[NewsPoster]

Welcome to the Game Replay, the thrice-weekly look back at the wider world of gaming by the staff of MacNN. In today's edition, the latest Final Fantasy game's release date and demo are revealed, the free games under the Xbox and PlayStation subscriptions are confirmed, and Bungie hints at new weapons and armor customizations arriving in Destiny next month.

Final Fantasy XV arriving on consoles September 30, will not appear on PC yet

The next installment of the Final Fantasy series is arriving on September 30, Square Enix has confirmed. The game, Final Fantasy XV, will be shipping on both the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 ten years after it was originally announced as Final Fantasy Versus XIII, but there is word that it won't be arriving on other major platforms, such as PC, for quite some time.

Speaking to Engadget, game director Hajime Tabata advised the studio wasn't able to do "simultaneous development on a PC and console version" of the game, but is aware that there is a "big call" for it to ship on PC. "We had to focus on the console version and our goal was to maximize, optimize everything for the HD consoles. Once that's done, then we will definitely take a good, hard look at PC and what we need to do, and consider all our options."

The ambitious role-playing game will have players controlling Prince Noctis, making a final road trip before marrying a neighboring princess. The back story of the main characters is extensive enough that Square has made a five-episode animated series with A-1 Pictures called Brotherhood, as well as a full-length 3D feature film called Kingsglaive from veteran game director and animator Takeshi Nozue.

Owners of both the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 are able to play the "Platinum Demo" on their consoles now, as a teaser of what to expect in September.

Bungie teases more of what to expect in April Destiny update

April's update for Destiny will provide players with a new customization system for their gear, as well as a revival of Year One items, Bungie has revealed during a livestream. Shipping on April 12 alongside other new content, the Chroma system will give armor and weapons a slight neon light-style tint in white, yellow, blue, or red, with new Sterling Treasure packs provided for completing a Crucible Playlist or the Level 41 Prison of Elders guaranteeing players will get at least one Chroma customization per pack.

Three new sets of armor will also be provided, reports Polygon, named Heliopause, Desolate, and Spektar. It is noted that the Desolate armor is "Taken-themed," with a full set becoming the only way to unlock a "shiver" emote.

For weapons, Bungie is retooling some Year One weapons up to a 330 attack value in the update, with new Year Two exotics also promised. To cope with the extra weaponry, players will get a third page to tabs in the vault, allowing it to hold up to 108 weapons at a time.

Other items announced include the option to turn off the HUD interface and new emotes to acquire, with one based on the Shia Labeouf "Just Do It" meme.

Free games for April under Xbox Games with Gold, PS Plus detailed

The start of a new month typically heralds new free games for players of both Xbox and PlayStation consoles, with the new games made available to subscribers now known for both services.

For the Xbox One, Eurogamer confirms the games will be Sunset Overdrive and The Wolf Among Us for the Xbox One, with each respectively running for the entire month of April or from April 16 to May 15. The Xbox 360 also has Dead Space for the entire month, with Saints Row 4 available for free from April 16. It is noted that both Xbox 360 games are also available to play under the Xbox One's Backwards Compatible scheme.

On the PlayStation Plus subscription from April 5, PlayStation 4 players will get to play horror game Zombi and space shooter Dead Star. PlayStation 3 owners will get I Am Alive and Savage Moon. The PS Vita gets A Virus Named Tom and Shutshimi.

[Makosuke]

Back in the day, I remember when Final Fantasy games were actually fantasy in the traditional sense, rather than downtown Tokyo with swords.

Then again, I also remember when every single Final Fantasy character didn't look like a member of a boy band. I guess that's what happens when you hire your entire game cast from Johnny's & Associates.