NA Press Releases

"Expanding the Megatouch experience to the mobile platform is an exciting venture for Square Enix," stated Daishiro Okada President and COO, Square Enix, Inc. "When many people think of Square Enix, they think of epic role-playing games. With Megatouch, we’re working with a new genre and appealing to a different audience. We’re confident we will provide them with quality gaming only we could deliver," said Square Enix Producer Shuhei Yamaguchi.

Players will be challenged with a wide variety of fun casual games adapted for mobile that were previously found only on Megatouch® touchscreen systems. Primarily located in bars across the nation, Megatouch countertops, like Maxx™, Force™, and the newest ION™ systems, have entertained patrons throughout the years with engaging and highly addictive games. Merit’s games receive about 4 billion plays per year.

"We are excited to work with Square Enix to bring our hits to the mobile screen. As Merit Entertainment looks to find new and innovative ways to attract players to our touchscreen games, Square Enix has helped immensely by doing a masterful job of introducing a whole new generation of players to our games. Now that these new players are familiar with Megatouch games on their cell phones, we expect them to seek out the same fun and excitement at their local bars," said Colin Higbie, Merit’s Director of Marketing and New Business Development.

Megatouch Mobile Arcade is the first installment in the series of popular games to become available on the mobile phone platform. Featuring barroom favorites Q-shot™, Box Drop™ and 11 Up™, Megatouch Mobile Arcade was developed by Shuhei Yamaguchi. Shuhei has worked in the Japanese mobile industry for five years (Square Enix Co., Ltd.) as a producer, but this was his first title to appear in the U.S. market. Megatouch Mobile Arcade II, which is scheduled to be released at the end of this year, was developed by Square Enix’s newest Producer, Guy Silliman, and features even more gaming favorites, including Monster Madness™, Pharaoh’s 9™ and Card Raiders™. Guy recently joined the team from Electronic Arts, where he worked in QA and mobile production for almost four years.

"This unique partnership between Square Enix and Merit Entertainment will provide an entirely new and accessible medium for casual gamers to enjoy the rich content found on the Megatouch systems," said Guy.

Megatouch FEATURES

Megatouch Mobile Arcade:

About Square Enix Co., Ltd. and Square Enix, Inc.

With headquarters 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 68 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, California and Seattle, Washington. 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/na.

DRAGON QUEST, FINAL FANTASY, SQUARE ENIX and the Square Enix logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

FINAL FANTASY XII is the latest entry in the timeless franchise that has sold more than 68 million units worldwide. Developed exclusively for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, FINAL FANTASY XII has already sold more than 2.4 million units in Japan since its release on March 16, 2006, and has won numerous Game of the Month awards from the industry‘s top publications in America, making it one of the highest-reviewed games of the year. In honor of this phenomenon, there was a celebration in Times Square on October 11, 2006 to commemorate the upcoming release of FINAL FANTASY XII.

Story

Two years after the fall of Dalmasca, the once proud kingdom struggles under the rule of its oppressors. Subjugated by the mighty Archadian Empire and bereft of its royal family, the kingdom clings tenuously to life. Dalmasca’s future has been enslaved.

To Vaan, a young man living on the streets of Rabanastre, the Empire is a hated foe that took the life of his brother. When Vaan meets Princess Ashe, the sole surviving heir to the Dalmascan throne, the two embark on an incredible journey through Ivalice, tracing the mysteries behind the Archadian Empire's invasion. As they travel, they encounter others opposed to the Empire. Together, the choices they make will determine the very fate of the world.

Features

Exclusive to GameStop and EB Games, the limited run of the FINAL FANTASY XII Collector‘s Edition is housed in special steel packaging, with completely unique package art. The bonus DVD offers Japanese and American promotional trailers, in-depth developer interviews, an art gallery and a featurette illustrating the history of the FINAL FANTASY series.

FINAL FANTASY XII is available at North American retailers at a suggested retail price of $49.99 (USD). The Collector‘s Edition, offered exclusively at GameStop and EB Games stores as well as through the e-commerce sites GameStop.com and EBgames.com, is available at a suggested retail price of $59.99 (USD).

