Gamersnewsbits.com

Partnership with World-Renowned Fantasy Videogame Includes Visibility Throughout the Game and at NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by adidas

NEW YORK, Feb. 8, 2010 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Square Enix Inc. (Square Enix) today announced a promotional partnership that will make FINAL FANTASY® XIII – the latest in the world-renowned action-packed role-playing videogame series that has shipped more than 92 million units – the presenting partner of the 2010 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game.

As the presenting partner of the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, FINAL FANTASY XIII will have prominent exposure throughout Center Court at NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by adidas, where the game will be played. The role-playing videogame, which features futuristic characters and gameplay, will receive significant presence during the broadcast on ESPN, which will televise the NBA All-Star event for the sixth consecutive year. There will also be a dedicated FINAL FANTASY XIII area at NBA All-Star Jam Session where fans will be able to preview the videogame, which will be available for both PlayStation®3 and the Xbox 360® on March 9, 2010.

“FINAL FANTASY XIII ,the next evolution in videogame entertainment, will appeal to first time players and series fans alike,” said John Yamamoto, President and CEO of Square Enix, Inc., “We are delighted to be the presenting partner at the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game and give fans a chance to experience the most highly anticipated game of the year before it launches on March 9.”

“FINAL FANTASY is a storied brand in the videogame category and this partnership will bring an exciting new element to this year’s NBA All-Star Celebrity Game,” said Mark Tatum, NBA Executive Vice President of Marketing Partnerships. “A good portion of our fanbase overlaps with the young, videogame-playing audience, so it is a natural fit for us to partner with a leading franchise like FINAL FANTASY around one of our marquee All-Star events.”

The 2010 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game presented by FINAL FANTASY XIII will tip off on Friday, Feb. 12 at 7:00 p.m. EST/ 6:00 p.m. CST from NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by adidas inside the Dallas Convention Center. This year’s celebrity participants will include a cast of players from film, TV, and music who will be outfitted in retro 1986 NBA All-Star uniforms paying tribute to NBA All-Star 1986 in Dallas. The game will also feature former NBA players and current WNBA players.

FINAL FANTASY XIII marks the dawning of a new era for the celebrated franchise, bringing the series to multiple high-definition consoles simultaneously for the first time in its history. The series is defined by a constant evolution, offering nothing less than the finest creative vision, graphical quality and gameplay system of its generation with every installment, and FINAL FANTASY XIII will be no exception to its legacy.

Coming April 27th to 360 and PS3. This one looks interesting.

NIER is a unique “Action-RPG” for PlayStation 3 system and Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, which represents the next epic story from the renowned RPG masters at Square Enix. 

Developed by cavia Inc, NIER blends both innovative and traditional RPG gameplay mechanics with an intense, bloody combat system to create an action-packed single-player experience where players explore and discover a future lost to a shadowy past.

NIER delivers on Square Enix’s renowned pedigree for creating unique and twisting storylines coupled with deep character development – a pedigree that has kept gamers around the world enraptured for decades.

In NIER, nothing is as it seems as players are kept guessing from beginning to end by elaborate plotlines and cliff-hangers that reveal a complex reality hidden behind the illusion.

Players will jump into the title role of the unyielding Nier as he begins his desperate quest to discover a cure for his daughter, Yonah, who is stricken with the deadly Black Scrawl disease.  Armed with a powerful set of magical abilities as well as mighty swords and armor, Nier will do battle alongside a set of formidable allies against waves of dark enemies and giant bosses to discover the truth about the disease, his daughter…and himself.

FEATURES

• The Next RPG from Square Enix: NIER, the newest franchise from RPG masters Square Enix, delivers unique and memorable characters, intense action-packed battles, explosive magic and storytelling like only Square Enix can.
• Unbelievable Story Twists and Reveals:  Immerse in an amazingly intricate storyline set in a world plagued by human anguish, buried secrets and a ravaging disease.  With plot twists hiding around every corner, NIER’s story needs to be seen to be believed.
• RPG Gameplay Injected With Action-Packed Combat:  Battle ferocious and mysterious enemies by combining proven RPG-style gameplay, such as magic, character development and faithful allies, with action-focused explosive swordplay and combat.
• Powerful Magical Abilities:  When his sword isn’t enough, Nier can call on a remarkable array of stylish and powerful spells to augment his combat moves and overcome adversaries.  As players progress, upgraded spells will help defeat ever-more-deadly enemies.
• Brutal Combat Moves:  Face off against evil creatures and unleash brutal combat moves along with devastating combo attacks.  Unlock an arsenal of devastating weapons, each with its own design and attack style.
• Formidable Allies: Travel with a dynamic party of allies and do battle against monstrous giants as a powerful and united party.
• A Dynamic and Stunning World:  Travel across an unforgettable world filled with dynamic landscapes featuring the hauntingly familiar remains of modern society.

