I use IGN for most of my game reviews and when 14 came out they gave it alot of attention. They had a week worth of small "reviews" that touched on different aspects before releasing their actual review. To be honest, it felt like they very much wanted to like this game.
i know that sounds off topic, but what im getting at is that with the proper advertising and re-introduction to critics and such, it's not like people arent willing to advertise via word of mouth. If they advertise properly and re-introduce this game to the media in the right manner, the places we go for our gaming info should have no problem putting out the word that this game is much improved.
Square doesnt have to work overly hard to get the news out. They just have to do more than they did the first time around