Square Enix Inc., the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in North America, will ship FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST AND THE BROKEN ANGEL to retailers in the U.S. on Jan. 18, 2005 for PlayStation2.
Based on the wildly popular anime and manga series in Japan, FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST has made its way to America, beginning with a TV series on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim and a DVD release is set for 2005.
The FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST game, developed by Racjin Co. Ltd., expands the story in the anime series as it follows the adventures of brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric on their quest to make right the mistakes of their past.
"The early success of the anime series on Cartoon Network shows the great amount of potential the Fullmetal Alchemist franchise holds in the U.S. market," said Ichiro Otobe, president/coo of Square Enix. "We anticipate that American players will find the game to be as addicting as the Japanese fans have found it. The Fullmetal Alchemist franchise, which encompasses comicbooks, a novel, TV animation and games, has enjoyed a phenomenal amount of success in Japan."
In a forbidden act of alchemy, Edward and Alphonse tried to raise their mother from the dead and lost their left leg and entire body, respectively. Ed then sacrificed his right arm to save Alphonse's soul and transplanted him into a suit of armor. The action begins as the two brothers head toward Central City to find the "Philosopher's Stone," the only object that can return them to their natural states.
The action role-playing game lets players "alchemize" objects for use in battle. The key to gameplay depends on how well the player utilizes the versatile battle system. More than 50 transmutable objects, ranging from trees to trash cans litter the landscape, allow the practice of alchemy to have unlimited potential. Players can also equip the sub-character Alphonse and call him to aid during heated battles.
FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST AND THE BROKEN ANGEL has a suggested retail price of U.S. $39.99 and is rated "T" (Teen).
Established in 1995, Racjin Co. is based in Osaka, Japan and has gained a reputation for developing videogames that utilize high-end technology to ante up the fun factor. Racjin conducts its technological research with the end goal of providing outstanding fun to gamers worldwide.
With its headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, Square Enix Co. Ltd. (www.square-enix.co.jp) develops, publishes and distributes entertainment contents including interactive entertainment software and publications in Japan, North America, Europe and Asia. Square Enix Inc. (www.square-enix.com) is a 100% subsidiary of Square Enix Co. Ltd. with offices in Los Angeles and Seattle. It handles operations in North America, including development, localization, marketing and publishing of Square Enix titles.
