NA Press Releases

Square Enix announced today the ability for players to post achievements and trophies on Facebook® as they journey through FINAL FANTASY® XIII–2, now available at retailers.

For the first time in FINAL FANTASY history, players can keep friends up-to-date with their gaming experience via a direct link to Facebook. Once players are introduced to the Historia Crux, they will have the chance to upload information about their progress: including current party setup, monsters collected, battle scores and more.

FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 Key Features

1. A New Tale Awaits
   FINAL FANTASY XIII–2 will reveal further events from the amazing mythology as presented in the original FINAL FANTASY XIII. The story is written in a way that it can still be enjoyed without playing the previous title.
2. Larger, More Interactive Environments
   Places with multiple pathways to explore and many secrets to find offer players the chance to shape their own adventure.
3. Time Travel – A New Dimension of Exploration
   The situation, scenery, flora, fauna and weather conditions all change, depending on when you visit locations. Untangling the threads of time is essential to experience the full story.
4. Enhanced Battle System
   New elements, such as visually dynamic Cinematic Action sequences and the Mog Clock that rewards players for their actions, create further variety and choice for the player.
5. Master of Monsters
   A wide variety of more than 150 different monsters inhabiting the game world can be recruited into the player's party and battle strategy, with each creature having unique and devastating special abilities.

ABOUT FINAL FANTASY

Since the release of FINAL FANTASY in 1987, this unique RPG series continues to showcase the spectacular visuals, highly imaginative worlds and rich stories leading the industry and earning the highest accolades from users around the world. Titles of the series have so far achieved a cumulative shipment of over 100 million units worldwide (as of June 2011).

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About Square Enix

Square Enix, Inc. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content throughout the Americas as part of the Square Enix Group. The Square Enix Group operates a global network of leading development studios and boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property, including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 100 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 59 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 35 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix, Inc. is a U.S.-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

More information on Square Enix, Inc. can be found at http://www.square-enix.com/na/.

February 6, 2012 — SEATTLE — The Merchant Risk Council's (MRC) Gamer Safety Alliance today announces the inaugural Gamer Safety Week (GSW) beginning February 6 and ending February 12. Ten global companies including Electronic Arts, En Masse Entertainment, Microsoft, MindCandy, NCsoft West, Nexon America, Sony Online Entertainment, Square Enix, and Turbine, are partnering to provide gaming fans and customers information and resources to ensure a safer and more enjoyable gaming experience.

"We pulled together some of the world's top online entertainment companies and created the Gamer Safety Alliance to foster a greater awareness of safe gaming principles and best practices," said Steve Levy, Global Director of Publishing for NCsoft and founding member of the Gamer Safety Alliance. "The goal of Gamer Safety Week is to reach as many gamers as possible to inform and educate about how to have fun in a safe way."

As part of Gamer Safety Week, each member company will be sharing tips and tactics for customers, focusing on universal principles for online safety:

1. Contact:
   Be thoughtful about who you communicate with and only engage with those that you trust. Utilize communications tools for you and your family. Don’t communicate sensitive information with those that you don’t know.
2. Conduct:
   Practice good digital citizenship! Be respectful of others, don’t post harmful or hurtful material, and have fun Know the proper steps to keep your accounts secure — use different strong passwords across multiple sites and never provide your password to anyone else (regardless of their claims).
3. Content:
   Most games have ratings and descriptions of the content. Use this information to play games that are appropriate for you and your family. Check out ESRB in the United States, PEGI for most of Europe, or your local ratings agency for more information.

By presenting these general tips across different gaming publishers, as well as tips specific to each company's offerings, it is the intent of the Gamer Safety Alliance to create a week where all gamers can learn about and practice safer online habits.

"Each GSA member company works hard to provide safe and enjoyable experiences for customers. Safety is a two–way street, though, and we also want to provide information and best practices for our communities to leverage," said Doug Park, Director of Online Safety for Microsoft’s Interactive Entertainment Business and Director of the Gamer Safety Alliance. "Applying simple safety tips and tactics maximizes enjoyment and can help minimize potential issues."

Anyone who is interested in learning more online safety tips and tactics is encouraged to visit the educational content posted on the following member websites:

1. Electronic Arts: EA
2. En Masse Entertainment: Tera Online
3. Microsoft: Xbox Security and Get Game Smart
4. MindCandy: MindCandy
5. NCsoft West: PlaySmart
6. Nexon America: Nexon
7. Sony Online Entertainment: SOE
8. Square Enix: Square Enix Support Center
9. Turbine: Best Practices in Online Security

About the Gamer Safety Alliance

Established in 2009, the Gamer Safety Alliance is a cross–industry effort to break down traditional competitive barriers and share information and best practices within the computer and video game industry. "As a global trade association uniting online retailers and gamers, card brands, law enforcement agencies and solution providers to make the internet a preferred and safe place to shop and play, the MRC fully supports the Gamer Safety Alliance and its proactive efforts in promoting safer gaming practices and educating its users on the latest gaming safety tips," said Greg Goeckner, Executive Director of the MRC. "Online gaming's fast–growing importance as an entertainment vertical is truly unparalleled and undeniable." Members network with similarly focused company representatives from around the globe and include Electronic Arts, En Masse Entertainment, Microsoft, MindCandy, NCsoft West, Nexon America, Sony Online Entertainment, Square Enix, and Turbine.