Square Enix announced today that the official FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: THE CRYSTAL BEARERS Fan Site Kit (FSK) is now available for download at http://www.thecrystalbearers.com/.

The FSK (10 MB) includes all the materials bloggers and webmasters will need to create a compelling Crystal Chronicles-themed Web site, including artwork, characters, icons, monsters, screenshots and logos. FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: THE CRYSTAL BEARERS, the highly anticipated action-adventure game, will be available this winter, exclusively for Nintendo Wii.

About FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: THE CRYSTAL BEARERS

FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: THE CRYSTAL BEARERS provides a fresh take on the FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES series as it combines the storytelling depth, expansive world and graphical quality of FINAL FANTASY with motion-driven, real-time action gameplay. In this world, realistic gameplay and fantastical art direction are brought together for a truly unique experience for Wii users around the globe.

Story

A thousand years have passed since the events of the original FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES. The destruction of the Yuke Crystal during the Great War had at once brought the victorious Lilty Tribe prosperity, the defeated Yuke Tribe apparent annihilation and the world a new age of science and reason. In this new era exists a rare breed of powerful beings called “crystal bearers,” whose seemingly magical abilities have led them to be feared and scorned by the public. The young mercenary Layle is one such crystal bearer, who has been hired to escort the new passenger airship Alexis, the pinnacle of Lilty technology and a symbol of their current dominance. However, when the Alexis is suddenly besieged by a horde of monsters, Layle comes face-to-face with an adversary thought to have vanished from the pages of history that’s on a quest that may threaten the future of the world.

For more information, visit the official site at http://www.thecrystalbearers.com/.

ESRB: Not Yet Rated
Ship Date: October 21, 2008
STAR OCEAN: Second Evolution™
ESRB: Not Yet Rated
Ship Date: January 6, 2009
Developer: SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system
Genre: RPG
*These titles will be released as two separate products

Following the exploits of humankind’s journey across the stars, the STAR OCEAN saga comes to life in the completely remastered STAR OCEAN: First Departure and STAR OCEAN: Second Evolution, exclusively for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system. Both feature a revised game engine, an improved battle system and fully voiced, all-new animated scenes displayed in 16:9 widescreen. And with a newly added layer of character interaction, players can enjoy their journey into the rich STAR OCEAN universe like never before.

STORY STAR OCEAN: First Departure
Space Date 346: The crew of a Terran Federation ship arrives on the planet Roak. With the help of a stalwart band of local heroes, the crew must work together to unravel a mystery and halt a galactic war. STAR OCEAN: First Departure marks the first time that the initial instalment in the popular STAR OCEAN franchise is available in North America.

STAR OCEAN: Second Evolution
Space Date 366: A young Federation officer finds himself transported to a mystical planet, where he is suddenly anointed as the Hero of Light. He begins a journey to fulfill a prophecy and save a newfound race. STAR OCEAN: Second Evolution continues the STAR OCEAN saga!

FEATURES
• Completely rebuilt for the PSP system, with real-time battles that keep players immersed in the action
• STAR OCEAN: First Departure, the entry that started it all, now available to North American audiences for the first time
• Brand-new, fully voiced animated cut-scenes provided by anime powerhouse Production I.G
• The private action system adds depth to the story, introducing riveting subplots between characters

Developer: tri-Ace Inc.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform:
Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft
Genre: RPG
ESRB: Not Yet Rated
Ship Date: Spring 2009

STAR OCEAN: THE LAST HOPE is the latest entry in the futuristic space opera RPG series, STAR OCEAN. Science fiction and fantasy meld in this long-awaited continuation of the celebrated franchise from developer tri-Ace Inc.

STORY
The year is S.D. 10. In the aftermath of World War III, humanity voyages into the stars in search of a new home…and a second chance.

