PressReleases

February 23, 2004

Square Enix diversifies with a line-up of Strategy and Adventure based Role-playing titles

FRONT MISSION 4 and STAR OCEAN™ TILL THE END OF TIME Coming This Summer For The PlayStation®2 Computer Entertainment System
LOS ANGELES, Calif., (February 23, 2004) — Square Enix U.S.A., Inc. (“Square Enix U.S.A.”), the publisher of Square Enix™ interactive products in North America, today announced two updates to the 2004 title roster, all for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. The mech-based strategy title FRONT MISSION® 4 will be making its anticipated PlayStation 2 debut in June. In addition, a Director’s Cut of the long-awaited sci-fi adventure role-playing game STAR OCEAN™ TILL THE END OF TIME (STAR OCEAN™) will be released August 2004.

Seeking to provide the most diverse digital content, Square Enix is expanding the traditional role-playing game (RPG) genre by implementing fresh gameplay elements. 2004 has marked a move in this direction with the release of three very different titles in the first half. March will see the release of Drakengard, an action adventure game, featuring three different fighting styles set in a medieval world of dragons and the occult. Mech-based title FRONT MISSION 4 will follow, telling the account of political intrigue and military conspiracy. Then an epic, cinematic experience set in space awaits gamers in STAR OCEAN™, with several exciting features brought to life in the Director’s Cut.

About FRONT MISSION 4

FRONT MISSION 4 marks the debut of the popular mech-based strategy game series on the PlayStation 2. Utilizing the technological capabilities of the system, FRONT MISSION 4 brings you the newest chapter in the best-selling series. While boasting an enhanced battle system, outstanding new graphics and dramatic voiceovers, FRONT MISSION 4 maintains the outstanding strategic gameplay that has won acclaim from both gamers and press worldwide. As in the previous games, players can fully customize their wanzers, or mech units, with a variety of powerful weaponry and parts. In addition, new tactical features such as the “Link System” bring a new dimension of strategy to the game.

The game opens as an unidentified group of wanzers assaults and destroys an E.C. German base. Elsa, a new recruit in the E.C.'s Durandal corps, is sent to Germany with her team to investigate the attack. The story then shifts to Darril, a U.C.S. Army sergeant in South America. He and his company are sent to Venezuela after its governor declares independence from the U.C.S. Though Darril's squad seems far more interested in slacking off than fighting a war, their plans for early retirement are put on hold after they witness a fateful plane crash in the jungle.

FRONT MISSION 4 will be released June 2004. This title is rated “T” for Teen.

About STAR OCEAN™ TILL THE END OF TIME

The first PlayStation 2 installment in the acclaimed science fiction RPG series, the Director’s Cut version is considered to be the culmination of the developer’s true vision. Star Ocean was originally released with two versions in Japan. The development time was extended for the North American release in order to incorporate the extra features of the Director’s Cut. STAR OCEAN™ builds on the first-rate concepts of earlier games in the series and leverages the technological capabilities of the PlayStation 2 to surpass them. In addition, the larger data capacity of the Director’s Cut allows for multiple added extras providing the most complete game package possible. Incorporating the new features with gorgeous, extended cinematic sequences and an unparalleled real-time battle system, including a new VS. mode, STAR OCEAN™ is sure to attract a new group of admirers and thrill the longtime fans of the series.

STAR OCEAN™’s protagonist, Fayt Leingod brings his family and childhood friend, Sophia Esteed to the Federation-managed resort planet Hida for a long-deserved vacation. Their dreamy holiday turns into a nightmare when Hida is attacked by an unknown space military. In the heat of the attack, Fayt is separated from Sophia and his family and begins an emotional quest into the unknown to find his loved ones.

STAR OCEAN™ will be released August 2004. This title is rated “T” for Teen.

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. Square Enix brings two of Japan’s best-selling franchises - FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 49 million units worldwide and DRAGON QUEST (DRAGON WARRIOR® in North America) which has sold over 31 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.

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 www.square-enix-usa.com.

Copyright © 2008 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved.

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