WHAT: Square Enix Inc. today announced, for one week only, Xbox LIVE® customers can purchase a number of classic and recently released SQUARE ENIX® titles and items at discounted prices. Sale highlights include up to 50% off mission packs and avatars for the 2011 blockbuster release, DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION™; and 50% off the LARA CROFT AND THE GUARDIAN OF LIGHT® game.

RELATED LINKS: For more information on the games and items included in the SQUARE ENIX sale, please visit: http://www.xbox.com/en-US/Marketplace/Sales-and-Specials

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 8, 2012) — Square Enix London Studios, a part of the Square Enix Group announces Sleeping Dogs™, a gritty open–world cop drama set in the vibrant city of Hong Kong. Developed by United Front Games in collaboration with Square Enix London Studios, Sleeping Dogs will be available in the second half of 2012 for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows PC.

Sleeping Dogs catapults players into the role of undercover cop Wei Shen, tasked with taking down one of the world’s most fearsome criminal organisations from the inside... the Hong Kong Triads. As players explore the bustling and crowded Hong Kong island, through its neon–lit side streets and sprawling street markets, an incredible story unfolds of loyalty and betrayal where Wei begins to question his own motives as he is sucked in deeper than he could ever imagine.

Offering players an island packed with action, every street corner, market stall, harbor dock or city skyscraper can become an opportunity for intense shoot-outs, adrenaline–fuelled street races and intense, brutal martial arts combat. Featuring one of the most intuitive and imaginative combat systems, Sleeping Dogs empowers players to perform an extensive set of martial arts moves, singlehandedly taking on numerous opponents. Players perform bone–crunching kicks and combos, vicious counters and a cinematic set of environmental takedowns making use of countless real–world items from circular saws to phone booths, incinerators to refrigerator doors.

"From the moment you pick up the controller and experience the blend of driving, close combat and shooting you know you're playing something fresh and a bit special," said Lee Singleton, general manager of Square Enix London Studios. "Sleeping Dogs has one of the best melee combat systems out there — it’s super brutal with devastating takedown moves, and when added to UFG's proven heritage in driving games, a first class story and the vibrant backdrop of the Hong Kong underworld we get a fiery recipe with fun written all over it."

"Working on Sleeping Dogs has been such a huge passion for the team at United Front Games and we're really pleased to be working with Square Enix London Studios," said Stephen Van Der Mescht, executive producer at United Front Games. "The extensive experience that both studios have in creating compelling open world gameplay and rich, rewarding combat makes for a perfect partnership. Working together we're ensuring Sleeping Dogs is the most intense and immersive game it can be."

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About Square Enix London Studios

Square Enix London Studios is part of Square Enix Europe, sitting within Square Enix’s European head office in Wimbledon, South West London. The studio is focussed on bringing to market games from some of the world’s most successful and talented independent development teams. Previous games include award–winning titles such as BATMAN: ARKHAM ASYLUM™ with Rocksteady Studios and JUST CAUSE® 2 with Avalanche Studios.

About Square Enix

Square Enix, Inc. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content throughout the Americas as part of the Square Enix Group. The Square Enix Group operates a global network of leading development studios and boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property, including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 100 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 59 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 35 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix, Inc. is a U.S.-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

More information on Square Enix, Inc. can be found at http://www.square-enix.com/na/.

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 9, 2012) — TAITO Corporation (TAITO®), a wholly–owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd., today announced the worldwide release of DARIUSBURST™ SECOND PROLOGUE for iPhone®, iPod® touch, and iPad®. Available for download from the App Store™, the science fiction shooter combines elements from both its console and arcade game predecessors, and is the first edition of DARIUSBURST™ to be released abroad.

A Next Gen Shooting Game!

DARIUSBURST SECOND PROLOGUE is the latest installment in a series that began with the release of the original DARIUS™ arcade game in 1986. (DARIUS was sold in some territories under the title SAGAIA™.) Chronicling the struggle to save the planet Darius from the invading Belser Army, the series' aquatic–themed boss enemies and branching stage design quickly gathered a devoted following. The franchise experienced a long–awaited revival in 2009, with the release of DARIUSBURST for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system. The latest game, DARIUSBURST SECOND PROLOGUE, incorporates elements from both DARIUSBURST and its arcade follow–up DARIUSBURST ANOTHER CHRONICLE, delivering the definitive portable DARIUS experience.

