| April 24, 2003 -
Nintendo of America today announced that it has struck a deal with Square Enix to publish and distribute two Final Fantasy branded games across GameCube and Game Boy Advance in the US. The titles include the GCN Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles and the GBA Final Fantasy Tactics Advance. The company will publish and distribute the GBA Sword of Mana stateside, is said.
Crystal Chronicles, an original GameCube RPG developed by Q-Fund backed Game Designer's Studio, takes players to a stylized world brought to life by a compelling storyline saturated with magic and battles. The title employs unique GBA-link functionality that enables players to connect four separate handhelds to the GCN and use them as controllers; they can even play on-screen simultaneously in cooperative mode. Private information will also be displayed individually to each GBA connection encouraging players to communicate with party members to solve puzzles, cast magic and negotiate deals.
Final Fantasy Tactics Advance, the first FF title to hit the handheld, has already sold nearly 500,000 copies in Japan and it's barely been available two months. The title boasts entirely new characters, stories and game systems, according to Nintendo, and it also supports GBA game link functionality.
Sword of Mana for GBA is a 2D action role-playing game complemented by huge game environments, an alternating story depending on the chosen character, and more.
All three titles will be shown in playable form at the Electronics Entertainment Expo 2003, which begins this May in Los Angeles.
"Together with the millions of Final Fantasy and Mana fans around the world, we are excited about the release of these three titles in North America and Europe," said Yoichi Wada, president of Square Enix Co., Ltd. "Not only do these titles offer a unique gaming experience, but they will cultivate a new and broader audience for both Square Enix and Nintendo around the world."
"The Final Fantasy franchise is one of the most renowned and revered series in interactive entertainment," stated Peter MacDougall, executive vice president, sales and marketing, Nintendo of America. "The wide range of innovations found in each of these games will attract both Nintendo fans and critics, continuing to cement our commitment to provide only the most forward-thinking products to consumers."
Look for much more on all three games from E3.
ign.com
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