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April 1, 2008

THE GAMES THAT STARTED IT ALL ARE BACK! SPACE INVADERS EXTREME AND ARKANOID DS JUMP INTO PLAYERS' HANDS

TAITO Brings Two Classic Arcade Games to the Handheld Arena on June 17th, 2008
LOS ANGELES (April 1, 2008) &mdash TAITO Corporation (TAITO™), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Co., Ltd., announced today that it is launching all-new versions of two of its classic arcade games.

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of SPACE INVADERS® — a worldwide sensation since its original 1978 release — TAITO has re-imagined the legendary game to appeal to both the original SPACE INVADERS generation and those that are new to the game. Now faster-paced and more intense, SPACE INVADERS EXTREME™ will become available on Nintendo DS™ and PSP® (PlayStation Portable) system on June 17, 2008.

TAITO is also launching ARKANOID™ DS, a fresh take on an old-school favorite, coming exclusively to Nintendo DS on June 17, 2008. Originally released in 1986, ARKANOID was a blockbuster hit that introduced new innovations to the genre. The game that players know and love now offers multiple modes and fun, colorful backgrounds. Players can also match their ARKANOID skills against other DS users with multiplayer options.

"Both SPACE INVADERS and ARKANOID are milestones in computer game history," said Akira Ohtsuki, TAITO's General Manager of CS R&B Development, AM Business Division. "We are thrilled to introduce these legendary games to a new generation of players and reignite the excitement for fans of the original titles."

Simple but addictive, these timeless games are loved by generations around the globe. TAITO has maintained the simple, beloved gameplay, while adding new twists to create exhilarating gaming experiences.


Features: SPACE INVADERS EXTREME

  • New Look: The classic design of the original SPACE INVADERS, now with revamped graphics and new background movies that add to the game's excitement

  • New Music: Get in the groove with up-beat techno tunes that are synched to gameplay

  • New Mini-Games: Experience varied gameplay with mini-games (Rounds) that are launched mid-game – they add to the fun, and are a good way to rack up points

  • New Twists: Discover exciting twists to the classic game that provide swift, fast-paced game play

  • New Multiplayer Element: Battle against a friend with the all-new multiplayer element, available on both platforms

  • Features: ARKANOID DS

  • Explore three game modes that offer varied gameplay designed for a wide range of users

  • Compete against others with two or four person multiplayer options to claim the title of ARKANOID DS champion

  • Decorate ARKANOID DS with colorful designs by trading points gained through gameplay for fun backgrounds and icons

  • Rock to an irresistible soundtrack produced by Zuntata, TAITO's award-winning sound team

  • SPACE INVADERS EXTREME is rated E (Everyone). ARKANOID DS is rated E (Everyone). Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website at www.esrb.org for more information about ratings.

    SPACE INVADERS EXTREME will be available at North American retailers for the suggested retail price of $19.99 (USD).

    ARKANOID DS will be available at North American retailers for the suggested retail price of $19.99 (USD).


    About TAITO Corporation

    TAITO Corp. (TAITO) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Co., Ltd. With headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, TAITO operates core businesses such as game arcade operations, coin-operated game machines, and mobile phone content services. A seminal part of gaming history, TAITO caused a worldwide sensation with its arcade legend, SPACE INVADERS, and developed such fan favorites as EXIT™ and ARKANOID. Today, TAITO continues to thrill game lovers of all generations by offering both classic and new family-oriented titles on the latest gaming platforms. TAITO delivers a wide range of entertainment experiences with the goal of providing consumers with fresh surprises and new discoveries. More information on TAITO can be found on the Internet at http://www.taito.co.jp/english.

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

    Square Enix Co., Ltd. (Square Enix), with headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, develops, publishes and distributes entertainment content including interactive entertainment software and publications in Asia, North America and Europe. Square Enix brings two of Japan's best-selling franchises — FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 80 million units worldwide, and DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 43 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. 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.

    ARKANOID, EXIT, SPACE INVADERS, SPACE INVADERS EXTREME, TAITO and the TAITO logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of TAITO Corp in the United States and/or other countries. DRAGON QUEST, FINAL FANTASY, SQUARE ENIX and the SQUARE ENIX logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd., in the United States and/or other countries. Nintendo DS is a trademark of Nintendo. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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