NA Press Releases

Los Angeles, CA (December 14, 2005) — Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix™ interactive entertainment products in North America, announced today that GRANDIA® III will be released stateside in February. Exclusively for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, GRANDIA III draws gamers into a wondrous world with an innovative battle system and uplifting story about the freedom in controlling one's own destiny.

“In all of our games, we want the player to be left with an overwhelmingly positive feeling that they can achieve anything they desire in life. In GRANDIA III while there is strong conflict in everyone's lives, those who are strong will overcome it,” said Hidenobu Takahashi, Director for GRANDIA III.

“Another great element in GRANDIA III is the battle system. We're really proud of what we were able to achieve utilizing the command wheel; the battle system can be very complex but is very easy to learn,” said Katsunori Saito, Game Arts Producer for Grandia III. “The combination of the story, fast-paced battle system and beautiful environment will prove to be an extremely enjoyable adventure.”

Story

Yuki has idolized the legendary pilot Schmidt since he was a young boy and has been trying to build his own ever since. Loving the freedom of flight, he dreams of one day leaving his small island and reaching the mainland.

In the woods not far away, Alfina rides alone on a horse-drawn carriage. She is a Communicator, one of the few who can speak with the Guardians, gods that protect the world. She is hurrying to a temple to take the place of her brother, Emelious. Resentment of his obligated duty as a Communicator has turned Emelious into a cruel and violent being filled with hate.

Features

Romp through vibrant and colorful fantasy locales and natural environments

Stunning cinematic sequences are animated by hand without the use of motion capture

Scan surroundings to look for search points or treasure chests

Ply the skies by plane to journey from one place to another

Use your sword in the "random encounter free" field to destroy objects or stun enemies before attacking

Seamless transition from field screen to battles with over-the-top animations

Semi real-time battle system allows for fast paced action and strategizing with a Command Wheel breaks the RPG mold of typical command text windows

Perform and link up Aerial Combo attacks for massive damage

Multiple auto-battle settings for each character dictate fighting strategy, in addition, utilize the Strategy Advice System for tips during critical moments in battle

Control conversation flow during special event scenes.

GRANDIA III is rated "T" for Teen, please visit www.esrb.com for more information about ratings. Additional information on GRANDIA III can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/games/grandia3. For the official fansite please visit http://www.hangar-g3.com.

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 63 million units worldwide, and DRAGON QUEST™, which has sold over 40 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 http://www.square-enix.com/

© 2005 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. SQUARE ENIX, the SQUARE ENIX logo, DRAGON QUEST, FINAL FANTASY and other names of Square Enix products mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Square Enix Co, Ltd. in Japan and/or other countries. GRANDIA is a registered trademark of GAME ARTS Co., Ltd. in Japan and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.