PressReleases

June 15, 2004

Front Mission 4 ships to North American retailers today

New Graphics, Gameplay and Battle System Elevate Square Enix’s Mech Role-Playing Game Franchise to an Exciting New Level
LOS ANGELES, Calif., (June 15, 2004) — Square Enix U.S.A., Inc. (“Square Enix U.S.A.”), the publisher of Square Enix™ interactive entertainment products in North America, announced that the mech-based strategy game FRONT MISSION® 4 is shipping to North American retailers today. This is the first FRONT MISSION title to be released for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system.

FRONT MISSION 4 draws the player into a world of military strategy and political intrigue. A deep storyline unfolds as gamers command wanzer (mech unit) squads through a wide variety of action-packed missions, seeking to uncover the culprits behind a deadly attack that threatens to start a World War.

“As part of our commitment to create the best role-playing games in the industry, we are continually looking for ways to provide superior gaming experiences for gamers,” said Jun Iwasaki, president and CEO, Square Enix U.S.A. “We believe that fans of the FRONT MISSION series as well as fans of the strategy game genre will be thrilled with this new title.”

The classic FRONT MISSION series exemplifies the best of turn-based strategy games. FRONT MISSION 4 takes full advantage of the PlayStation 2 hardware, offering an enhanced battle system, outstanding new graphics and for the first time in the series, dramatic voiceovers. FRONT MISSION 4 maintains the exceptional strategic gameplay that has won acclaim from both gamers and press worldwide. As in previous games, players can fully customize their wanzers with a variety of powerful weaponry and accessories. In addition, new tactical features such as the “Link System” allow pilots to link up with fellow squad members for devastating maneuvers, adding a new dimension of strategy to the game.

Set in 2096, the game opens six years after the Second Huffman Conflict, the stage of the original FRONT MISSION game. 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 story then turns to Darril, a U.C.S. Army sergeant in South America, whose company is sent to Venezuela in order to prevent secession. 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 available at North American retailers for a suggested retail price of $49.99 (USD). The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has rated FRONT MISSION 4 “T” for Teen. Additional information on FRONT MISSION 4 can be found at www.square-enix-usa.com/games/fm4/.

Early previews of FRONT MISSION 4 have received enthusiastic praise from the gaming press, including a nomination for Best Strategy Game of the 2004 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), held recently in Los Angeles, CA. Other reviews include:

“…series veterans are in for exactly what they’d expect from the series’ PS2 debut: a significantly better-looking, superlong quality turn-based strategy…”
- Official PlayStation Magazine (July 2004)

“You just can’t beat Front Mission 4’s deep (and plentiful) gameplay and high production values”
- Electronic Gaming Monthly (July 2004)

“The nice RPG elements and challenging battles make Front Mission 4 worth any strategy gamer’s time.”
- Game Informer (July 2004)

The FRONT MISSION 4 Official Strategy Guide is available from BradyGames. It’s the essential resource for players, delivering complete coverage of every mission and simulation, combat strategies, tips for the all-new link system and detailed maps. Also included are in-depth strategies for managing pilots, from selecting a wanzer and weapons to deciding on the best pilot skill set. Extensive equipment lists reveal each manufacturer’s wanzers, weapons, and accessories. With clear, detailed instructions on how to obtain each game secret and hidden simulation, players will enjoy endless gameplay options and hours of replay value. The strategy guide is available at electronics, book and software retailers for $14.99 US / $21.99 CAN.

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 content 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 60 million units worldwide and DRAGON QUEST (DRAGON WARRIOR® in North America) which has sold over 35 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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