Tokyo Game Show (TGS) is undoubtedly a celebration of gaming in Asia, and the perfect opportunity for video game fans from all over the world to try their hands on the latest and greatest titles from all manner of studios, big or small. Bandai Namco and Square Enix, both industry giants in their own rights, are no strangers to the excitement, returning yet again to the grand stage for TGS 2024.
Happening over the course of four days from 26 to 29 September, this year’s event follows the same format as previous iterations, once again being held at the iconic Makuhari Messe, with the first two days reserved for business days. Fans can expect the usual offerings of gameplay demos, sneak peeks, stage performances, breathtaking display pieces, and more when doors open to the public.
At its booth this year, Bandai Namco will feature Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO and Sword Art Online Fractured Daydream as the main headliners. The decorative space stands prominently in the middle of the convention halls, featuring a massive Goku installment that towers over the show floor. Also featured is a massive screen showcasing the trailer for the upcoming Dragon Ball title, flanked by hundreds of smaller screens which gives show-goers a sneak peek into the many playable characters.
Sword Art Online Fractured Daydream also gets its own spotlight, instead relying on live gameplay to make its presence known. Featuring 20 players at one go, the game’s demo booth see them fighting together, in teams of four, against a massive dragon boss, with livestreams of the fight playing on a screen above. At the end of each demo session, the best team also receives a special call-out, a nice touch for additional photo opportunities and bragging rights.
A short walk away, Square Enix seems determined not to be one-upped with an equally impressive booth, headlined by titles such as Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven, and Fantasian Neo Dimension. Similarly, the booth features a magnificent centrepiece, this time being a giant display of the iconic Slime from the Dragon Quest series, hanging high above the hall.
Apart from offering demo sessions for each game, Square Enix’s focus this year seems to be showing off the cool replicas on display, from the iconic armour set from Dragon Quest to the Dioramas of Fantasian Neo Dimension. There is even a throne for fans to sit in for a photo opportunity, where they can feel what it is like to be the ruler of Empire of Varennes. Rare collector items are also on display from both the Dragon Quest and Romancing SaGa series.
The Bandai Namco booth for TGS 2024 is located in Hall 5 of Makuhari Messe, while Square Enix is located in Hall 3. Here’s a full list of their line-up:
Bandai Namco
- Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO
- Sword Art Online Fractured Daydream
- SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada
- Tales of Graces f Remastered
Square Enix
- Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake
- Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven
- Fantasian Neo Dimension
- Life is Strange: Double Exposure
- Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince
- Visions of Mana
- Final Fantasy XIV Online
- Final Fantasy XVI
- PowerWash Simulator
Kevin is a reformed PC Master Race gamer with a penchant for franchise “duds” like Darksiders III and Dead Space 3. He has made it his life-long mission to play every single major game release – lest his wallet dies trying.
Yonk
