Square-Enix reveals their early 2009 releases @ Gaming Target

Written by John Scalzo on November 13, 2008

News: More Star Ocean, more Dragon Quest and more Valkyrie Profile.

Square Enix has unveiled the titles they plan to bring to North America during the first three months of 2009. Not only an announcement, the company has confirmed release dates for all four titles.

Star Ocean: Second Evolution, a PSP remake of the second Star Ocean game will be released on January 6. Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride is the next DS remake of Dragon Quest's Zenithia Trilogy and will be released in America for the first time on February 17. Star Ocean: The Last Hope, the next new game in the Star Ocean and first to be released exclusively on the Xbox 360, will be released on March 3. And finally, the DS will see the release of Valkyrie Profile: Covenant of the Plume on March 17.

Full details of all of the games can be found below.

Star Ocean: Second Evolution
Developer: Square-Enix
Platform: PSP
Genre: RPG
ESRB: T (Teen)
Ship Date: January 6, 2009
Following the exploits of humankind's journey across the stars, the Star Ocean saga comes to life in the completely remastered Star Ocean: Second Evolution, exclusively for the PSP system. Now with a revised game engine, an improved battle system and fully voiced, all-new animated scenes displayed in 16:9 widescreen, players can experience their journey through the rich Star Ocean universe like never before.
Official Website

Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride
Developer: ArtePiazza
Platform: Nintendo DS
Genre: RPG
ESRB: E10+ (Everyone 10 and older)
Ship Date: February 17, 2009
Never before released in North America, this entry in the Zenithia Trilogy follows a journey that transcends three generations. Travel alongside your father on his quest to see the world, grow to set forth on a journey of your own and face life-altering decisions as you continue your family's legacy. Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride makes its way to Nintendo DS on February 17, 2009.
Official Website

Star Ocean: The Last Hope
Developer: tri-Ace
Platform: Xbox 360
Genre: RPG
ESRB: Not Yet Rated
Ship Date: March 3, 2009
Star Ocean: The Last Hope is the latest entry in the futuristic Star Ocean series of RPGs. Science fiction and fantasy meld in this long-awaited continuation of the celebrated franchise from developer tri-Ace.
Official Website

Valkyrie Profile: Covenant of the Plume
Developer: tri-Ace
Platform: Nintendo DS
Genre: RPG
ESRB: Not Yet Rated
Ship Date: March 17, 2009
Destiny by sinner sought. Tragedy by power wrought. The origins of a cult classic are revealed in Valkyrie Profile: Covenant of the Plume, the third entry in the critically acclaimed Valkyrie Profile series. Development studio tri-Ace returns to craft a gameplay experience that boasts a captivating storyline with ties to Norse mythology and a familiar yet refreshing battle system enhanced with deeper strategic elements. Valkyrie Profile: Covenant of the Plume marks the debut of the series on Nintendo DS with its arrival on March 17, 2009.
Official Website