FEATURES
• A prequel that combines sci-fi and fantasy elements, spanning multiple planets and the vastness of space itself to recount the origins of the STAR OCEAN universe
• Exhilarating combat expands upon the franchise’s famous real-time battle system, including the amazing graphics and visual effects only possible on the Xbox 360
• Features breathtaking CG movies by Visual Works, the cutting-edge studio whose previous work includes cut scenes for the acclaimed FINAL FANTASY RPG series

Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: iPod nano with video, iPod classic and fifth generation iPod
Genre: Role-Playing
Launch Date: Available now
Price: 4.99 USD (iTunes® Store download)

SONG SUMMONER: The Unsung Heroes is a Role-Playing Game that transforms your iPod® songs into powerful “Tune Troopers” that you can control in battle! As the protagonist Ziggy, you will embark on an epic journey to rescue your brother from the clutches of the Mechanical Militia! Intriguing characters, an epic story and a tactics-based battle system combine for a rich RPG experience previously only available on home and handheld game consoles.

Story
From the days of old, Melodica was a land of music, a land of freedom. The people sang, played and danced to the music they so cherished. Until one day, they came — the Mechanoids, who enhanced their bodies with machinery. Those who were tempted by greed and power willingly gave away their souls for bodies of steel, forsaking their humanity to become cold, emotionless automatons. Now, they seek to destroy all that do not embrace their way of life.

But there is hope on the horizon. There are those who are fated to stand against the tyranny of the machines — the Superstars, who can turn sound into lethal weapons, and the Conductor, also known as the Song Summoner, who can summon powerful warriors born of music.

In their most desperate hour, Melodica awaits the arrival of their new Song Summoner…

Features
• Transform your iPod songs into “Tune Troopers” to combat the evil Mechanical Militia.
• Tune Trooper types and abilities are determined by the songs used to create them.
• Your Tune Troopers can be powered up even outside of the game-just by listening to the songs you used to create them!
• Control Ziggy, a “Conductor” that creates warriors out of music, and guide him through his journey to save his brother Zero from the Mechanical Militia.
• Experience a turn-based tactics battle system, divided into player and enemy phases where each side takes turns maneuvering their forces.
• Deploy the right troopers at the right time, and use contraptions found on the map effectively to achieve victory in battle!
• iPod Click Wheel allows players to play the game as easily as selecting music.

Developer: tri-Ace Inc.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform:
Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft (Exclusive)
Genre: RPG
ESRB: T (Teen)
Ship Date: September 2, 2008

INFINITE UNDISCOVERY is the newest fantasy RPG developed by tri-Ace Inc. exclusively for Xbox 360. A collaborative project with the fan favorite development studio which created such hits as STAR OCEAN® and VALKYRIE PROFILE®, INFINITE UNDISCOVERY is an unforgettable experience that combines the talents of both Square Enix and tri-Ace. Players will be drawn into a real-time world woven of countless threads where their choices will spin untold discoveries.

STORY

Deep in a forest, in one of the Order’s prisons, a young boy named Capell was being held captive. His captors called him the “Liberator,” though he had no clue as to what they meant. On the third day of his imprisonment, he was rescued by a spirited young woman named Aya. She was a member of a small band of brave warriors who had gathered under the banner of Sigmund the Liberator to free the world from the iron grip of the Order.
Upon meeting Sigmund, he was surprised to find a man who shared his very face and appearance. This meeting would change Capell’s life forever and shake the foundation of the world itself.

FEATURES

• Discovery & Impact
o The actions you choose to take upon new discoveries will have a real-time impact on the world

• Situational Battles
o Players will be confronted with a variety of dramatic situational battles such as executing a daring escape while a gigantic ogre follows in hot pursuit, or waging battle amidst towering tidal waves. The dynamic environments change and respond in real time, creating an entirely new experience never before seen in the genre

• A Seamless World and Real-time Action
o Combat, exploration, and other actions all take place within the same environment, seamlessly shifting between each game facet. Battles are carried out in real-time, bringing the vibrant fighting sequences of the STAR OCEAN series out of the traditional battle screen into a beautiful and lush environment

• Connect Ability System
o 17 characters join the hero, Capell, with unique Connect Ability actions that allow the player to tap into their abilities and take direct control

Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: Nintendo DS
Genre: RPG
ESRB: E10+ (Everyone 10 and older)
Ship Date: July 22, 2008

Originally released for the Super NES® in 1991, FINAL FANTASY IV was hailed as a groundbreaking title that, to this day, is considered by gamers and critics alike as one of the best games ever made. With its groundbreaking Active Time Battle (ATB) system and engrossing, character-driven plot, the game completely altered the landscape of the RPG genre.

