SQUARE ENIX SHIPS FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST™ AND THE BROKEN ANGEL TO RETAILERS NATIONWIDE TODAY
Edward Elric is a genius alchemist. He and his younger brother Alphonse attempted to raise their mother from the dead, a forbidden act that cost Edward his left leg and Alphonse his entire body. Immediately after the accident, Edward was able to sacrifice his right arm to save Alphonse's soul and bind it to a suit of armor. The action begins as the two brothers board a train to Central City in search of the "Philosopher's Stone," the only object that can return them to their natural states.
FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST has already received accolades from the enthusiastic press:
"Although it does incorporate a few elements and players from the show, it's essentially an all-new story with fresh supporting characters and locations. Despite this originality, the game is still extremely faithful to its source material and is easily the most appealing aspect of the experience." ~ IGN.com (January 2005)
"Ed's got a great deal of firepower by his side, in addition to melee attacks and the ability to send Al flailing toward enemies, he can use alchemy to transmute pieces of scenery into weapons of mass destruction." ~ Newtype USA (January 2005)
"Cool alchemy-transformation gameplay; decent voices, graphics, and combat..." ~ OPM (February 2005)
Based on the wildly popular anime and manga series in Japan, FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST has made its way to America beginning with episodic programming on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim. The series spans 51 episodes in a story that ranges from tear-jerking drama to gut-busting comedy. The anime series has been extremely well received by fans and media alike, and a DVD release is set for February 8, 2005, from FUNimation® Productions, Ltd.
FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST for the PlayStation 2 expands the anime series' sweeping storyline and is accompanied by fast-paced gameplay in which players can transmute objects into weapons for use in battle. The story takes place during a #34;lost chapter" from the anime series during the Elric brothers' journey to Central. Featuring fully animated cut-scenes and in-game graphics with the same dazzling aesthetics of the TV series, the game ties in seamlessly with its anime counterpart. The key to gameplay lies in utilizing the environment; over 50 transmutable objects ranging from trees to trash cans litter the landscape, and Edward's alchemy can transform these everyday objects into fantastic weapons. In addition to controlling Edward, players can also equip Alphonse with various items and call him to assist during heated battles.
Marketing and Advertising Support
Promotional support includes a broad print campaign across enthusiast gaming and anime publications from late 2004 through February 2005. The online advertising campaign on various gaming and anime sites is expected to reach millions of gamers and anime fans through February. Increased presence of the game was achieved with co-marketing from FUNimation through a combination of print, online and retail support.
BradyGames' FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST and the Broken Angel Official Strategy Guide is the essential resource for players, offering coverage of all transmutable combinations along with uses and stats for each transmuted item, area maps, boss tactics, and an exhaustive walkthrough. Players will breeze through even the toughest battles and enjoy endless gameplay options. The strategy guide is available at electronics, book and software retailers or online at www.bradygames.com for $14.99 US/$21.99 CAN.
FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST™ and the Broken Angel has a suggested retail price of U.S. $39.99 and is rated "T" (Teen).
About Development Team - Racjin Co., Ltd
Established in 1995, Racjin Co., Ltd (Racjin) is based in Osaka, Japan and has gained a reputation for developing video games that utilize high-end technology to ante up the fun factor. Racjin conducts its technological research with the end goal of providing outstanding fun to gamers worldwide.
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™ 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 wholly-owned 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. More information on Square Enix can be found on the Internet at www.square-enix.com.