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E3: Square Enix’s Line Up For E3

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Well, Square Enix doesn’t really make games that fit into the horror genre, but for those obsessed with Final Fantasy like me, I figured I post what they will be showing off at this years E3. So head past the break to check them out.

“As our best-selling FINAL FANTASY franchise continues to evolve, Square Enix is focused on creating the best entertainment experiences for all gamers,” said John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd., and Square Enix, Inc. “Our new partnerships with companies such as Double Helix, Gas Powered Games and Wargaming.net are a testament to our commitment to offer a much broader variety of games across different genres. All while Square Enix remains unchanged in the quality and depth of story we bring to all of the games we publish. We look forward to showcasing the results of these partnerships at E3 2009 as well as several much awaited FINAL FANTASY titles and KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days.” E3 2009 LINE-UP

DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Square Enix Ltd.
Platform: PlayStation®Portable (PSP®) system
Genre: Action-RPG
Release Date: Autumn 2009

DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY does what no other FINAL FANTASY title has done before, bringing together an all-star cast to give players a chance to see their favourite FINAL FANTASY characters engage in high-intensity battles. Experience this renowned franchise, which has shipped over 85 million units worldwide, in a brand new light with this dramatic 3-D action game. Soar through expansive environments and participate in gripping combat, all while enjoying RPG-based character development that adds a rich layer of depth to the story behind the clashing forces. The battle between good and evil begins – What will you fight for?

Official website coming soon.

FINAL FANTASY XIII
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Square Enix Ltd.
Platform: PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system/
Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft
Genre: RPG
Release Date: 2010

Square Enix proudly presents FINAL FANTASY XIII, the latest instalment in the world-renowned FINAL FANTASY series. To celebrate the 13th numbered release in the series, Square Enix has undertaken a colossal project involving the development of various content for multiple platforms. FABULA NOVA CRYSTALLIS®, defined in Latin as “the new tale of the crystal,” is made up of several different titles based on variations of the FINAL FANTASY XIII universe. While each title in the project features different characters, different worlds and different stories, all are ultimately based on and expand upon a common mythos.

In FINAL FANTASY XIII, players will embark on a journey through the cityworld of Cocoon and the outerworld of Pulse, encountering and fighting alongside a diverse group of allies. Execute powerful attacks with weapons and magic, and summon the enigmatic Eidolons with an evolved Active Time Battle™ system. Experience seamless transitions between real-time gameplay and in-game cinematics. Do you have the courage to face your destiny?

The official website can be found at www.finalfantasy13game.com

FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES®: THE CRYSTAL BEARERS®
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Square Enix Ltd.
Platform: Wii™
Genre: Action-Adventure
Release Date: TBA

FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: THE CRYSTAL BEARERS provides a fresh take on the FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES series as it combines the storytelling depth, expansive world and graphical quality of FINAL FANTASY with motion-driven, real-time action
gameplay. In this world, realistic gameplay and fantastical art direction are brought together for a truly unique experience for Wii users around the globe.

The official website can be found at www.thecrystalbearers.com

FRONT MISSION EVOLVED™
Developer: Double Helix Games™
Publisher: Square Enix Ltd.
Platforms: PLAYSTATION 3/Xbox 360/Windows PC
Genre: Third-Person Shooter
Release Date: TBA

From the creative minds of Square Enix and Double Helix Games, FRONT MISSION EVOLVED brings the classic FRONT MISSION® franchise into an action-packed third-person shooter that gives players full control of a massive humanoid war machine—the wanzer. Players will battle through intense combat situations as they explore an immersive world in both the single player campaign and online multiplayer.

The official website can be found at www.frontmissionevolved.com

KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd./h.a.n.d.
Publisher: Square Enix Ltd.
Platform: Nintendo DS™
Genre: Action-RPG
Release Date: Autumn 2009

Uncover the events that took place during the year Sora was asleep regaining his lost memories. KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days revolves around Roxas, the “other” hero from KINGDOM HEARTS II, and his days as a member of Organization XIII. Follow Roxas and the rest of Organization XIII across the various Disney Worlds, and discover the connection between him, Sora, and the mysterious 14th member, and the reasons behind his eventual departure from the organization. KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days also features a multiplayer mode for the first time, allowing players to control their favourite Organization XIII members!

