As a gamer, I am shameful to admit that this is the first ever E3 in which I have followed religiously. I’m not in LA or anything, just watching all the conferences on time and did my best on watching all the gameplays. On the bright side, it brings me tremendous joy to know that 2019 was my first REAL E3. For lack of a better word, GODDAMN IT, E3 2019 WAS AAAMMAAZING. And there are so many reasons why. (I know this is only the first reason, more to come)
I. Best In Show: Square Enix
Now, before I go on, let me remind you that this is strictly an opinion piece, this is especially so here with this year’s Best In Show category. For obvious reasons in which you will get to see, I LOVE SQUARE ENIX. Mostly because they have rarely ever failed me (yes, I am looking at you Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII. Way to ruin one of the best characters in the history of videogames). With that aside, Square Enix is the father of the Final Fantasy franchise and the Kingdom Hearts series, creator of the best JRPG game of all time Chrono Trigger, the architect of The World Ends With You, to name a few.
Coming off of a strong performance at E3 2018 with Kingdom Hearts 3 and Dragon Quest XI, Square Enix not only had to overdo themselves but also fill the void that was left by Sony. Started the show was Final Fantasy VII remake, a star 1000 times more breathtaking than Keanu Reaves in Microsoft’s E3 conference. Let me tell you, I was drooling for 15 straight minutes, no lie. I would describe myself as someone who’s deprived of a little bit of love when I was younger and thus, hide my emotions relatively well. BUT HOLY SHIT, THERE WAS NO WAY THAT I COULD HAVE KEPT MY SHIT TOGETHER. The real-time strategy gameplay, the fact that they kept the ATB bar, and omg Tifa. ESPECIALLY when Tifa showed up. My first ever videogame girlfriend, standing in front of me, once again, looking ever more badass. I couldn’t believe it. And this badassery was translated perfectly through a mere 10 seconds of combat that she was in. Intoxicated with excitement, however, I let out a sigh of relief. Final Fantasy VII was my baby brother, my best friend, it’s practically as old as I am. I, me, and hundreds of other fans would’ve burnt down Square Enix if they had messed that one up.
After all that was over, I thought to myself “god, this is only the start of the conference?” And what did I know, Square continued to blow my mind. The crowd erupted when Square announced that they would be remastering Final Fantasy VIII, finally fulfilling the decade long wishes from fans. My heart fluttered at the sight of Kingdom Hearts 3: ReMind, at the thought that maybe, maybe, Kingdom Hearts will finally make sense. The only complaint I have (and it is a small and personal one) is that Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers was a little too long. Maybe get rid of the additional subscription fee for PlayStation and then I’ll be more interested. But then again, good move Square Enix, keep making that easy MMORPG money so that you can continue to bring me more of what I love. And also, to take more of my money. But please, take it! The worlds you build and the stories you create are just so touching and impactful.
PS: Dropping the release date for Final Fantasy VII: Remake, the night before your conference, in a Final Fantasy Music Orchestra performance? This is why you’re bae, Square Enix, ❤
First Time Game Reviewer 