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November 18, 2009

HIGHLY ANTICIPATED PUZZLE RPG GYROMANCER AVAILABLE TODAY

A Collaborative Gem from PopCap and Square Enix for Xbox LIVE Arcade and STEAM
LOS ANGELES (November 18, 2009) — Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in North America, announced today that hybrid puzzle-RPG GYROMANCER™ is now available globally for Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and STEAM®. Developed by the creative efforts of Square Enix and PopCap, GYROMANCER delivers an inspired take on traditional match-3 puzzle gameplay by incorporating RPG elements. Players utilize summoned monsters to battle enemies via stunning and challenging puzzle encounters.

"We couldn't be more excited by the launch of GYROMANCER — a collaborative project that brings together an incredible storyline, compelling puzzle-RPG elements and the highest production values," stated Jason Kapalka, co-founder and chief creative officer at PopCap.  "In developing the game, we did some early prototypes of the puzzle engine at PopCap, then Square Enix took over on the bulk of development, fleshing out the RPG components, and of course, adding all the incredible artwork and music. From my point of view, it's been truly fascinating to watch Square Enix work, and equally gratifying to see the concept of 'FINAL FANTASY plus Bejeweled' actually come to life."


Assume the role of a rebel faction leader named Rivel, a summoner who has ventured deep into the enchanted Aldemona Wood to hunt a bounty. Players will be deeply challenged to solve compelling puzzles and achieve a range of objectives while defeating massive beasts – all within an allotted time. Along the way, they will earn great rewards for completing these feats while entrenched in a rich and engaging storyline.



STORY
Rivel, leader of the rebel faction Temperance, and sorcerer vessel of the Godseye, follows Qraist, the countslayer, into the enchanted Aldemona Wood. For Rivel, the woods hold the key to his locked memories. For Qraist, the woods hold his calling – to be his master. Unbeknownst to either, the nefarious Everett watches quietly from the shadows. Within this enchanted place, severed from the outside world by ritual, lie mysteries and answers, knowledge and wonder. Each enters in search of something — but what is it they will find?


FEATURES
  • Assume the role of Rivel, a deadly mage, as he rids Aldemona Wood of a brooding darkness through over 10 compelling game stages
  • Experience an all-new battle system based on the popular puzzle game Bejeweled™ Twist
  • Command over 50 unique beasts! Powerful new beasts can be acquired as players gain levels in battle
  • Search the map for items, coins and new beasts to join Rivel's fight
  • Participate in the online ranking system to register high scores


GYROMANCER is rated T (Teen). Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website at www.esrb.org for more information about ratings. GYROMANCER is available via Xbox LIVE Arcade and STEAM for 1200 Microsoft Points / $14.99. The official website can be found at http://dlgames.square-enix.com/gyromancer/.


Information about downloadable add-on content will be announced at a later time.


About Square Enix Co., Ltd. and Square Enix, Inc.
Square Enix Co., Ltd. (Square Enix), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd., 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 85 million units worldwide, and DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 50 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 Holdings 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.

About PopCap
PopCap Games (www.popcap.com) is the leading multi-platform provider of fun, easy-to-learn, captivating video games that appeal to everyone from age 6 to 106. Based in Seattle, Washington, PopCap was founded in 2000 and has a worldwide staff of over 240 people in Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago, Vancouver, B.C., Dublin, and Shanghai. Its games have been downloaded more than 1 billion times by consumers worldwide, and its flagship title, Bejeweled®, has sold more than 25 million units across all platforms. Constantly acclaimed by consumers and critics, PopCap's games are played on the Web, desktop computers, myriad mobile devices (cell phones, smartphones, PDAs, Pocket PCs, iPod, iPhone and more), popular game consoles (such as Xbox, PlayStation and DS), and in-flight entertainment systems. PopCap is the only "casual games" developer with leading market share across all major sales channels, including Web portals, retail stores, mobile phones, MP3 players, and game devices.

DRAGON QUEST, FINAL FANTASY, SQUARE ENIX and the SQUARE ENIX logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd. GYROMANCER is a trademark of Square Enix Co. Ltd. in the United States and/or other countries. Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies and are used under license from owner. STEAM is a registered trademark of Valve Corporation.

The PopCap logo and all other trademarks used herein that are listed at www.popcap.com/trademarks are owned by PopCap Games, Inc. or its licensors and may be registered in some countries. Other company and product names used herein may be trademarks of their respective owners and are used for the benefit of those owners.

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