The official website can be found at www.kingdomheartsdays.com

NIER™
Developer: cavia, Inc.
Publisher: Square Enix Ltd.
Platforms: PLAYSTATION 3/ Xbox 360
Genre: Action-Adventure
Release Date: 2010

Nothing is as it seems in Square Enix’s latest action adventure game, set in a crumbling world plagued by disease and dark, unrecognizable creatures. Players assume the role of the unyielding protagonist, NIER, resolute in his quest to discover a cure for his daughter, who is infected with the Black Scrawl virus. With powerful allies and a mysterious book, NIER encounters things that will confound even the mightiest of warriors.

Official website coming soon.

ORDER OF WAR
Developer: Wargaming.net™
Publisher: Square Enix Ltd.
Platform: Windows PC
Genre: Real-Time Strategy
Release Date: Autumn 2009

Square Enix teams up with strategy game specialist Wargaming.net to present ORDER OF WAR, a brand-new IP set for a simultaneous release across multiple territories. Developed exclusively for Windows PC, the game features massive-scale battles brought to life with a cinematic intensity never seen before in a WWII strategy game. Players will take command of an entire army including ground troops, artillery, tank divisions and aircraft in all-out strategic assaults. The single-player mode can be played out in two campaigns – American versus German forces on the western front and German versus Russian on the eastern front. Missions will be based on key historic events and operations from 1944.

The official website can be found at www.orderofwar.com

SUPREME COMMANDER 2
Developer: Gas Powered Games®
Publisher: Square Enix Ltd.
Platforms: Xbox 360/Windows PC
Genre: Real-Time Strategy
Release date: 2010

Set 25 years after the events of the original game, Supreme Commander 2 begins with the assassination of the newly elected president of the Colonial Defense Coalition. The CDC members – the United Earth Federation, the Order of the Illuminate, and the Cybran Nation – deny involvement, blame each other, and a galactic war ensues! Experience brutal battles on a massive scale! Players will wage war by creating enormous customizable armies and experimental war machines that can change the balance of power at any given moment. Take the role of one of the three enigmatic commanders, each representing a unique faction with a rich story that brings a new level of emotional connection to the RTS genre, or fight the battle online. Where do your loyalties lie?

Official website coming soon.

Downloadable Titles

FINAL FANTASY IV: THE AFTER YEARS™
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Square Enix Ltd.
Platform: Wii
Genre: RPG
Release Date: June 5th, 2009

A true sequel to the classic Super NES™ title, FINAL FANTASY IV: THE AFTER YEARS is an episodic game coming exclusively to Nintendo’s WiiWare™ service June 1, 2009. With both single and multiplayer modes, Wii users will now be able to explore the world of FINAL FANTASY IV with up to three of their friends and coordinate commands into a single attack. Unravel a mystery told through the intertwining stories of a familiar cast of characters, and complete the FINAL FANTASY IV experience with this latest instalment in the franchise.

The official website can be found at www.ff4theafteryears.com

FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: My Life as a Darklord™
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Square Enix Ltd.
Platform: Wii
Genre: Real-Time Strategy
Release Date: 2009

The latest instalment in the FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES franchise for Nintendo’s WiiWare service, FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: My Life as a Darklord turns the tables on players by challenging them to take on the role of the villain. As the newly appointed Darklord with a mission to take over the world, players must strategically place monsters and traps inside their tower to ward off invading adventurers. With this follow-up to the kingdom-building simulation FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: My Life as a King®, Wii users can now enjoy the FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES world from an entirely new point of view!

The official website can be found at www.mylifeasadarklord.com

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Spring 2024 Horror Preview: 12 Horror Movies You Don’t Want to Miss

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Abigail trailer
Pictured: 'Abigail'

We are now one full month into Spring 2024, which kicked off on Tuesday, March 19 and comes to an end with the start of Summer on Thursday, June 20. This year’s summer movie season has a whole bunch of exciting horror highlights, including A Quiet Place: Day One, MaXXXine, and Alien: Romulus, but let’s hold that particular thought until June rolls around.

We’re here today to talk about Spring 2024 and the many horrors we still have left before the weather gets warmer and we find ourselves in the heat of one hell of a spooky summer.

Here are 12 horror movies you don’t want to miss in Spring 2024!


Sting trailer movie spider creature feature

STING – April 12

Two words: SPIDER HORROR. Writer/Director Kiah Roache-Turner (Wyrmwood) hopes to induce eight-legged terror with his brand new horror movie Sting, only in theaters April 12.

