Space Invaders Extreme and Arkanoid

Pair of venerable coin-ops to get DS updates, with the former on PSP too.

News by GamesIndustry.biz Contributor

Published on March 27, 2008

London (27th March 2008) – Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces that ARKANOID™ DS for the Nintendo DS™ handheld system and SPACE INVADERS EXTREME™ for the Nintendo DS™ handheld system and the PSP™ (PlayStation® Portable) system will be available across Europe in Summer 2008.

30 years after the original SPACE INVADERS™ ignited an entire entertainment medium and founded a gaming generation; players can now prepare to play the most extreme embodiment of the game ever created.

SPACE INVADERS EXTREME combines the captivating essence of the original game with a stunning alliance of futuristic graphic design and cutting-edge audio. The gameplay experience has been developed to maximise on the consoles’ abilities, offering players a whole new range of amazing features including a vast array of new power-ups, DS Wireless Communications and Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

ARKANOID DS updates the classic block-busting gameplay of the 1986 original, with the Vaus vessel, balls and bricks all still intact. Different modes of play provide unique challenges including Clear with 140 levels to complete and Quest mode that sets different rules for clearing each round. Points won in the game can be used to customize the game further, with new backgrounds, blocks and sound effects waiting to be unlocked.

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, “Both ARKANOID and SPACE INVADERS transcend different generations and gaming abilities, they are as loved for the gameplay experience as they are for their iconic status. With the launch of SPACE INVADERS EXTREME and ARKANOID DS we can offer existing fans the chance to enjoy the next level of gameplay, while offering a new audience the chance to experience these classics in a contemporary way.”

SPACE INVADERS EXTREME features

Futuristic, techno-inspired graphic design takes SPACE INVADERS to new heights Interactive, totally immersive sound scheme where sound effects are synchronised to match the beats of the music Wide range of amazing new power-ups

Additional Nintendo DS version features

Play a friend with Nintendo DS Wireless Play Challenge other players with Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection High-Score table supported by Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Share the multiplayer fun from a single cart with DS Download Play

Additional PSP version features

Play against another player via ad hoc mode Widescreen 16x9 support Soundtrack provided by critically acclaimed musicians and DJ’s including SUGIURUMN, WALL FIVE, DJ Aki, ATOM™ & MASAKI SAKAMOTO and ALTZ

ARKANOID DS features

Over 140 levels to complete in Clear Mode, Quest mode adds extra challenge with different rules for each level Customize your game by exchanging points earned for new design features such as new backgrounds, Vaus vessels, blocks and sound effects Power-up items carefully selected from the ARKANOID series plus exciting new Power-up items: Barriers, Warp and Vanish Compete against friends with 2 and 4-player DS Wireless Communications Share the multiplayer fun from a single cart with DS Download Play High-Score table supported by Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Optional Paddle Controller gives analogue control just like the coin-op

About Square Enix Co., Ltd.

Square Enix Co., Ltd. (Square Enix) with headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, develops, publishes and distributes entertainment content including interactive entertainment software and publications in Asia, North America and Europe. Square Enix brings two of Japan's best-selling franchises – FINAL FANTASY, which has sold over 80 million units worldwide, and DRAGON QUEST® which has sold over 43 million units worldwide – under one roof. Square Enix is one of the most influential providers of digital entertainment content in the world and continues to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation.

About Square Enix Ltd.

Located in London, Square Enix Ltd. handles operations in Europe and other PAL territories including sales, marketing and publishing of Square Enix titles. More information on Square Enix Ltd. can be found on the Internet at http://www.square-enix.com

DRAGON QUEST, FINAL FANTASY, SQUARE ENIX and the SQUARE ENIX logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. in United Kingdom and/or other countries. NINTENDO DS IS A TRADEMARK OF NINTENDO. “PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Square Enix Limited is a company registered in England & Wales under the number 3679704 whose registered office is Castle House, 37-45 Paul Street, London EC2A 4LS.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Alex Huhtala

Public Relations Manager

Square Enix Ltd

+44 (0) 20 7324 5223

alexh@square-enix-europe.com

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