Square Enix has published a press release outlining all of their titles to roll out in North America during the first quarter of 2009. Some of them, like Star Ocean: Second Evolution, have already been confirmed before (now, we get a specific release date though, and not just a release window). Other titles, like Valkyrie Profile for the DS get actual confirmation today of a western localization - complete with a formal English title.

Here's the full list in chronological order:

• Star Ocean: Second Evolution (PSP) - January 6, 2009
• Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride (DS)- February 17, 2009
• Star Ocean: The Last Hope (Xbox 360)- March 3, 2009
• Valkyrie Profile: Covenant of the Plume (DS)- March 17, 2009

Now that's all good, right? But the careful observer (and the hopeful enthusiast like myself) would notice that Dissidia is absent from this list. With the game being released next month in Japan, you'd think that a Western release could follow soon after (especially since Square Enix has promised to bring simultaneous worldwide releases).

I could be wrong though. Square Enix could pull a fast one on us and actually release it alongside Japan's, sometime in December. Either that, or sometime after Q1 2009. Whatever the case, before or after the said timeframe, gamers who are hoping for reatil releases from Square Enix during Q1 shouldn't expect Dissidia.

Likewise, just in case you've been hoping (for some bizarre reason): the FFXIII games aren't going to be released during Q1 either. And the Kingdom Hearts titles and Parasite Eve for the PSP are MIA as well.

For what it's worth, these games in the list - and for all intents and purposes, these games only (until further updates) - will see North American retail releases come Q1 2009.

Oh and please. Neither will there be an FF7 remake in Q1 2009. Please... Just... *sigh* Please.

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Related articles:

• Star Ocean: Second Evolution coming spring 2009
  
• Square Enix to localize Valkyrie Profile: The Accused One for the DS?