NA Press Releases

July 1, 2004 - Los Angeles, CA — Square Enix Co., Ltd., a leading developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software including the world’s popular franchises FINAL FANTASY®, and DRAGON QUEST®, today announced several changes to their US organization. Square Enix U.S.A., Inc., which has offices located in Los Angeles, CA and Seattle, WA, will now be called Square Enix, Inc. This change is a part of its efforts to establish a globally consistent corporate brand image.

In order to excel in the transforming interactive entertainment industry, several executive changes were also announced. Yoichi Wada, President of Square Enix Co., Ltd., will also be CEO of Square Enix, Inc. Jun Iwasaki, Co-COO, will lead the video game business and Ichiro Otobe, Co-COO, will lead the mobile and new network entertainment business.

Keiji Honda, former President of Enix Corporation and Executive Vice President of Square Enix Co., Ltd., has recently moved to Shanghai, China to lead the business in China. Jun Yamamoto, former President and CEO of Atlus U.S.A., Inc. and Executive Vice President and on the Board of Directors of Atlus Co., Ltd., was appointed President and CEO of Square Enix Ltd., the European arm of Square Enix.

Combined with the new top management for the offices in China and Europe, this reorganization in the US creates the foundation for future global expansion that will be strategic to extending Square Enix’s overall business. There is an enormous opportunity for world-wide growth and these combined changes reinforce Square Enix’s ability to distribute rich interactive content to its ever growing global fan base.

“With this reorganization, Square Enix is now even more prepared to realize its vision of “Polymorphic” content by expanding into new network based entertainment,” said Yoichi Wada, CEO of Square Enix, Inc. “Right now it is all about connecting end users through the delivery of compelling content, powered by innovative technology. Square Enix, Inc. looks forward to taking content in North America to a whole new level.”

About Square Enix Co., Ltd.

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 60 million units worldwide and DRAGON QUEST (DRAGON WARRIOR™ in Europe) 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. More information on Square Enix Co., Ltd. can be found on the Internet at http://www.square-enix.com.

About Square Enix, Inc.

Square Enix, Inc is a 100% subsidiary of Square Enix Co., Ltd. with offices in Los Angeles, CA and Seattle, WA,. It handles operations in North America, including development, localization, marketing and publishing of Square Enix titles. UIEvolution, based out of Seattle, WA, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Square Enix, Inc., delivering software technology that simplifies wireless applications development and deployment. More information on Square Enix, Inc. can be found on the Internet at http://www.square-enix.com.

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

LOS ANGELES, Calif., (July 6, 2004) — Square Enix, Inc. (“Square Enix”), the publisher of Square Enix™ interactive products in North America, today announced that Chains of Promathia™, the newest expansion pack for the award-winning massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) FINAL FANTASY® XI, will ship to retailers on September 21, 2004. With a community of 500,000 players and 1.2 million active characters in Japan and North America combined, the world of FINAL FANTASY XI will expand even further with the added content of Chains of Promathia. This expansion pack is scheduled for a simultaneous launch in Japan, North America and Europe.

The Chains of Promathia expansion pack opens a new chapter in the history of Vana’diel. Gamers will be able to explore previously unseen areas, visit new towns, and realize fabled legends. Yet as the mysteries of Vana’diel are unraveled, even more puzzling enigmas will take their place in this intricately designed expansion pack.

Published by Square Enix, Inc., Chains of Promathia will be available for both the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system (DVD format) and Windows® (CD format) for a suggested retail price of $29.99 (USD). FINAL FANTASY XI is sold separately.

About FINAL FANTASY XI

The first cross-platform, cross-continent MMORPG, FINAL FANTASY XI allows gamers to connect to the same exact world regardless of whether they are playing on a personal computer (PC) or PlayStation 2 and whether they are playing in North America or Japan. In Japan, FINAL FANTASY XI for the PlayStation 2 and for Windows® were released in May and November 2002, respectively. Almost a year later in October 2003, FINAL FANTASY XI for Windows® launched in North America, followed by the PlayStation 2 version in March 2004. This first online title in the world-renowned series has quickly become one of most popular MMORPGs to date.

