LONDON (Apr. 4, 2012) — Square Enix LTD., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in Europe and across PAL territories, today announced that two brands from different realms: fashion and video gaming, have come together in the latest issue of Arena Homme+ where characters from the recent game FINAL FANTASY® XIII–2 showcase Prada's 2012 Spring/Summer men's collection as part of the 25th Anniversary celebration of the FINAL FANTASY series.

In the latest issue of Arena Homme+, which goes on sale April 12, a cast of characters from FINAL FANTASY XIII–2 including Lightning, Noel, Snow, Sazh and Hope are styled for action as they step out of their usual outfits and into Prada.

"Our Spring issue focuses on a world of direction and escapism, and having a visually stunning videogame franchise such as FINAL FANTASY work alongside us and a leading fashion brand like Prada to create something so unique is incredible," said Max Pearmain, Editor of Arena Homme+. "I've always been interested by the power of videogames and their place in society, and the amount of work that's gone into this project blows my mind. We're incredibly pleased with the result."

“The FINAL FANTASY series is known for its creativity and innovation; so working with Prada, a renowned fashion house with such beautiful clothing was a very exciting opportunity. The images we have been able to create together are vibrant and unique," said Yoshinori Kitase, producer of FINAL FANTASY XIII-2.

The CGI (computer generated imagery) transformation was a task that was undertaken by Square Enix's world leading Visual Works studio in Japan, working alongside the FINAL FANTASY character designers. The 12–page feature includes key looks from Prada's Spring/Summer '12 men's collection, regarded by many as one the best of the season, with key pieces including printed silk shirts and sharp modern suiting.

The article that accompanies the images in the magazine is written by British journalist and author Steven Poole. Steven is a literary columnist for the Guardian and a respected videogame industry veteran, primarily recognized for penning the well–known book on the aesthetics of videogames called Trigger Happy, as well as his monthly column in the UK’s world–renowned videogame magazine, EDGE.

COPYRIGHT INFORMATION

Image copyright: "Produced for Arena Homme+ ©2011, 2012 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. CHARACTER DESIGN: TETSUYA NOMURA"

Arena Homme+ RRP: £6.00

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).

Title:	FINAL FANTASY XIII–2
Platform:	Xbox 360®, PlayStation®3 system
Genre:	RPG
Release date:	Available now
MSRP:	$59.99
ESRB Rating:	T (Teen)
Website:	http://na.square-enix.com/ffxiii-2

About Arena Homme+

Launched in 1993, Arena Homme Plus is the world's leading men's fashion magazine, and the original men's bi–annual title, working with leading international fashion photographers, writers, artists, stylist and commentators.

About Square Enix Ltd.

Square Enix Ltd., a part of the Square Enix Europe business unit, develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content in Europe and other PAL territories as part of the Square Enix Group. Square Enix Ltd. also has a global network of leading development studios such as IO Interactive™, Crystal Dynamics® and Eidos Montréal. The Square Enix Group 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 and TOMB RAIDER® which has sold over 35 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix Ltd. is a London–based, wholly–owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

More information on Square Enix Ltd. can be found at http://www.square-enix.com/eu/en/.