LOS ANGELES, April 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Square Enix U.S.A., Inc. ("Square
Enix U.S.A."), publisher of Square Enix(TM) products in North America, today
announced its Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) lineup of new video game
releases for multiple gaming platforms. All of the games will be on display
at the Square Enix U.S.A. booth (#624) in the South Hall of the Los Angeles
Convention Center.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030403/SQUARELOGO
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Making its first E3 appearance since the recent merger between Square and
Enix, Square Enix U.S.A. is poised to take role-playing games (RPGs) to the
next level with a variety of innovative titles. The new company will continue
its efforts to elevate the popularity of RPGs worldwide. The highly
anticipated FINAL FANTASY(R)XI, the company's first venture into online
gaming, will make its North American debut for the PlayStation(R)2 computer
entertainment system and the PC. The company will bring several high caliber
role-playing games to the North American market -- UNLIMITED Saga(TM), FINAL
FANTASY(R)X-2, STAR OCEAN(TM) Till the End of Time and Drakengard(TM) -- all
for the PlayStation 2. In addition, Square Enix U.S.A. will showcase FINAL
FANTASY(R) CRYSTAL CHRONICLES(TM) for the Nintendo GameCube(TM), and FINAL
FANTASY TACTICS(TM) ADVANCE and SWORD of MANA(TM) for the Game Boy(R) Advance.
Online Entertainment for the PlayStation 2 and Windows(R)
FINAL FANTASY XI
FINAL FANTASY XI is the first massively multiplayer online role-playing
game (MMORPG) and latest installment for the world-renowned series. FINAL
FANTASY XI is a cross-platform, cross-continent MMORPG, allowing players to
connect to the same exact world whether they are playing on a PlayStation 2 or
a PC.
The title showcases the same award-winning visual content, innovative game
play and emotional storyline that has made the FINAL FANTASY series one of the
most popular video game series in the world, selling over 44 million units
worldwide to date. FINAL FANTASY XI incorporates the features the franchise
has become known for and has those elements constantly evolve in its ongoing
adventure. Players will be able to unite in the world of "Vana'diel" where
they can create characters choosing from a variety of races, facial features,
size, hair styles and colors, play at their own pace, form parties with other
players and embark on multiple adventures through vast environments.
In FINAL FANTASY XI, players become immersed in an expansive, original
story that includes quests and boss battles. They can participate in missions
either alone or with other party members and acquire skills such as alchemy,
leatherworking, jewel crafting, fishing and many more. Various communications
tools have been incorporated into FINAL FANTASY XI to assist communication
between players, including easy-to-learn chat and messaging systems. Whether
it be cross platform or cross continental, players can communicate and
interact with each together simultaneously to create a new history for the
world of Vana'diel.
Square Enix U.S.A. recently announced the public beta test program for
FINAL FANTASY XI. The beta program is scheduled to begin in June for the
PlayStation 2 and July for Windows. Selected testers will have a chance to
explore the world of Vana'diel in FINAL FANTASY XI prior to its release. This
title is rated "T" (Teen).
PlayStation 2 Titles
UNLIMITED Saga
UNLIMITED Saga, the first title in the legendary series for the
PlayStation 2, elevates the genre to new heights with eclectic art styles,
sophisticated game play structure and fuses traditional animation and advanced
computer technology into one game.
The story is uniquely told and played through the eyes of seven different
protagonists, each with their own motivations for seeking the seven grand
menaces. Each protagonist follows their enemy to the Seven Wonders, a group of
structures shrouded in mystery. However, they are not aware that the
antagonists are seeking to obtain the power of the Seven Wonders for their own
incentives. Legends say long absent Gods lie within them and their release
will trigger a rebirth of the Golden Age. Fates cross in a town during the
hustle and bustle of a festival.
Advanced game play features in UNLIMITED Saga include the "Free Scenario"
and "Map Movement" systems, providing the most open-ended adventure possible
and allowing players to focus on the core of the RPG experience: Discovery and
Growth. Also included are a unique character development system, breathtaking
hand-illustrated visuals, as well as a new form of animation named "Sketch
Motion." UNLIMITED Saga completely supports 5-channel sound throughout the
entire game, using Dolby Laboratories' latest technology, Dolby Pro
Logic(R)II. UNLIMITED Saga will be released June 2003. This title is rated "T"
(Teen).