FINAL FANTASY XI blends sorcery and technology. The once peaceful world of Vana’diel stands at the brink of war as a power struggle slowly emerges among its three nations. The struggle focuses on the control of crystals, the source of all creation. An unknown, malevolent force rises in Vana’diel with a hunger for the energy within the crystals.

In FINAL FANTASY XI, players undertake multiple adventures through vast environments in Vana’diel, a persistent world that has more than 100 areas to explore, including mountains, forests, glaciers, deserts, oceans, rivers, castles, and dungeons. The brand-new gaming universe contains the award-winning visual content, innovative gameplay and deep storyline found throughout the FINAL FANTASY series. FINAL FANTASY XI allows players to create an alter ego to exist in the world of Vana’diel, and gives players the opportunity to play at their own pace and form parties. Players may utilize a variety of communication tools incorporated into FINAL FANTASY XI, including easy-to-use chat and messaging systems. The inclusion of the “Rise of the Zilart™” expansion pack expands the storyline and opens up a variety of higher-level skills and abilities.

Availability and Pricing

Published by Square Enix, Inc., FINAL FANTASY XI for Windows® is available for a suggested retail price of $49.99 (USD). FINAL FANTASY XI for the PlayStation 2, published by Sony Computer Entertainment America and pre-installed on the Hard Disk Drive is available for a suggested retail price of $99 (USD). Subscribers will receive their first 30 days of access without charge. Aside from Internet service provider access charges, the free trial period will begin on the date players create their first Content ID or character. Any additional Content IDs purchased are also available without charge until the end of the free trial period. After 30 days, players can continue to play FINAL FANTASY XI by paying a monthly fee of $12.95 (USD) for one FINAL FANTASY XI character and can create up to 15 additional characters for an additional charge of $1.00 (USD) per character, per month. Tetra Master®, the online version of the wildly popular and addictive mini-game from FINAL FANTASY IX, is also included in the package and is available for $1.00 (USD) per month. Payment for monthly access charges must be made by credit card (restrictions apply).

PlayOnline

FINAL FANTASY XI is a multiplayer online game played via the Internet, and is accessible via broadband or dial-up connections on both the PC and PlayStation 2. FINAL FANTASY XI is accessible only through the PlayOnline network service, created by Square Enix. PlayOnline provides a wide range of online services including games, entertainment and communication. Thus, PlayOnline not only serves as a portal to the world of FINAL FANTASY XI, but also as a gateway to several other applications including communication tools such as email, messaging, a “Friend List,” games, support, downloadable files and audiovisual customization. Players may create personalized PlayOnline identities or “handles” that allow other players to communicate with them, no matter where they are on the PlayOnline network. These basic PlayOnline services are free of charge. For more information on PlayOnline, FINAL FANTASY XI and Tetra Master, please visit the official Web site at http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/index.shtml.

FINAL FANTASY XI for Windows® System Requirements

The minimum system requirements for FINAL FANTASY XI for Windows are as follows: Windows 98/98 SE/Me/2000/XP, Intel® Pentium® III 800Mhz or higher, 128MB RAM, 6GB of hard drive space, (for FINAL FANTASY XI, including Rise of the Zilart expansion pack), 2GB of hard drive space (for FINAL FANTASY XI Chains of Promathia expansion pack), DirectX® 8.1 compatible sound card, CD-ROM drive, keyboard, 56K or faster Internet connection, and either the ATI® Radeon™ 9000 series or NVIDIA® GeForce™ series video card with 32MB of RAM.

FINAL FANTASY XI for PlayStation 2/Hard Disk Drive (40GB) (for PlayStation®2) Specifications

Published by Sony Computer Entertainment America, FINAL FANTASY XI for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system comes pre-installed on the Hard Disk Drive (40GB)(for PlayStation®2). The Hard Disk Drive attaches to the Network Adaptor (Ethernet/modem) (for PlayStation®2), which connects to both broadband and dial-up networks and rests in the expansion bay of the PlayStation®2 console. The launch of the Hard Disk Drive opens up a new world to gamers by enabling the possibility of new entertainment experiences utilizing 40GB of storage capacity. Additional product features include faster caching times, and in the near future, the ability to download content for online games such as new tracks, stadiums and characters.

