Square Enix Party Press Conference Announcement
Upcoming Releases Revealed for Popular Franchises and New IP
FOR REFERENCE
LONDON (17th May, 2007) - Square Enix, Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan, Square Enix), a leading developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software and services, announced six upcoming releases in a press conference leading up to the company's showcase event, SQUARE ENIX PARTY 2007, that took take place in the Makuhari Messe International Convention Complex on May 12 and 13. The announcement revealed a new next-generation multiplatform RPG title, and additional details such as the Japanese release dates for the Wii home video game system and Nintendo DS entries in the FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES series.
Please note all the information on this press release applies only to the Japanese version of the games listed.
Line Up
The STAR OCEAN® Series
With over 2.5 million units shipped worldwide and a sterling reputation among gamers, the STAR OCEAN brand has come to be identified with its uniquely amalgamated sci-fi and fantasy universe created in collaboration with tri-Ace.
STAR OCEAN 1: First Departure
Platform: PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system
Genre: RPG
Release Date: TBA
Initially released toward the end of the Super Famicom's life cycle, and never before localized for North America, the origin of the STAR OCEAN series receives a total makeover for the PSP system. Additional scenarios and characters, integrated 2D and 3D graphics in the style of the
PS one game console hit STAR OCEAN 2, fully animated movies, and other bonus features transform the game into a completely new experience.
STAR OCEAN 2: Second Evolution
Platform: PSP system
Genre: RPG
Release Date: TBA
Set 20 years after the events of its predecessor, STAR OCEAN 2 also receives the full remake treatment aboard the PSP system. The title takes the next step with fully animated movies, all-new character designs, extra playable characters, fully voiced dialogue, and more.
STAR OCEAN 4 (tentative title)
Platform: TBA
Genre: RPG
Release Date: TBA
The latest addition to the series is planned for next-generation hardware, and is currently being developed in cooperation with tri-Ace. This title is primed to push next-gen technology to its limits while delivering an experience worthy of the STAR OCEAN name.
Chocobo's Dungeon®: Toki-Wasure no Meikyuu
Platform: Wii
Genre: RPG
Release Date: TBA
Following the success of FINAL FANTASY FABLES: CHOCOBO TALES for the Nintendo DS, is the latest installment in the chocobo series, currently in development for the Wii. This time, the stage is set in the world of Ville, in the City of Forgotten Time, where everyone has lost certain memories. This exciting game is packed with a wide array of familiar elements from the FINAL FANTASY universe, and a dastardly dungeon system sure to ruffle the feathers of any seasoned dungeon crawler!
FINAL FANTASY XII INTERNATIONAL ZODIAC JOB SYSTEM
Platform: PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system
Genre: RPG
Japanese Release Date: August 9, 2007
*This title is currently planned for release in Japan only.
FINAL FANTASY XII's unprecedented sophistication and depth have seen its worldwide shipments climb to over 5 million units. Now experience the game as never before with FINAL FANTASY XII INTERNATIONAL ZODIAC JOB SYSTEM.
Based on the North American release of FINAL FANTASY XII, the addition of the Zodiac Job System replaces the single fixed layout of the original title's License Board with 12 different boards, each tailored to a unique job class such as Red Warmage or Uhlan. Almost every aspect of the battle system has been refined and enhanced to provide an all-new gaming experience.
THE LAST REMNANT
Platforms:
PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system,
Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft
Genre: RPG
Release Date: TBA (simultaneous release in North America and Japan)
Imagine a vast, war-torn battlefield, scarred by years of conflict. Countless enemies surround the player, who is backed up by his own army. Threatened by numerous foes and saved in the nick of time by allies, players will feel the true tension of a soldier on the battlefield. In THE LAST REMNANT, as many as seventy units will duke it out at once in fierce yet beautiful battles. Backed by the visual power of next-gen hardware, the unique play style and battle system will challenge and invigorate players like never before.
FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES series
In addition to this impressive lineup announcement, new details were revealed about two new installments in the FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES series. The first title, which debuted in North America and Europe in February and March 2004 respectively, received accolades for bringing friends and family into the same room to play a game that everyone could enjoy. Now FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES comes to the Nintendo DS and the Wii!
FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Ring of Fates
Platform: Nintendo DS
Genre: Action RPG
Japanese Release Date: August 23, 2007
Witness the tale of twin children blessed by the crystals, whose inseparable fate leads them on a journey fraught with trials. Experience the journey of Ring of Fates in a compelling single-player mode. Tackle challenging quests with the help of your friends in a cooperative multiplayer mode, or play head-to-head multiplayer mode, both supporting up to four players!
FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: The Crystal Bearers
Platform: Wii
Genre: Action RPG
Release Date: TBA
The first FINAL FANTASY title developed exclusively for the Wii!
All images and visuals shown at the conference will be available from http://www.ffccnews.jp/
About Square Enix Co., Ltd. and Square Enix 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 75 million units worldwide, and DRAGON QUEST® which has sold over 41 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.
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
CHOCOBO TALES, THE CRYSTAL BEARERS, DRAGON QUEST, FINAL FANTASY, LAST REMNANT, RING OF FATES, STAR OCEAN, SQUARE ENIX and the SQUARE ENIX logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. in United Kingdom and/or other countries. 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.
Contact:
Alex Huhtala
Public Relations Manager
Square Enix Ltd
+44 (0) 20 7324 5223
alexh@square-enix-europe.com