FINAL FANTASY XII has been rated T for Teen by the ESRB. For more information about the ESRB, please visit: www.esrb.org. For the latest updates on FINAL FANTASY XII, visit: www.finalfantasyxii.com.

About Square Enix Co., Ltd. and Square Enix, Inc.

With headquarters 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 68 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, California and Seattle, Washington. 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/na.

DRAGON QUEST, FINAL FANTASY, SQUARE ENIX and the Square Enix logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. in the United States and/or other countries. Dolby, Pro Logic and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

FINAL FANTASY XI is the first massively multiplayer online role playing game capable of simultaneous multiplay across three different platforms, allowing players to take up arms together on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Windows, or Xbox 360™ videogame and entertainment system from Microsoft whether they are in North America, Europe or Japan. Now in its fourth year of service, FINAL FANTASY XI boasts more than 500,000 active subscribers and more than 1.7 million player characters from around the world.

Story

In FINAL FANTASY XI, players embark on numerous adventures through vast environments in Vana’diel, a persistent world with over a hundred areas to explore, including mountains, forests, glaciers, deserts, oceans, rivers, castles and dungeons. FINAL FANTASY XI lets players create an alter ego to traverse the world of Vana’diel and gives players the opportunity to form parties with others or play at their own pace. The expansion packs Rise of the Zilart, Chains of Promathia and Treasures of Aht Urhgan are included, adding new jobs, areas, monsters, items and quests while continuing the storyline in new and exciting ways.

The FINAL FANTASY XI Vana’diel Collection 2007 is rated (T) for Teen. Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) Web site, http://www.esrb.com for more information about ratings. For the official FINAL FANTASY XI Web site, please visit http://www.playonline.com/ff11us. The FINAL FANTASY XI Vana’diel Collection 2007 is available exclusively for Windows at North American retailers for a suggested retail price of $29.99 (USD).

About Square Enix Co., Ltd. and Square Enix, Inc.

With headquarters 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 68 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, California and Seattle, Washington. 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/na.

CHAINS OF PROMATHIA, DRAGON QUEST, FINAL FANTASY, PLAYONLINE, RISE OF THE ZILART, SQUARE ENIX, the Square Enix logo, TREASURES OF AHT URHGAN and VANA'DIEL are trademarks or registered trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. in the United States and/or other countries. Windows, Xbox, and Xbox 360 are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

“Until now, FINAL FANTASY III has seen no remakes or appearances on other platforms since its original release on the Nintendo Entertainment System in April 1990,” said Hiromichi Tanaka, Director and Executive Producer for FINAL FANTASY III. “Due to the game’s age, a direct port might seem a bit dated, but now FINAL FANTASY III has been made anew on the sensational Nintendo DS platform, including new graphics in 3D, rebalanced jobs, and brand-new characterization for the four young heroes, who are now more dynamic than ever. As the only game in the FINAL FANTASY series that had not previously been localized, we are very pleased to finally bring FINAL FANTASY III across the ocean to players in North America. We hope that not only FINAL FANTASY fans, but a wide variety of players in North America enjoy the new FINAL FANTASY III.”

FINAL FANTASY III takes players into the next generation of handheld RPGs by delivering an experience that takes full advantage of the Nintendo DS hardware. With an innovative interface that utilizes the DS touch screen along with the advanced Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection capabilities, FINAL FANTASY III presents an entirely new take on the only FINAL FANTASY never localized for North America. Users can also experience the title that introduced the popular moogles, summons, and the dynamic job system, which have become some of the most recognized elements of FINAL FANTASY, and experience them on the road, in the outdoors or in the comfort of their living rooms.

Story
Protected by the crystals of light, the once peaceful land has forever been changed by the great tremor. Without warning, the earthquake pulled the crystals into the earth, upsetting the world’s fragile balance. It seems as if all hope is lost—but as the Gulgan prophecy foretold, four souls blessed with the light shall once again restore balance to the world...

Near the small village of Ur, fate guides Luneth to a sentient crystal that changes his life forever. As the light of the crystal fades, Luneth embarks on a journey to seek three others who share his destiny to search for the remaining crystals, and fight the battle of light and darkness...

