting ridiculous from time to time ... Microsoft is paying big money for third party content and I really don't want to see the day when they will announce a Final Fantasy game exclusive for the X360 console ... I really don't.

Dom @ Jun 10th 2008 10:09AM

Why would it be a bad thing if FF goes to 360? Damn people get a grip on life. Its fricken videogames we are talking about here. The 360 is cheaper than the PS3. Get yourself both and be done with it you @ss. Thats just like me saying "oh I would kill myself if Gears of War ever went to PS3" Why would I give a carp about that? You are a loser. Vote that up you losers!

benny boy @ Jun 10th 2008 12:57PM

FFS Sony. If you want to win this war, you seriously need to get your act together and start copying Microsoft by buying exclusives. Loyalty doesn't pay the bills.

kentuckyfried @ Jun 10th 2008 1:26PM

The 360 isn't cheaper by much, at least in regards to the base level models (40 gb ps3, $400; 360, $350 or so?)

The fact of the matter is that the 360 is a SHITTY DESIGN. And Microsoft knows this and has done NOTHING about fixing the design, it's so screwed up, they don't even bother, the only solution is to offer a 3-year warranty. And yet it still continues to sell based upon the fact that a person can save a paltry $50. Big whoop dee doo.

And it's not just that, it's the principle too...the idea that this presumptuous company can sell a flawed product by BUYING its way into the market. It makes absolutely no sense! What's worse is that people who do have any rational sense are compelled to buy at times simply b/c their friends have it, and in order to play with them online, they have no other choice, even if they know they are making a bad choice.

TCampbell76 @ Jun 10th 2008 8:45PM

@kentuckyfried:

Actually it doesn't take me and my Bachelor's degree in game development/engineering to point out the 360 has a shitty design, but please spare us the false propaganda and be fair with your facts.

That Microsoft has "done NOTHING about fixing the design, it's so screwed up, they don't even bother, the only solution is to offer a 3-year warranty" isn't a fair argument. They have been in development on their upcoming console since 360's launch with the 360's negatives in mind for prevention. Just like the PS2's flaws are now (hopefully) devoid in the PS3.

I love all my consoles, but to be fair in your argument what did Sony do for all those PS2's that had the infamous "Disk Read Error" or other various optical malfunctions? Like you articulated with Microsoft, Sony did actually nothing as well except offer a repair at customers expense unless you were under it's extremely limited warranty. I couldn't tell you the number of PS2 development kits we had to go through because the optical lens or other parts of the hardware died of natural causes. I also know a few who worked for SCEA customer service state they were instructed to pretend the optical design flaws didn't exist and to set up repair at the customers fault/expense.

So sadly in Microsoft's defense at least they are not pretending the design flaws didn't exist and sweep this blemish under the rug like Sony had with PS2. Microsoft instead publicly acknowledged the flaws and offered a three year extended warranty of free repair to those that get the common problem. Which is way more than Sony ever did with PS2 than just putting the blame on you.

Don't get me wrong I own all the consoles and have my probs with them all. My PS3 hasn't given me one problem, while my launch 360 finally gave it's first RRoD last week.

Just spare us the fallacy that Microsoft doesn't care because on that issue they do or else my pile of PS2's would be just one.

Johnny Lasley @ Jun 11th 2008 12:10AM

You are right. It only makes sense, but Micro$oft doesn't mind losing money on the XBux. So I don't think they even want to compete on that level.

Ironically, XBox doesn't appear to have the fanbase for these games be success on the platform. The check M$ cut must have been pretty sweet.

koehler83 @ Jun 10th 2008 8:23AM

I wish they'd just cancel FFXIII or let it go to Xbox so we could all just get rid of our playstations and move on.

I for one am seriously, seriously disappointed.

Brodie-san @ Jun 10th 2008 8:28AM

You again!

Didn't I see you complaining about this on Joystiq? I checked out your profile and you seem to be a very unhappy bunny when it comes to the PS3. For the sake of your sanity (and ours) I'd recommend you make the switch and stop coming to this site as you're obviously not a PS3 fanboy - if you ever were.

Enjoy your new console. Though I get the feeling you'll find something to complain about that as well.

