Square-Enix, known worldwide for their expertise in the role-playing genre, has announced a new singleplayer RPG today: The Last Remnant. Coming to “next-generation consoles” in spring of 2008 (with simultaneous releases in U.S. and Japan), The Last Remnant is Square-Enix’s first Unreal Engine 3 title.

Update: Three blurry low quality pics added.

One thousand years ago humanity came into contact with Remnants. These magical fragments of a bygone era were once used to promote peace across the world. Soon, as the rift grew between those who ruled and those who obeyed, the remnants ceased being instruments of balance, and instead became paths to immeasurable power. Where once there had been peace, only bloodshed remained.

The first, unique appeal that The Last Remnant will feature are its efforts at globalization. The creators of the title want the game to appeal to both western and eastern gamers equally; thus, Hiroshi Takai, the game’s director, has envisioned two main characters for The Last Remnant. Rush Sykes, one of the main characters, will have traits that will relate more to eastern gamers: “The Conquerer,” the other protagonist, will appeal more to western audiences. The relation between both characters, as well as the game’s simultaneous release, will help Square-Enix make the game appeal to gamers around the world.

Hiroshi Takai, who was also part of the development of Final Fantasy XI, Saga Frontier, and Final Fantasy V, hopes that the plot-twists and character development will help the game excel: the similarities and differences between Rush and The Conquerer will likely make the player feel more immersed. Rush Sykes, the “good” character, is a young swordsman: a typical Square-Enix figure. However, The Conquerer has more evil roots and is perhaps the first “dark hero” in the company’s history.

The tale begins as Rush’s sister, who lives on a peaceful island with him, is kidnapped by a group of outsiders. Rush, in hopes of rescuing his sister, must leave and is soon involved in a situation larger than he would have ever anticipated. With the help of various “remnants,” which take the form of various beings or figures and posses great powers, Rush encounters The Conquerer, who has hopes of collecting every artifact.

The Last Remnant will feature the traditional Square-Enix turn-based battle system. As stated previously, the title is currently scheduled for a spring 2008 release in both Japan and the United States.

This month’s issue of Game Informer, which will hit newsstands soon, will feature an in-depth preview about this exciting new RPG.