Making its first E3 appearance since the recent merger between Square and Enix, Square Enix U.S.A. is poised to take role-playing games (RPGs) to the next level with a variety of titles. The highly anticipated FINAL FANTASY XI, the company's first venture into online gaming, will make its North American debut for PlayStation2 and PC. The company brings several high caliber role-playing games to the North American market for PlayStation 2, including UNLIMITED Saga, FINAL FANTASY X-2, STAR OCEAN TILL THE END OF TIME and DRAKENGARD. Square Enix U.S.A. will showcase FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES for GameCube and FINAL FANTASY TACTICS ADVANCE and SWORD of MANA for Game Boy Advance.
FINAL FANTASY XI is the first massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) and latest installment for the world-renowned series. Players can connect to the same exact world whether they are playing on a PlayStation 2 or a PC via this cross-platform, cross-continent MMORPG. It showcases the comparable award-winning visual content, innovative gameplay and an emotional storyline that has made the FINAL FANTASY series one of the most popular video game series ever, selling more than 44 million units worldwide to date. Players will be able to unite in the world of Vana'diel where they can create characters choosing from a variety of races, facial features, size, hair styles and colors, play at their own pace, form parties with other players and embark on multiple adventures through vast environments.
FINAL FANTASY XI includes quests and boss battles where players can participate in missions alone or with other party members and acquire skills such as alchemy, leatherworking, jewel crafting, fishing and many more. Various communications tools have been incorporated into FINAL FANTASY such as easy-to-learn chat and messaging systems to help players communicate and interact simultaneously to create a new history for the world of Vana'diel.
The public beta test program for FINAL FANTASY XI is scheduled to begin in June 2003 for the PlayStation 2 and July 2003 for Windows. Selected testers will have a chance to explore the world of Vana'diel in FINAL FANTASY XI prior to its release. This title is rated "T" (Teen).
Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Square Enix Co., Ltd. develops, publishes and distributes entertainment content including interactive entertainment software and publications in Japan, North America, Europe and Asia. The recent merger between Square and Enix brought two of Japan's best-selling franchises FINAL FANTASY and DRAGON QUEST (DRAGON WARRIOR in North America) under one roof. Square Enix U.S.A. Inc., located in Los Angeles, Calif., handles operations in North America including localization, marketing and publishing of Square Enix titles. More information on Square Enix U.S.A. can be found www.square-enix-usa.com.