FEATURES

FINAL FANTASY III is rated E 10+ (Everyone 10+) by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). For more information about the ESRB, please visit: www.esrb.org. FINAL FANTASY III will be available at North American retailers for the suggested retail price of $39.99 (USD). Additional information on FINAL FANTASY III can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/ff3

About Square Enix Co., Ltd. and Square Enix, Inc.

With its headquarters 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 70 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/na.

DRAGON QUEST, FINAL FANTASY, SQUARE ENIX and the Square Enix logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

“Destiny’s Child Groove” is a competitive dance game that will feature images of vocalists Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, and four songs from the group’s “#1s” album, including “Survivor,” “Bug A Boo,” “Say My Name” and “Lose My Breath.” Synchronizing music, rhythm and gameplay, “Destiny’s Child Groove” will take the form of a back-and-forth dance battle in which users compete against A.I. characters.

“We are delighted to be working with Destiny's Child and Square Enix to roll out this innovative new game,” said Thomas Hesse, president of Global Digital Business for SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT. “DC Groove will give fans a creative and fun way to connect with one of the most phenomenally talented groups of all time, and the opportunity to experience the thrill of state-of-the-art mobile gaming.”

“The beautiful thing about this project is that the main people involved in creating it are youthful. The same goes for the artists, many of their fans, as well as our target gamers.” said Shuhei Yamaguchi, Mobile Producer for Square Enix, Inc. “It’s a game for the young, created by the young. I’m confident, this landmark project that expands the casual genre of mobile games, will be a hit.”

The nationwide roll-out of “Destiny’s Child Groove” will begin this winter on most major carriers. Detailed information will be announced at a later date.

About Square Enix Co., Ltd. and Square Enix, Inc.

With headquarters 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 70 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/na.

About Destiny’s Child

Formed in Houston, Texas in 1990, when founding member Beyoncé Knowles was 9 years old, Destiny’s Child went on to become the top-selling all-female recording group of all-time, according to the World Music Awards. Destiny’s Child has earned 35 RIAA gold, platinum and multi-platinum certifications and is tied with the Supremes for releasing the most albums to chart in the Top 5 by a female R&B group. From 1997 until the group announced its “retirement” in 2005, Destiny’s Child was honored with an ongoing series of awards and accolades including Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards, Billboard Music Awards (including Top Pop Artist 2000), NAACP Image Awards, BET Awards, World Music Awards (including World’s Best-Selling Artist or Group), American Music Awards and Grammy Awards. In March 2006, Destiny’s Child received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

About SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT

SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT is a global recorded music joint venture with a roster of current artists that includes a broad array of both local artists and international superstars, as well as a vast catalogue that comprises some of the most important recordings in history. SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT is 50% owned by Bertelsmann A.G. and 50% owned by Sony Corporation of America.

About Music World Entertainment

Music World Entertainment (MWE) is one of the world’s leading entertainment and music conglomerates with global businesses including record labels, artist and producer management and development, a Master catalog series, Urbane Merchandise, investment and property holdings with offices in Houston, Los Angeles, and New York with a London office opening January 2007. MWE was founded by company President and CEO Mathew Knowles, the powerhouse management behind Grammy Award-winners Beyoncé and global phenomenon Destiny's Child, the most successful “girl group” in the history of pop music.

Music World Music (MWM), a prominent division of MWE, is one of the most successful labels in the world with over 100 million records sold to date including releases by Destiny’s Child, Beyoncé, Solange Knowles, Michelle Williams, the “Roll Bounce” soundtrack and many more. Upcoming releases include the “Dreamgirls” soundtrack album, Kids Rap Radio, and the Music World Master Series.

Urbane Merchandise, the tour merchandise arm of MWE, has functioned as tour merchandiser for Jay Z, Destiny’s Child, Nelly, Beyoncé, R Kelly, and Chris Brown, among many others.

Music World Investment and Properties, a division of MWE headed by Mathew and Beyoncé Knowles, specializes in the ownership and development of condominiums and office buildings, including the House of Deréon Media Center, in Houston, Texas.

DRAGON QUEST, FINAL FANTASY, SQUARE ENIX and the Square Enix logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.