Featuring Smartphone–Exclusive Features, Retina Graphics, and Game Center Support!

Far from a simple conversion, special care has been taken to ensure the most optimal iPhone experience possible. In addition to an updated version of the original PSP system DARIUSBURST game, this version includes a "remixed" SP Mode featuring new enemy attack patterns and two new boss battles featuring enemies from DARIUSBURST ANOTHER CHRONICLE. The Silver Hawk ships seen in the PSP system edition are all present and accounted for, and are joined by the new Assault Silver Hawk. First seen in DARIUSBURST ANOTHER CHRONICLE EX, the Assault Silver Hawk’s special defense system makes it ideal for newcomers to the shooting genre and those seeking a more casual experience.

DARIUSBURST SECOND PROLOGUE boasts gorgeous Retina graphics and full iPad compatibility; no pixel doubling necessary. The touch controls are both intuitive and stress-free, and the screen layout is fully customizable, allowing players to adjust the button layout to suit their personal preferences. Also unique to the iPhone edition are four all-new tracks by TAITO's popular ZUNTATA sound team, and an in–game visual catalog containing unlockable design illustrations and character models. Game Center support rounds out the package, with 59 challenging achievements and a variety of global leaderboards.

TAITO will continue to release high-quality games that take full advantage of the iPhone and iPod touch's individual characteristics.

Details

DARIUSBURST SECOND PROLOGUE

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About TAITO Corporation

TAITO Corporation (TAITO) is a wholly–owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings 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 PUZZLE BOBBLE® (BUST–A–MOVE®) 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.com/.

About Square Enix

Square Enix, Inc. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content throughout the Americas as part of the Square Enix Group. The Square Enix Group operates a global network of leading development studios and boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property, including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 100 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 59 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 35 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix, Inc. is a U.S.-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

More information on Square Enix, Inc. can be found at http://www.square-enix.com/na/.

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 16, 2012) — Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in the Americas, today announced that the same–day serialization service of the popular comic SOUL EATER NOT! in Japan and North America has been launched.

The comic SOUL EATER NOT! is currently published in Japan in the comic magazine, Monthly Shonen GANGAN (released on the 12th of each month), and will be published in the online comic via YEN PLUS (operated by the Hachette Book Group in North America) on the same day as Japan. Generally, translated releases in other countries are released long after the original is published in Japan. However, due to popular demand, SOUL EATER NOT! will be the only monthly serialized comic in Japan to offer this service in North America.

This marks a huge stepping stone for Square Enix, and the company is putting its efforts into further global expansion of manga. Square Enix will continue to deliver a variety of content to customers worldwide through various forms of media.

About SOUL EATER NOT!

Created by the artist, Atsushi Ohkubo, SOUL EATER NOT! is a popular spinoff of SOUL EATER, that has sold over 10 million units worldwide. SOUL EATER NOT! is published on the 12th of each month in the Japanese publication, Monthly Shonen GANGAN.

Subscription service is available for SOUL EATER NOT! through the following link for $2.99 each month: http://www.yenpress.com/yenplus/

About Square Enix, Inc.

Square Enix, Inc. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content throughout the Americas as part of the Square Enix Group. The Square Enix Group operates a global network of leading development studios and boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property, including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 100 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 59 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 35 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix, Inc. is a U.S.-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

More information on Square Enix, Inc. can be found at http://www.square-enix.com/na/.

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 16, 2012) — Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in the Americas today announced the downloadable episode 'Sazh: Heads or Tails?' will be available at the end of the month for FINAL FANTASY® XIII–2. The episode will be released February 28 via Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft priced at 400 Microsoft Points, and on February 28 via PlayStation®Network for the PlayStation®3 system priced at $4.99.

Players will have the ability to take control of Sazh, the popular character from FINAL FANTASY® XIII, in a story that runs parallel to the main storyline. Once complete, the player is rewarded with the option of adding Sazh to their party. The downloadable content also includes two new card games, Chronobind and Serendipity Poker, in Serendepity, the Casino–style area that appears in the game in the second chapter and beyond.

Additionally, new outfits for both Noel and Serah will also be made available next week. Noel's Spacetime Guardian outfit and Serah's Beachwear outfit will be available on February 28 via Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for Xbox 360 priced at 240 Microsoft Points, and on February 28 via PlayStation®Network for the PlayStation®3 system priced at $2.99. The player has the ability to access the outfits at any point in the game via the main menu.

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 22, 2012) — Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in the Americas today announced Army Corps of Hell™ is now available at retailers and via digital download from the PlayStation®Store. Players can now face the ultimate battle for hell exclusively for the PlayStation®Vita system.