The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has rated FINAL FANTASY XI “T” for Teen. For more information about the ESRB, visit http://www.esrb.org.

About Square Enix Co. Ltd. and Square Enix., 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, Inc is a 100% subsidiary of Square Enix Co., Ltd. with offices in Los Angeles, CA and Seattle, WA. It handles operations in North America, including the development, localization, marketing and publishing of Square Enix titles. More information on Square Enix can be found on the Internet at www.square-enix.com.

About Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation® and PS one™ game console, and the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. The PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system is set to revolutionize the home entertainment market, offering the most compelling interactive content and the capability to be used as a network terminal in the coming broadband era.

Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PS one™ game console and the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif. Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. More information can be found at http://www.playstation.com.

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

LOS ANGELES, Calif., (July 12, 2004) — Square Enix, Inc. (“Square Enix”), the publisher of Square Enix™ interactive entertainment products in North America, today announced that STAR OCEAN™ Till the End of Time™ ("STAR OCEAN™"), the sci-fi roleplaying game fashioned in an anime style, will ship to North American retailers on August 31, 2004. This highly anticipated intergalactic adventure for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system will come in special foil box packaging with two DVDs with a suggested retail price (SR) of $49.99 (USD).

“We found it extremely important to present to gamers what was envisioned by the developers,” said Jun Iwasaki, Co-COO, Square Enix, Inc. “I have personally played STAR OCEAN™ for countless hours and believe the team has created an amazing game. We hope people will pick it up and experience it for themselves.”

The North American release of STAR OCEAN™ is packed with extras as it contains all of the features of the Japanese “Director’s Cut” version. The development time was extended to implement what is considered to be the developers’ true vision for the stateside release. Multiple added features allowed by the additional capacity include extended high-resolution cinematic sequences, two new areas with varied gameplay such as elemental based puzzles, new playable characters that expand the story and several VS. modes in which players can also choose from a variety of looks for the characters.

STAR OCEAN™ overflows with action, exploration, fast-paced combat and an intricate plot, which results in an immensely deep gaming adventure. Character development is versatile and open-ended, allowing for true freedom in character growth through battle. The fully 3D battlefields allow players to move freely and control a party of three simultaneously, utilizing the advanced real-time battle system. Players can execute synchronized attacks and collaborate to unleash a deadly blow to the enemy. While moving from one section of the game to the next, fully polygonal graphics create a magnificent environment for one to explore. The multifaceted story is presented in gorgeous CG movies and event sequences. The entire experience in STAR OCEAN™ is also enhanced with Dolby Pro LogicRII sound.

Set in SD 772, four hundred years since the climactic battle with the “Ten Wise Men,” humans and aliens now co-exist together in both advanced and less-developed societies, as the Galaxy Federation continues to research the cosmos to gain more influence in Space. The story begins as STAR OCEAN™’s protagonist, Fayt Leingod brings his family and childhood friend, Sophia Esteed to the Federation-managed resort planet Hyda for a vacation, but the dreamy holiday is abruptly ended when Hyda is attacked by an unknown space military. In the heat of the attack, Fayt is separated from his family and Sophia, and he begins an emotional quest into the unknown to find his loved ones. Along his journey, he gets caught up in the war of an uncharted planet, but in the end, he learns the terrible untold secret about the world and himself.

STAR OCEAN™ has received accolades from the enthusiast press, including placing in Official PlayStation Magazine’s “The Big Games of 2004” (January 2004). Other mentions include:

“Possibly the hottest ticket in role-playing games this year…
Till the End of Time promises to carve out a respectable chunk of that [gameplay] territory and hold its own with other epics on the market…”
- GMR Magazine (July 2004)

“Potential: Excellent. Stateside gamers have been waiting for Star Ocean after what seems like forever. But after its strong reception overseas, excellent presentation aspects, and action heavy-centric battle system, it has the ingredients to become one of the most prominent RPGs this year. In all truthfulness, Star Ocean's biggest problem is gamer expectations which are already incredibly high.”
- IGNPS2 “The RPGs of 2004” (June 4, 2004)

The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has rated STAR OCEAN™ “T” for Teen. For more information about the ESRB, visit http://www.esrb.org.

