If you’re having a hard time waiting to get your next Final Fantasy fix, we have good news for you.
Square Enix dropped a bunch of exciting announcements at a press conference Wednesday night, including the release date for Final Fantasy XV, a new trailer, a demo that’s available right now, an anime series prequel, and that’s not all! The studio is also partnering with Sony Pictures Entertainment to produce an animated movie featuring an impressive cast of voice actors.
You can expect Final Fantasy XV to hit store shelves Sept. 30. But before that, you have a lot to look forward to.
Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV
Before we get our hands on Final Fantasy XV, Square Enix wants to set the stage. It’s using this animated feature to show us the “complexities of kingdoms at war, royal relationships, and epic battles” that will be important for the main game narrative. And it’s not skimping on presentation: Sean Bean (Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones), Lena Headey (Game of Thrones) and Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad) will all be acting in the project. Kingsglaive will be released digitally on a yet-unannounced date before the game’s launch in September.
Brotherhood Final Fantasy XV
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDKxAoftYRw
If a full-length movie isn’t enough for you, Square Enix also announced a five-episode anime series. The (free!) series will “delve into the extraordinary friendships between crown prince Noctis and his three comrades, setting the stage for the adventures players will set out upon in the action-packed RPG.”
Square Enix didn’t say when each of the new episodes will be released, but you can watch the first one right now on YouTube.
Platinum Demo: Final Fantasy XV
Still not enough? (Can you ever really get enough Final Fantasy?) Square Enix also announced that it’s releasing a free downloadable demo for Xbox One and PlayStation 4 tonight.
The game is described as a dreamscape, and like many dreams, it’s pretty weird. “Players can take control of young Noctis as he masters various weapons, magic skills, and driving. To overcome the many monsters within this fantastical dream world, young Noctis will have Carbuncle as his magical guide.” Carbuncle, by the way, is an adorable little creature The Verge pretty accurately described as a “fox/unicorn hybrid.”
This free demo stands on its own—it won’t be in the final version of Final Fantasy XV—but players who finish the demo will get a Carbuncle summon DLC for the game at launch. And who doesn’t want more of that little guy?
Square Enix is hoping you’re excited enough about all of this that you’ll be first in line to pick up Final Fantasy XV when it launches later this year. If you’re already sold, preorders have started here.
Screengrab via Square Portal/YouTube