Adding to the previously announced March 3, 2009 release date for tri-Ace's Xbox 360 sci-fi action-RPG Star Ocean: The Last Hope, publisher Square Enix today issued a list of the games it plans to release during the first quarter of 2009:

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

STAR OCEAN: Second Evolution (PSP)
Developer: SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Genre: RPG
ESRB: T (Teen)
Ship Date: January 6, 2009

Following the exploits of humankind's journey across the stars, the STAR OCEAN saga comes to life in the completely remastered STAR OCEAN: Second Evolution, exclusively for the PSP system. Now with a revised game engine, an improved battle system and fully voiced, all-new animated scenes displayed in 16:9 widescreen, players can experience their journey through the rich STAR OCEAN universe like never before.

DRAGON QUEST V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride (Nintendo DS)
Scenario & Game Design: Yuji Horii
Character Design: Akira Toriyama
Music Composer: Koichi Sugiyama
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Developer: ArtePiazza
Genre: RPG
Ship Date: February 17, 2009

Never before released in North America, this entry in the Zenithia Trilogy follows a journey that transcends three generations. Travel alongside your father on his quest to see the world, grow to set forth on a journey of your own and face life-altering decisions as you continue your family's legacy. DRAGON QUEST V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride makes its way to Nintendo DS on February 17, 2009.

STAR OCEAN: THE LAST HOPE (Xbox 360)
Developer: tri-Ace Inc.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Genre: RPG
ESRB: Not Yet Rated
Ship Date: March 3, 2009

STAR OCEAN: THE LAST HOPE is the latest entry in the futuristic STAR OCEAN series of RPGs. Science fiction and fantasy meld in this long-awaited continuation of the celebrated franchise from developer tri-Ace Inc.

VALKYRIE PROFILE: Covenant of the Plume (Nintendo DS)
Developer: tri-Ace Inc.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Genre: RPG
ESRB: Not Yet Rated
Ship Date: March 17, 2009

Destiny by sinner sought. Tragedy by power wrought. The origins of a cult classic are revealed in VALKYRIE PROFILE: Covenant of the Plume, the third entry in the critically acclaimed VALKYRIE PROFILE series. Development studio tri-Ace returns to craft a gameplay experience that boasts a captivating storyline with ties to Norse mythology and a familiar yet refreshing battle system enhanced with deeper strategic elements. VALKYRIE PROFILE: Covenant of the Plume marks the debut of the series on Nintendo DS with its arrival on March 17, 2009.