Unknown @ Jun 10th 2008 8:25AM

I'm sorry to see this happening being my whole reason for the ps3 was jrpgs and final fantasy, looks like there is more life left in my 360 after all.

adorna @ Jun 10th 2008 11:56AM

same with me. when after FF7 the newer Square Enix games were all on the Playstation I just waited it out, now I finally got one in hope of playing some of the older games as well as the new ones and they're going to the 360? I feel kind of stupid now. I like the consle but right now I'm not sure if the choice was right....

CrazyCooling @ Jun 10th 2008 3:04PM

same here its actually making me rethink on purchasing a 360, hopefully some ray of light will shine down and make SO4 be ported to the ps3, but untill then i guess i have FFXII

Puntachu @ Jun 10th 2008 8:42AM

The lack of support for our chosen hardware lately has been stunning. Sony's machine was king last generation, and the content flooded to it. It only made sense to assume that we would have the continued support from developers; but this is just more evidence that they only seem to follow the money...

I bought my PS3 because I figured the relationships developers already had with sony would be enough to secure future titles. Instead we see this, and I'm quite irritated. Ive owned every star ocean released on a sony console, and if this is even a timed exclusive, I wont buy; It simply feels like a slap in the face.

I'm really hoping that square doesn't push FFXIII to the 360 too, but that seems to be where all their love is going right now. I don't even know how to feel about this. I'll tell you one thing, though; I will not buy a 360... ever.

olly @ Jun 10th 2008 9:07AM

that just proves ur sad, "i will never buy a 360" ur fanboyism sucks you buy the consoles for the games not cause of ur long lost love for sony.

So what if microsoft are willing to pay to stay in the race, Sony get the oppurtunity but they choose not to pay for exclusives and that will be there downfall.

not saying the ps3 will not win this generation of consoles but microsoft will have alot better chance at the next generation with the sucess of the 360 this time round all them doubts about them making a system like the original xbox have surely gone out the window.

xbox were the underdog and they bascially sold 20mill units, that is no underachievement they will surely sell 40mill before the next gen.

Rowdehaj @ Jun 10th 2008 9:14AM

It's *you're* and *your*. 'Tard.

And that would be why I stopped reading your comment three lines in.

James @ Jun 10th 2008 9:46AM

Money talks. It's just that simple. Companies make games to make money and if Microsoft is going to pay them up front that's more money they can put in the company. I think it's stupid too but in business money can be a lot more important than brand loyalty, particularly when it's millions of dollars.

In the end, I'm not sure I see a win-win for the PS3 here. If no one in Japan buys a 360 and their market share remains low, they're going to be more desperate then ever and pay even more for exclusives. If sales of the 360 go up as a result of this, then Microsoft will be vindicated and will continue this practice.

The only win I see for us as PS3 owners is if Microsoft starts to gain market share on these 360 exclusive JRPGs, then you'll see Sony be forced to get in the game and pay for games in an attempt to maintain their hold on Japan.

Commariodore64 @ Jun 10th 2008 9:57AM

Why? Did MS kill your dog?
Seriously, this vapid fanboy loyalty makes no sense. And MS is not buying exclusivity with SQEnix - they are going where the software sales are...
It's not a crime to won more than one system - in fact, if you love videogames more than SONY, you'd be best to do just that...

Vcize @ Jun 10th 2008 10:06AM

Yay for preventing yourself from playing the games you love due to hatred of an inanimate object

Noshino @ Jun 10th 2008 10:17AM

Commariodore64,

Microsoft is well known for buying exclusives, so please, to state otherwise is quite naive, oh, and if they were to really go to where the software sales are, they would have gone the way of Dragon Quest, that is, to be released on the DS...

RPGJock @ Jun 10th 2008 11:23AM

@Commariodore64

" And MS is not buying exclusivity with SQEnix - they are going where the software sales are..."

The Wii just went "What the Fish???!!

See it would make sense more if the Wii was getting the ton games from Japan SE but its Microsoft, the least sold console their.

Please explain that?

Haohmaru @ Jun 10th 2008 11:42AM

..This is why owning multiple consoles is the way to go. "Brand loyalty" is silly - why wouldn't you go to where the games you want to play are? Both consoles have great games coming for them, but the fact of the matter is, you're going to miss some great games if you only own one console. That's just the way things work this generation.