FINAL FANTASY X-2
FINAL FANTASY X-2 is the first sequel in the long respected series. This
sequel keeps the familiar environment fresh with the inclusion of a newly
created battle system. The first female-led FINAL FANTASY, it combines an
experience that is both light-hearted and melancholy fueled by a tragic story
of unrequited love and dark secrets.
Two years after Yuna's fateful journey to defeat Sin in FINAL FANTASY X,
the once chaotic world of Spira has gone through a massive transformation,
entering a period of "Eternal Calm." Despite the Calm, Yuna's heart is empty
and longs for her lost friends. When she obtains a mystical sphere that
contains imagery of what might be the Blitzball player she thought was gone
forever, Yuna is driven to seek the truth behind what she has seen.
Incorporating a completely revamped battle system, new job classes,
diverse looks for the leading female characters, renovated maps and enhanced
character development systems, FINAL FANTASY X-2 promises to deliver a fresh
new look. FINAL FANTASY X-2 will be released this fall. This title is rated
"T" (Teen).
STAR OCEAN Till the End of Time
STAR OCEAN Till the End of Time is the first title in the science-fiction
RPG series for the PlayStation 2. Building on the first-rate concepts of its
prequels, STAR OCEAN fully utilizes the technological capabilities of the
PlayStation 2, incorporating gorgeous cinematic sequences and an unparalleled
real-time battle system.
Set in 772 (space calendar), four hundred years after the battle with the
"Ten Wise Men," players follow protagonist Fate Linegod in his quest to find
his loved ones after a sudden attack on the resort planet of Hida by an
unknown space military.
The advanced real-time battle system allows for players to move freely
around the 3D field as well as choose which of the three party members they
want to control. Fully polygonal graphics create a spectacular, detailed
world that can now be explored in detail. Dolby Pro Logic(R)II will allow
players to hear nuances such as the approaching footsteps of an enemy. STAR
OCEAN Till the End of Time will be released spring 2004. This title is not
yet rated.
Drakengard
Cast in a chaotic world of dragon pacts and warfare, Drakengard combines
unique action RPG elements into a profoundly tragic saga. Developed by team
members from blockbuster titles such as Resident Evil(R) Code: Veronica, the
Bust-a-Groove(R) series and Ace Combat(R), Drakengard seeks to immerse the
player in an all-new gameplay experience, combining reality and interactivity.
Drakengard tells the tale of love, lore, sacrifice and obligation focusing
on the main character Kyme, his sister Friae, and her fiance and Kyme's
childhood friend, Yuvalt. Players will be in for a thrilling ride as they
battle on land and in the skies. Not only will the player's attributes evolve
throughout the game, his contracted dragon will also mature as the game
progresses, changing in appearance and abilities. Drakengard will be released
spring 2004. This title is not yet rated.
Nintendo GameCube and Game Boy Advance Titles
FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES
Exclusively developed for the Nintendo GameCube, FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL
CHRONICLES is the first title in the popular franchise for the platform.
Elements of the traditional single-player RPG have been adapted for the
Nintendo GameCube, allowing for up to four-player simultaneous play.
In an innovative new interface, the Game Boy Advance acts as each player's
controller, displaying his or her personal information and hiding it from
other players. Players advance through the adventure by communicating
directly with each other, cooperating and making deals. Since there are
obstacles that only certain party members can clear, cooperative play becomes
crucial. FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES will be released in 2003. This
game is not yet rated. Nintendo of America Inc. will publish this game.
FINAL FANTASY TACTICS ADVANCE
FINAL FANTASY TACTICS ADVANCE is the first FINAL FANTASY title for the
Game Boy Advance in North America. Gamers can look forward to an open-ended
job class creation system, the intense strategic battle and an exhilarating
storyline which made the original PlayStation(R) game, FINAL FANTASY TACTICS,
one of the most critically acclaimed titles ever.
