THE LEGEND UNVEILED: FINAL FANTASY III SHIPS TO RETAILERS

Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix™ interactive entertainment products in North America, announced today that FINAL FANTASY® III, developed exclusively for the Nintendo DS™, has shipped to retailers across North America. Released only in Japan for the Famicom (known as the Nintendo Entertainment System® in America) in 1990, FINAL FANTASY III was the first entry in the world-renowned franchise to sell over a million units. Now, North American users can experience the untold legend for the first time.

“Until now, FINAL FANTASY III has seen no remakes or appearances on other platforms since its original release on the Nintendo Entertainment System in April 1990,” said Hiromichi Tanaka, Director and Executive Producer for FINAL FANTASY III. “Due to the game’s age, a direct port might seem a bit dated, but now FINAL FANTASY III has been made anew on the sensational Nintendo DS platform, including new graphics in 3D, rebalanced jobs, and brand-new characterization 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 localized, we are very pleased to finally bring FINAL FANTASY III across the ocean to players in North America. We hope that not only FINAL FANTASY fans, but a wide variety of players in North America enjoy the new FINAL FANTASY III.”

FINAL FANTASY III takes players into the next generation of handheld RPGs by delivering an experience that takes full advantage of the Nintendo DS hardware. With an innovative interface that utilizes the DS touch screen along with the advanced Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection capabilities, FINAL FANTASY III presents an entirely new take on the only FINAL FANTASY never localized for North America. Users can also experience the title that introduced the popular moogles, summons, and the dynamic job system, which have become some of the most recognized elements of FINAL FANTASY, and experience them on the road, in the outdoors or in the comfort of their living rooms.

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—North American gamers experience a tale untold A dynamic job-changing system allows for more than 279,000 party variations The touch screen interface seamlessly utilizes DS capabilities—explore dungeons, dispatch foes and cast spells using the DS stylus A complete visual overhaul breathes new life into a classic—colorful 3D graphics bring FINAL FANTASY III into the new millennium 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 and the outfits of their unique jobs

FINAL FANTASY III is rated E 10+ (Everyone 10+) by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). For more information about the ESRB, please visit: www.esrb.org. FINAL FANTASY III will be available at North American retailers for the suggested retail price of $39.99 (USD). Additional information on FINAL FANTASY III can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/ff3

from Square Enix.com