Imaginationland Warrior @ Jun 10th 2008 12:02PM

Puntachu, you have to understand, neither Sony nor Square cares about you. I also highly doubt that most companies have that type brand loyalty that you do. I imagine that the only reason game developers liked to make games for the ps2 was because that system made companies like Square a lot of money. They will switch (snaps fingers) like that when they smell the money elsewhere.

Remember, Square called Sony out and voiced their displeasure of the ps3's low install base when it came out the door relative too the other consoles. I bet those feelings have left, but just remember, Square isn't loyal to anyone.

Valr @ Jun 10th 2008 2:51PM

"that just proves ur sad, "i will never buy a 360" ur fanboyism sucks you buy the consoles for the games not cause of ur long lost love for sony."

And what about those who can't afford to buy another console? You know, everybody isn't rich. I'm still glad I bought a PS3, but the constant news of RPGs being 360 exclusives are definitely disappointing.

Nate @ Jun 10th 2008 8:50AM

This is friggin' ridiculous. Sony, get off your freakin' asses and secure some japanese RPGs. You ARE Japanese, how are you letting friggin' USA poster-boy Microsoft get all the good Japanese games? We bought this console because we wanted to continue the great line of RPGs that were on the PS2. What the hell happened to that?

If the 360 is going to have all the RPGs, I'm going to be FORCED to buy one.

deaftly @ Jun 10th 2008 10:38AM

USA USA USA !

Popfrogs @ Jun 10th 2008 11:20AM

Hey look, it's everyone's least favorite troll, contributing nothing again.

What does it take to get banned from this site anyway, starting a holocaust?

Chris Brazier @ Jun 10th 2008 8:45AM

Dissapointing but even X3F are reporting that

"Update: An original trailer, using some of the clips in the footage above, for Star Ocean: The Last Hope (then referred to simply as Star Ocean 4) debuted with the PSP release of Star Ocean: The First Departure. This in mind, we can safely say the new RPG will be multi-platform."

So it wil be on the PS3 at some point so I don't see what all the fuss is about, although yes it is a shame to see X360 get so many rpgs and probably before we get them.

ryan @ Jun 10th 2008 4:18PM

yea that is a old trailer however squre can change its target console at any time...
from my perspective it just seems square wants to give something to the 360 that is exclusive to that console...

not that it matters to me i own both the 360 and ps3

baby sea tuna @ Jun 10th 2008 8:49AM

Yeah, it's funny how somewhere between last generation and this one, MS and Sony managed to swap FPS for JRPG genres. The grass is always greener, I guess.

Personally, I don't care since I'm not a fan of JRPGs (well, not any made after 1999 or so) so I won't be buying them for either system.

Gaucho @ Jun 10th 2008 8:44AM

ouch, that was a swift kick in the nads really early in the morning. "Till the end of time" was one of my favorite games on the PS2, this really is too bad. Hopefully FFXIII will come out without delay and won't disappoint.

I really want a game like "Till the End of Time" and "XenoSaga" thats set in space/future and gives that feeling of travel and immersion. IMO Star Ocean did a better job at this than XenoSaga.

Vincent @ Jun 10th 2008 9:43AM

Wow this is bs. Delaystation strikes back :/

raiser @ Jun 10th 2008 8:50AM

F%$K you square :s
and doubly F&^K you Microsoft

Anik @ Jun 10th 2008 8:56AM

Wow. If MGS4 wasn't heading to the shelves in 2 days, I would be one mad mother fucker right now.

t_jh @ Jun 10th 2008 7:21PM

Thanks, reading this article made me forget about mgs4 for a minute.

Valr @ Jun 10th 2008 8:54AM

ANOTHER RPG becomes 360 exclusive? WTF is going on? The main reason I purchased a PS3 were for the RPGs. 360 needs to stick with their damned FPS -_-.

deaftly @ Jun 10th 2008 10:33AM

know whats funny about sony fanboys describing that the 360 has nothing but fps games when thats the ONLY games that the ps3 has high scores for. the 360 covers every genre and has more jrpg's then the ps3. truth hurts doesnt it?

Valr @ Jun 10th 2008 2:46PM

"when thats the ONLY games that the ps3 has high scores for"

You've just nailed yourself with stupidity with that comment. If you want to talk about "high scores" then let's travel over to metacritic. Oh, gee, look at that. The top 10 PS3 games only have 2 FPS. Top 20? Only 6 FPS. That sure doesn't sound like "ONLY" to me, does it?

