Final Fantasy III to head to Europe in Spring

London (December 5th 2006) – Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces the forthcoming release of FINAL FANTASY® III on the Nintendo DS™ handheld system for Spring 2007.

Originally available only in Japan for the Famicom (known in Europe as the Nintendo Entertainment System®), for Western gamers FINAL FANTASY III is considered the missing title in the world-renowned series. Now, 17 years after its Japanese debut, European fans will be able to savour the legendary adventure for the first time.

“Until now, FINAL FANTASY III has seen no remakes or appearances on other platforms since its original release in April 1990,” said Hiromichi Tanaka, Director and Executive Producer of FINAL FANTASY III. “Due to the game’s age, a direct port may seem a bit dated, but now FINAL FANTASY III has been made anew on the Nintendo DS platform, including new graphics in 3D, rebalanced jobs, and brand new characterisation 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 localised, we are very pleased to bring FINAL FANTASY to players in Europe. We hope that not only FINAL FANTASY fans, but a wide variety of players in Europe enjoys the new FINAL FANTASY III.”

With an innovative interface that utilises the DS Touch Screen along with the advanced Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection capabilities, players can now experience the title that introduced the popular moogles, summons and the dynamic job system to the FINAL FANTASY series.

About FINAL FANTASY III

-The 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:

* The missing link in the evolution of FINAL FANTASY is unveiled – experience a tale untold
* A dynamic job-changing system allows for more than 279,000 party variations
* The Touch Screen interface seamlessly utilizes the Nintendo DS capabilities – explore dungeons, dispatch foes and cast spells using the DS stylus
* A complete visual overhaul breathes new life into a classic with colourful 3D graphics
* Take advantage of both the wireless local area connection and Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection to access the Mognet and communicate with other players as well as NPCs and uncover hidden dungeons, quests and items
* Character designer Akihiko Yoshida of the award-winning and critically acclaimed FINAL FANTASY XII lends his talents by designing the four main characters

GamesPress