Square Enix Unveils The Next Generation Of Final Fantasy

Los Angeles (May 8, 2006)

Today, during its E3 2006 press event, Square Enix, Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan, Square Enix), a leading developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software and service, revealed world-premiere footage of FABULA NOVA CRYSTALLIS - FINAL FANTASY® XIII. This latest project in the multi-platinum FINAL FANTASY series will encompass the simultaneous development of original titles for numerous platforms including the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, and mobile phones.

FABULA NOVA CRYSTALLIS, defined in Latin as "the new tale of the crystal," is made up of several different titles based on variations of the FINAL FANTASY XIII universe. However, while each title in the project features different characters, different worlds, and different stories, all are ultimately based on and expand upon a common mythos.

Currently, development for FABULA NOVA CRYSTALLIS entails two titles for the PlayStation 3 system: FINAL FANTASY XIII and FINAL FANTASY Versus XIII. In addition, FINAL FANTASY Agito XIII is also in development for mobile phones. However, the three new titles are only the beginning of the evolution of FABULA NOVA CRYSTALLIS, with more announcements regarding other facets of the project scheduled for the near future.

One myth, countless stories.
This is the concept behind Square Enix's groundbreaking new take on entertainment.

FABULA NOVA CRYSTALLIS FINAL FANTASY XIII

One myth, countless stories
FINAL FANTASY XIII

The New Tale of the Crystal
Like the light that shines through the Crystal,
the universe shines with multi-colored content.

To celebrate the 13th title in the world-renowned FINAL FANTASY series, Square Enix has undertaken a colossal project involving the development of various content for multiple platforms. FABULA NOVA CRYSTALLIS, defined in Latin as "the new tale of the crystal," is made up of several different titles based on variations of the FINAL FANTASY XIII universe. However, while each title in the project features different characters, different worlds, and different stories, all are ultimately based on and expand upon a common mythos.

FINAL FANTASY XIII

FINAL FANTASY XIII for PlayStation 3 system
A tale of souls from a futuristic civilization illuminated by the Light of the Crystal

This eagerly anticipated title takes full advantage of the PlayStation 3 system's advanced hardware, providing tangible, intuitive controls while delivering seamless transitions between real-time gameplay and stunning in-game cinematics. The latest in cutting-edge technology has been utilized in development of FINAL FANTASY XIII, thus making this newest addition to the FINAL FANTASY series worthy of the title "next generation."

*This title is not yet concept approved by Sony Computer Entertainment America

Key Development Staff
Director: Motomu Toriyama (FINAL FANTASY VII, FINAL FANTASY X, FINAL FANTASY X-2)
Character designer: Tetsuya Nomura (FINAL FANTASY V~VIII, FINAL FANTASY X, FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN, KINGDOM HEARTS)
Art director: Isamu Kamikokuryo (FINAL FANTASY X, FINAL FANTASY XII)
Main programmer: Kazumi Kobayashi (CHRONO TRIGGER, XENOGEARS, CHORONO CROSS, FINAL FANTASY XI)
Movie director: Eiji Fujii (FINAL FANTASY: The Spirits Within, FINAL FANTASY XII)
Main theme: Nobuo Uematsu, SMILE PLEASE Co., LTD. (FINAL FANTASY series)
Composer: Masashi Hamauzu (FINAL FANTASY X, DIRGE of CERBERUS -FINAL FANTASY VII-)
Producer: Yoshinori Kitase (FINAL FANTASY series)

FINAL FANTASY Versus XIII

FINAL FANTASY Versus XIII for PlayStation 3 system
Harmony is realized in this alternate tale of FINAL FANTASY XIII

Not a merely a sequel, but a wholly independent story unfolding in a different world with different characters. This title will appear alongside FINAL FANTASY XIII on the PlayStation 3 system.

When coupled with FINAL FANTASY XIII, FINAL FANTASY Versus XIII completes the core of the FABULA NOVA CRYSTALLIS Project.

*This title is not yet concept approved by Sony Computer Entertainment America

Key Development Staff
Director & Character designer: Tetsuya Nomura (FINAL FANTASY V~VIII, FINAL FANTASY X, FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN, KINGDOM HEARTS)
Movie director: Takeshi Nozue (FINAL FANTASY IX, FINAL FANTASY X, FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN, KINGDOM HEARTS)
Composer: Yoko Shimomura (LEGEND OF MANA, Parasite EVE, KINGDOM HEARTS)
Producer: Shinji Hashimoto

FINAL FANTASY Agito XIII

FINAL FANTASY Agito XIII for Mobile Phones
Yet another facet of FINAL FANTASY XIII

FINAL FANTASY Agito XIII arrives as an entirely separate entity for mobile phones, offering players easy on-the-go access to the FINAL FANTASY XIII universe. Utilizing gameplay functions only available through mobile phones, this title provides players with a unique take on a story accessible anywhere their real-life adventures may take them.

Key Development Staff
Director: Hajime Tabata (BEFORE CRISIS -FINAL FANTASY VII-)
Character designer: Tetsuya Nomura (FINAL FANTASY V