Now, Square Enix breathes new life into this classic for the 21st century. FINAL FANTASY IV for Nintendo DS™ features beautiful, fully 3D cutscenes with voiceovers, capturing the emotional drama that first touched the hearts of fans over fifteen years ago. The new ability system and added DS functionality introduce a fresh experience to both new and returning FINAL FANTASY IV fans. With a storyline that sets the stage for all subsequent FINAL FANTASY titles, FINAL FANTASY IV is a must-play for those looking to jump into the best-selling RPG franchise in the world.

STORY

Four elemental Crystals, each possessing awesome power, lie scattered throughout the realm. However, men are quick to covet things which offer strength, and easily corrupted by the might which they possess…

Seduced by the promised power of the Crystals, the kingdom of Baron begins employing unprovoked force to seize them from peaceful nations. The dark knight Cecil – Lord Captain of Baron’s elite force, the Red Wings – is ordered by his king to obtain the Crystals, but soon begins to question the monarch’s motives. Stricken with grief at his own actions, yet burdened by his loyalty to his country and his personal sense of honor, Cecil at last decides to turn from the path of darkness and destruction.

Enraged, the king accuses him of disloyalty, strips Cecil of his command, and sends him off to slay a mysterious beast that lurks in the nearby Valley of Mist. Cecil embarks on a fateful journey that will bring trials, betrayals, friendship, loss and self-discovery. Can Cecil open his eyes and become the man of honor that he must be?

FEATURES
• Witness the dramatic and thrilling story of this mythical game world brought to life through astounding 3D graphics, gorgeous CG cutscenes and top-notch voice acting
• Create a versatile party using the all-new Augment System – a dynamic system that allows the player to assign special abilities to characters
• Dive into the first RPG to incorporate the innovative Active Time Battle system, now further enhanced and refined for the Nintendo DS
• Listen to a beautifully remixed score by world-renowned composer Nobuo Uematsu that breathes new life into some of the most beloved FINAL FANTASY themes
• Navigate effortlessly through the game with Nintendo DS Touch Screen functionality and stylus-driven controls while receiving vital assistance via the dual-screen presentation
• Train and customize Whytkin by playing a variety of mini-games and challenge another player to head-to-head battle via local wireless connection

Scenario & Game Design / General Director: Yuji Horii
Character Design: Akira Toriyama
Music: Koichi Sugiyama
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Developer: ArtePiazza
Platform: Nintendo DS™
Genre: RPG
ESRB: E10+ (Everyone 10 and older)
Ship Date: September 16, 2008

For the first time, a full-fledged DRAGON QUEST adventure arrives on Nintendo DS with DRAGON QUEST IV: Chapters of the Chosen. The brainchild of series creator Yuji Horii, the DRAGON QUEST series has continued to excite and enchant players with its engaging storylines, charming characters designed by world-famous manga artist Akira Toriyama and imaginative worlds complemented by the memorable scores of renowned composer Koichi Sugiyama. Experience an adventure of epic proportions, presented through a unique portrayal of multiple character perspectives. While retaining the classic look and feel of the original release, this remake breathes new life into a much-loved entry in the DRAGON QUEST series with 3D graphics, dual screen presentation and newly animated monsters.

Story
A prestigious army captain, an adventurous princess seeking to test her skills beyond palace walls, a humble merchant aspiring to open his own shop, and two sisters who wish to avenge their father’s death… These seemingly unrelated individuals will soon cross paths when fate brings them together to journey alongside you, the hero. Dive into this unique adventure, and discover an epic tale told through the experiences and emotions of characters from all walks of life.

Features
• Embark on a journey to explore the land, seas and skies of the DRAGON QUEST universe in this grand entry from the Zenithia Trilogy. Soon to follow are DRAGON QUEST V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride™ and DRAGON QUEST VI: Realms of Reverie™, never before released in North America.
• Indulge in the colorful DRAGON QUEST world created by Yuji Horii, combined with the charming characters and monsters designed by Akira Toriyama and memorable soundtrack from famed composer Koichi Sugiyama to create an unforgettable gaming experience.
• Experience the world of DRAGON QUEST through the perspectives of multiple characters with a unique, chapter-driven storyline
• Journey through a beautifully rendered 3D world, with dynamic dual screen presentation and newly animated monsters.
• Enjoy an all-new English translation that incorporates 13 known dialects from around the globe, bringing the diverse world and characters of DRAGON QUEST to life.
• Unravel the ancient mystery behind a cursed kingdom by expanding your town via Chance Encounter mode, available through local wireless connection.