Players are thrust into the world of Ivalice, where they meet protagonist
Marche and his friend, Mewt, who is struggling with family tragedies. After a
snowball fight with school bullies, Mewt finds the book -- Final Fantasy --
and shares it with his friends. Looking to escape their dismal lives, they
read it. However, something goes wrong and Ivalice is transformed into the
world within the book. Thus Marche and friends begin their journey through
the world of FINAL FANTASY.
Players can also unite with other players and form a party using the Game
Boy Advance Game Link(R) cable. FINAL FANTASY TACTICS ADVANCE will be
released in 2003. This game is rated "E" (Everyone). Nintendo of America
Inc. will publish this game.
SWORD of MANA
SWORD of MANA is the latest installment in the celebrated Mana series,
which includes FINAL FANTASY ADVENTURE (Game Boy), SECRET of MANA (Super
Nintendo Entertainment System) and LEGEND of MANA for the PlayStation game
console. SWORD of MANA is the first game in the series to appear on the Game
Boy Advance.
Based on the storyline of FINAL FANTASY ADVENTURE, SWORD of MANA allows
players to choose the role of hero or heroine. The player's choice changes his
or her understanding of the story and relation to characters based on who is
selected at the start of the game. With multiple possible experiences, replay
value is high.
In addition to the visual upgrade and moving story, strategic elements
have been added to the adventure, including a diverse selection of weapons.
Players can select the best weapon for particular enemies, or choose from new
attacks and magic spells. The popular "Ring Command System" returns, allowing
players to easily choose items, weapons or abilities in battles. SWORD of
MANA will be released in 2003. This game is not yet rated. Nintendo of
America Inc. will publish this game.
About Square Enix Co. Ltd. and Square Enix U.S.A., Inc.
Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Square Enix Co., Ltd. (Square Enix)
develops, publishes and distributes entertainment contents including
interactive entertainment software and publications in Japan, North America,
Europe and Asia. The recent merger between Square and Enix brought two of
Japan's best-selling franchises -- FINAL FANTASY(R), sold over 44 million
units worldwide, and DRAGON QUEST (DRAGON WARRIOR(R) in North America), sold
over 30 million units worldwide -- under one roof. Both known to be pioneers
in the role-playing game (RPG) genre, the unification of Square and Enix has
created one of the most influential providers of entertainment content in the
world.
Square Enix U.S.A. Inc., located in Los Angeles, Calif., handles
operations in North America including localization, marketing and publishing
of Square Enix titles. More information on Square Enix U.S.A. can be found on
the Internet at http://www.square-enix-usa.com.
(C) 2003 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. FINAL FANTASY and
FINAL FANTASY TACTICS are registered trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. The
SQUARE ENIX logo, UNLIMITED SAGA, STAR OCEAN, DRAKENGARD, SWORD OF MANA are
trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. CRYSTAL CHRONICLES is a trademark of THE
GAME DESIGNERS STUDIO, INC. PlayStation and the "PS" Family logo are
registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Windows is a
registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or
other countries. Dolby, Pro Logic and the double-D symbol are trademarks of
Dolby Laboratories. Nintendo, the Nintendo GameCube logo and the Game Boy
Advance logo are trademarks of Nintendo. All other trademarks are the
property of their respective owners.
SOURCE Square Enix U.S.A., Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.square-enix-usa.com
Photo Notes:
NewsCom:
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http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030430/LAW018-a
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030430/LAW018-b
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030430/LAW018-c
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030430/LAW018-d
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030430/LAW018-e
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030430/LAW018-f
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http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030430/LAW018-h
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
PRN Photo Desk, +1-888-776-6555 or +1-212-782-2840
CONTACT:
Kyoko Yamashita, kyoko@square-enix-usa.com ,
or Sonia Im, sonia@square-enix-usa.com , both of Square Enix
U.S.A., Inc., +1-310-846-0400; or Monica Bouldin,
bouldinm@ruderfinn.com , or Nurha Hindi, hindin@ruderfinn.com ,
both of Ruder Finn, Inc., +1-310-479-9929, for Square Enix
U.S.A., Inc.
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