Of particular note, Sting features practical spider effects from 5-time Academy Award Winner Weta Workshop, with the spider in this one inspired by H.R. Giger’s Xenomorph!

In Sting, “One cold, stormy night in New York City, a mysterious object falls from the sky and smashes through the window of a rundown apartment building. It is an egg, and from this egg emerges a strange little spider. The creature is discovered by Charlotte, a rebellious 12-year-old girl obsessed with comic books. Keeping it as a secret pet, she names it Sting.

“But as Charlotte’s fascination with Sting increases, so does its size. Growing at a monstrous rate, Sting’s appetite for blood becomes insatiable.”


Spring 2024 horror blackout

BLACKOUT – APRIL 12

Indie darling Larry Fessenden is back with new horror movie Blackout this Spring, Fessenden’s third movie – following Habit and Depraved – to put his own spin on classic monsters.

While Habit was centered on vampires and Depraved was a fresh take on Frankenstein’s Monster, Larry Fessenden’s Blackout is the filmmaker’s contribution to werewolf cinema.

The film follows Charley, an artist whose drinking binges blur with his sneaking suspicion that he might be a werewolf. He distances himself from those he loves and sinks deeper into solitude, his flashes of memory of his nighttime grisly acts manifested through his artwork.


Arcadian images Nicolas cage

ARCADIAN – APRIL 12

If Nicolas Cage is covered in blood, you better believe we’re going to be watching. Cage gets his own A Quiet Place with Arcadian, a new creature feature coming to theaters April 12.

In Arcadian, which also comes to Shudder later this year, “After a catastrophic event depopulates the world, a father (Nicolas Cage) and his two sons must survive their dystopian environment while being threatened by mysterious creatures that emerge at night.”

Jaeden Martell (IT 2017) also stars in the post apocalyptic monster movie.


Abigail Overlook Film Festival 2024 - gory horror Abigail set visit

ABIGAIL – APRIL 19

If you’re bummed about Melissa Barrera being fired from the Scream franchise, you’ll definitely want to get out to your local theater this month to support Abigail, the new VAMPIRE BALLERINA horror movie from Scream and Scream VI directors Radio Silence.

Barrera stars alongside fellow horror favorite Kathryn Newton (Freaky) in Abigail, which is actually the latest horror movie in Universal’s relaunched Universal Monsters Universe.

In the film, “After a group of would-be criminals kidnap the 12-year-old ballerina daughter of a powerful underworld figure, all they have to do to collect a $50 million ransom is watch the girl overnight. In an isolated mansion, the captors start to dwindle, one by one, and they discover, to their mounting horror, that they’re locked inside with no normal little girl.”


Late Night with the Devil trailer

LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL – APRIL 19

One of the most talked about horror movies of Spring 2024 has been the Halloween 1977-set Late Night With the Devil, which has been playing in theaters since its premiere on March 22.

Late Night with the Devil will begin streaming at home on April 19, 2024, less than one month after arriving in theaters. Shudder will be the exclusive streaming home of the movie.

David Dastmalchian (Dune, The Suicide Squad) stars as the host of a late-night talk show that descends into a nightmare in Late Night with the Devil, set on Halloween 1977.

In the found footage-style film that captures a period aesthetic, “A live television broadcast in 1977 goes horribly wrong, unleashing evil into the nation’s living rooms.”


Infested Shudder

INFESTED – APRIL 26

Spring 2024 is all about SPIDERS – sorry, arachnophobes! – with the previously mentioned Sting being followed by the French creature feature Infested (Vermines) later this month.

What’s particularly exciting about Infested is that its director, Sébastien Vaniček, has been hired to direct the next installment in the Evil Dead film franchise, so this will be our first taste of what Vaniček is capable of within the genre. And the buzz for this one is strong.

In his review out of Fantastic Fest last year, for starters, Bloody Disgusting’s own critic Trace Thurman raved that Infested is “one of the best spider attack movies in years.”

In the upcoming horror film, “Fascinated by exotic animals, Kaleb finds a venomous spider in a shop and brings it back to his apartment. It only takes a moment for the spider to escape and reproduce, turning the whole building into a dreadful web trap.”