MrGuru @ Jun 10th 2008 8:55AM

square will realize how stupid they are, when even they cant move units on the xbox360 in japan. and more than likely will sell less worldwide. how stupid can they be...

Brodie-san @ Jun 10th 2008 9:01AM

Am I the only one who's thinking: "Timed Exclusive? Cool. The PS3 version will have more!"

Gotta see the positive side of this unfortunate turn of events. The fact is: MS has paid a lot of money to kick-start their presence in the Japanese market. As a company I can see the logic in this though I understadng that it does hurt a lot of gamers who have been loyal to a different system. This is not the first time this has happened remember. After all, I seem to remember a lot of Nintendo fanboys being upset when FFVII went the way of the disc and over to the new "PlayStation".

It makes strategic and economic sense for MS to target this genre in Japan. Fair play for them. I don't think it's going to cause a culture shift in the Japanese market however. A lot of Japanese people will buy MGS4 and then be looking for the RPGs. The studios will see the increased penetration of the PS3 in Japan (and the blu-ray disc with its increased size really does suit the whole JRPG genre) and there is no way in hell they'll NOT release the JRPGs on the PS3.

My prediction is that upon the release of FFXIII we're going to see a new age of JRPGs emerge. And the leading console in this movement will be the PS3.

Terrence @ Jun 10th 2008 9:54AM

Hopefully it does turn out that way down the road. But for now, PS3 has how many JRPGs? I work in a certain retail store, and I'm really trying my hardest to turn people's heads toward the PS3, but the reality is a lot of people can't afford to get a PS3 *just* to play MGS4 (gasp; not everybody likes MGS), and when you look at the number of reasons, even in JRPGs, 360 currently has the PS3 beat. I've found that it doesn't matter what other awesome things the PS3 can do, my customers give more of a crap about the games, and 360 has more RPGs than PS3.

Hopefully Sony just wakes up and realizes that brand loyalty isn't working for them right now and that they need to pay for exclusives. It's not their fault that Microsoft payed for these particular timed exclusives first, but hardcore RPG players that have stuck with Sony for years definitely have zero reason to get a PS3 right now, and that sucks sucks sucks.

And this is off topic, but I'm also pretty disappointed in the lack of action-adventure games. Uncharted, GTA4 and MGS4 are, like, the only good ones? If I wanted to play a bunch of FPSs and sports games, I would have just stuck with 360.

Sharp @ Jun 10th 2008 6:39PM

"If I wanted to play a bunch of FPSs and sports games, I would have just stuck with 360."

Funny you say that after ranting about the 360 having all the JRPG's. Face it, that is no longer a valid statement. The 360 has the most diverse library of games this gen so far.

Gaucho @ Jun 10th 2008 9:07AM

The wait for these timed exclusives will suck but I'm pretty sure that Sony has some 1st-party games that will kick ass to ease the pain. If one is THAT desperate to play these exclusives then they will get a 360 one way or another, otherwise there's a lot of other things to look forward to (I'm eager for Infamous, looks epic)

R5 @ Jun 10th 2008 9:08AM

I love my PS3 as much as the next guy, but this is just getting beyond ridiculous. SCEJ has become a HUGE JOKE this generation. Deeply disappointed.

TinyTim121 @ Jun 10th 2008 9:55AM

Agreed

My playstation brand fanboyism is at an all time low.

I even told a freind at school today not to bother getting a PS3 unless he plans on getting MGS4.

A year ago, i would not have said that.

TinyTim121 @ Jun 10th 2008 9:55AM

deaftly @ Jun 10th 2008 10:51AM

That is why being a fanboy is just flat out retarded, enjoy the games not the brand name, do you own sony stock or something?

TinyTim121 @ Jun 10th 2008 12:36PM

Clearly deaftly you lack an IQ with a positive figure; i'm in school, i don't own any stock. ¬L¬ and if being a fanboy is so retarded why do you come onto websites intended for fanboys and then moan at them when you meet one?

And besides, my PS1 and my PS2 are brilliant, i was always going to be purchasing a PS3 because thats where my loyalty lies. I choose sides and root for them, i don't pick multiple sides. Its not like when i watch football i root for both teams, i pick the side i want to win. I want Sony to win the console war but know deep down, they should be doing much more than what they are currently doing.

"enjoy the games not the brand name" so why the hell are you so happy about 360 exclutivity??