Army Corps of Hell distinguishes itself from the rest of the PS Vita system lineup with its gut–spilling battles, over–the–top humor and heavy metal music. As the King of Hell, players control an army of a hundred goblins of three classes: Soldiers, Magi and Spearmen. Each goblin class has various abilities to defeat a host of enemies to help the King of Hell reclaim his throne. In Army Corps of Hell, players and their friends can take full advantage of the ad–hoc multiplayer system and the unique control features of the PS Vita system to experience war like never before!

Square Enix also announced that free downloadable content (DLC) will be available, allowing players to equip the goblin soldiers and make battles even more viciously fun! The "Pumpkin Equipment Set" will be available starting February 28. Additional scheduled DLC includes the "Frog Equipment Set" on March 13 and the "Bunny Ears Equipment Set" on April 3.

Features

1. Command massive goblin armies – Annihilate your enemies by controlling an army of a hundred goblin soldiers with assorted classes and abilities. Restore the King of Hell's control, empower his army to take on all comers and reclaim his place as the ruler of the underworld!
2. Unleash the PS Vita system! – Use the rear touch pad to command your goblins to play instruments, each activating special properties. Revive your hero, rejuvenate your soldiers and inspire your army to increase their strength! Skillful play will be rewarded with significant benefits and a greater edge against the demon horde.
3. Reap the spoils of war to outfit your corps – Combine materials dropped by fallen foes to create nearly a hundred different weapons for your troops. Customize your corps' equipment and items to change the look and upgrade the abilities of your goblin soldiers and the King of Hell.
4. Team up with friends and increase the challenge – Play with up to four players via ad–hoc multiplayer and face tougher bosses to acquire rare items!

Product Summary

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About Square Enix

Square Enix, Inc. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content throughout the Americas as part of the Square Enix Group. The Square Enix Group operates a global network of leading development studios and boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property, including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 100 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 59 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 35 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix, Inc. is a U.S.-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

More information on Square Enix, Inc. can be found at http://www.square-enix.com/na/.

WHAT: Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in the Americas, announced today that the highly anticipated FINAL FANTASY TACTICS®: THE WAR OF THE LIONS®, which has received global acclaim on several platforms, is now available for the iPad®.

FINAL FANTASY TACTICS was released for the PlayStation® in 1997 and sold over 2.4 million copies worldwide. The game's popularity expanded when it was re–released in 2007 as FINAL FANTASY TACTICS: THE WAR OF THE LIONS for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system with added features such as new cut scenes, scenarios and jobs. The iPhone® and iPod® touch version was released late last year, and now players can enjoy the world of Ivalice and tactical battles on the iPad.

WHEN: Now Available

WHERE: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/final-fantasy-tactics-war/id500098096?mt=8

MSRP: $17.99

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LOS ANGELES (Feb. 29, 2012) — Embark on a mystical journey through the magical World of Twelve as Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in the Americas, and ANKAMA, an independent digital creation group and developer, today announce the North American launch of their tactical massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), WAKFU® for PC, Mac and Linux.

Now available as a free download from the official site www.wakfu.com/na, WAKFU also offers a monthly subscription fee of $6.00 that gives players access to premium content. Premium members have the ability to reach the highest levels, explore all available game areas and story chapters, master all 16 professions, create and join guilds and even become the next governor. In addition, both free and premium monthly membership players will have access to WAKFU's microtransaction–based store to purchase cosmetic items and a variety of exclusive content and services post launch all of which will continue to enhance a player’s experience.

"The talented team at ANKAMA has done an exceptional job at taking a traditional MMO and transforming it into a breathtaking episodic excursion," said Jason Herczeg, vice president of online at Square Enix. "ANKAMA is the ideal partner for Square Enix as we evolve to provide top tier, service–oriented content across all devices and platforms to our passionate community."

"Empowering the player and putting them in control of their own destiny throughout their journey makes for an unforgettable MMO adventure," added Anthony Roux, chief executive officer at ANKAMA. "The game has been a labor of love for everyone on the development team and we are thrilled to finally share our special creation for all to enjoy."

With 12 distinct, completely customizable character classes to select from and a variety of missions and turn–based combat to engage in, WAKFU takes place in a vibrant and immersive world where players' choices are paramount and actions directly impact a continuously evolving ecosystem. Featuring a rich political system, players can defend their nation against enemy attacks, conquer new territories, vote, elect government officials and even run for governor!

Related Links

About Square Enix

Square Enix, Inc. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content throughout the Americas as part of the Square Enix Group. The Square Enix Group operates a global network of leading development studios and boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property, including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 100 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 59 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 35 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix, Inc. is a U.S.-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

More information on Square Enix, Inc. can be found at http://www.square-enix.com/na/.