Spring 2024 horror cronenberg

HUMANE – APRIL 26

The daughter of horror master David Cronenberg, Caitlin Cronenberg is making her own mark in the genre filmmaking space with IFC Films’ Humane, coming to theaters this month.

The film is described as “a dystopian satire taking place over a single day, months after a global ecological collapse has forced world leaders to reduce the earth’s population.”

The wild premise? 20% of the world’s population must VOLUNTEER TO DIE!

“In a wealthy enclave, a recently retired newsman has invited his grown children to dinner to announce his intentions to enlist in the nation’s new euthanasia program. But when the father’s plan goes horribly awry, tensions flare and chaos erupts among his children.”


I Saw the TV Glow trailer

I SAW THE TV GLOW – MAY 3

Fresh off the haunting and singularly creepy indie We’re All Going to the World’s Fair, Jane Schoenbrun is back with A24‘s I Saw the TV Glow, releasing only in theaters this May.

Meagan Navarro wrote in her Sundance review for BD, “I Saw the TV Glow offers a layered and authentic portrait of identity, wrapped in ’90s nostalgia and surreal imagery that embeds itself deep into your psyche.” Meagan continues, “Schoenbrun delivers a singular vision of arthouse horror that entrances for its fevered dream style and insanely cool imagery.”

In A24’s latest, “Owen is just trying to make it through life in the suburbs when his classmate introduces him to a mysterious TV show — a vision of a supernatural world beneath their own. In the pale glow of the television, Owen’s view of reality begins to crack.”


Tarot horror movie

TAROT – MAY 3

Originally titled Horrorscope, a much better title if you’re asking me, Screen Gems returns to the big screen with studio horror movie Tarot this Spring, a Tarot-card themed spookshow.

When a group of friends recklessly violates the sacred rule of Tarot readings – never use someone else’s deck – they unknowingly unleash an unspeakable evil trapped within the cursed cards in the upcoming Screen Gems horror movie Tarot. One by one, they come face to face with fate and end up in a race against death to escape the future foretold in their readings.

The hook for this one? Artist Trevor Henderson designed the film’s eight monsters!


The Strangers Chapter 2

THE STRANGERS: CHAPTER 1 – MAY 17

Bryan Bertino’s 2008 home invasion classic The Strangers spawns a brand new reboot trilogy this year, with first film The Strangers: Chapter 1 kicking things off in theaters on May 17.

The Strangers: Chapter 2 is expected to follow in Fall 2024.

Madelaine Petsch is the lead of the new reboot trilogy, playing a character who drives cross-country with her longtime boyfriend to begin a new life in the Pacific Northwest.

When their car breaks down in Venus, Oregon, they’re forced to spend the night in a secluded Airbnb, where they are terrorized from dusk till dawn by three masked strangers.


In A Violent Nature Review

IN A VIOLENT NATURE – MAY 31

Slasher fans who have been hungry for a new Friday the 13th movie won’t want to miss In a Violent Nature, which plays out like a Friday movie… entirely from Jason’s perspective!

IFC Films will release In a Violent Nature exclusively in theaters on May 31.

In the film, “When a locket is removed from a collapsed fire tower in the woods that entombs the rotting corpse of Johnny, a vengeful spirit spurred on by a horrific 60-year old crime, his body is resurrected and becomes hellbent on retrieving it. The undead golem hones in on the group of vacationing teens responsible for the theft and proceeds to methodically slaughter them one by one in his mission to get it back – along with anyone in his way.”

Meagan Navarro wrote in her Sundance review for Bloody Disgusting, “In a Violent Nature may offer slasher thrills and a delightfully gory rampage across the wilderness, but the approach captures the carnage through ambient realism. It results in a fascinating arthouse horror experiment that plays more like a minimalist slice-of-life feature with a grim twist.”


Spring 2024 horror watchers

THE WATCHERS – JUNE 14

M. Night Shyamalan returns with the new thriller Trap this coming August, but the road to that film’s release will be paved by the feature debut of his daughter, Ishana Night Shyamalan.

Ishana Night directed The Watchers, in theaters from WB/New Line on June 14.

The film follows Mina, a 28-year-old artist, who gets stranded in an expansive, untouched forest in western Ireland. When Mina finds shelter, she unknowingly becomes trapped alongside three strangers who are watched and stalked by mysterious creatures each night.


Which Spring 2024 horror movies are YOU most looking forward to?

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