About Square Enix Co. Ltd. and Square Enix, 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, Inc is a 100% subsidiary of Square Enix Co., Ltd. with offices in Los Angeles, CA and Seattle, WA. It handles operations in North America, including the development, localization, marketing and publishing of Square Enix titles. More information on Square Enix can be found on the Internet at www.square-enix.com.

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

LOS ANGELES, Calif., (July 30, 2004) — Square Enix Co., Ltd. (Square Enix), a leading developer and publisher of interactive entertainment content including the world-renowned franchises FINAL FANTASY®, and DRAGON QUEST (DRAGON WARRIOR® in North America), today announced that they will screen a special preview edition of the upcoming FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN at the 61st Venice International Film Festival, September 1st through 11th in Venice, Italy. FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN is a direct-to-DVD CG-animated sequel to FINAL FANTASY VII, one of the best-selling PlayStation® video games of all time.

FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN will be shown as part of “Venezia Digitale,” the new digital image category of the Venice International Film Festival. This category is intended to provide an overview of the new expressive possibilities granted by the new digital technologies and only feature-length films made using digital technology and never publicly screened outside their country of origin and in Italy will be presented. Since the product is still in development, a special preview will be screened at the festival.

“We are honored to be a part of Venezia Digitale, this exciting new category that highlights the values of innovation and artistry of digital imagery,” said director Tetsuya Nomura. “As we continually strive to create digital entertainment that pushes the boundaries of technology and art, we welcome the opportunity to become a part of the world cinema community through the Venice International Film Festival.”

About FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN

FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN is a fully developed, CG-work sequel to FINAL FANTASY VII, the seminal 1997 PlayStation hit. Through 70 minutes of beautifully crafted DVD content, FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN revisits the rich universe and memorable characters of FINAL FANTASY VII two years after its dramatic conclusion. Technological advancements bring a visually stunning new look to the city of Midgar and its residents.

FINAL FANTASY VII, originally released in Japan for the PlayStation game console on January 31, 1997 and September 7, 1997 in North America, redefined the standard for role-playing games (RPGs) and has since achieved record-shattering sales of over 9 million units worldwide. Fans have long requested a true sequel, and with FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN, their wishes are granted. The product is currently in development and scheduled for release in late 2004 in Japan.

Two years after the events of FINAL FANTASY VII, the ruins of Midgar stand as testament to the sacrifices that were made in order to bring peace. However, the world will soon face a new menace. A mysterious illness is spreading fast. Old enemies are astir. And Cloud, who walked away from the life of a hero to live in solitude, must step forward yet again...

The FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN development team includes:

Director :	Tetsuya Nomura (FINAL FANTASY X, KINGDOM HEARTS®)
Co-Director :	Takeshi Nozue (FINAL FANTASY IX, FINAL FANTASY X, KINGDOM HEARTS)
Scenario :	Kazushige Nojima (STELLAVISTA LTD.) (FINAL FANTASY X, KINGDOM HEARTS)
Art Director :	Yusuke Naora (FINAL FANTASY X)
Composer :	Nobuo Uematsu (FINAL FANTASY series)
Producer :	Yoshinori Kitase (FINAL FANTASY X, KINGDOM HEARTS) and Shinji Hashimoto (FINAL FANTASY VIII, KINGDOM HEARTS)
Mechanic/Capture Design :	akayuki Takeya (Freelance) (ZEIRAM, MECHANICAL VIOLATOR HAKAIDER)

More information on FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN can be found on the Internet at http://www.square-enix.com/na/dvd/ff7ac/ (currently only available in Japanese).

About Square Enix Co. Ltd.

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. More information on Square Enix can be found on the Internet at http://www.square-enix.com.

About Square Enix, Inc.

Square Enix, Inc., with offices in Los Angeles, CA and Seattle, WA, handles operations in North America, including development, localization, marketing and publishing of Square Enix titles. UIEvolution, based out of Seattle, WA, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Square Enix, Inc., delivering software technology that simplifies wireless applications development and deployment. More information on Square Enix, Inc. can be found on the Internet at http://www.square-enix.com.

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