Gaming News - April 2006

Los Angeles, CA (April 24, 2006) - Square Enix today released the line-up of games that it will have on display at this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) to be held May 10-12 in South Hall, Booth #746 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

From Square Enix:

"E3 attendees will be immersed in Square Enix's most diverse line-up ever,"
said Daishiro Okada, President and COO, Square Enix, Inc. "We're evolving and
growing, extending the Square Enix brand beyond video games to a variety of
entertainment vehicles and a broader consumer base bridging the generation and
gender gap. Our goal is to provide consumers with the most engaging and
immersive entertainment experiences possible and we hope to give attendees at
E3 a taste of what's to come."

Following is a partial list of entertainment products Square Enix will have on
display:

PlayStation2 computer entertainment system

Dawn of Mana


Dawn of Mana, the first true Mana sequel in a decade, reveals the origins
of the legend behind the Mana Tree and the Sword of Mana. Breaking the
series' 2D mold, Dawn of Mana brings the world of Mana to three-dimensional
life while preserving the atmosphere that fans have come to know and love.
Players can see for themselves how vividly characters and monsters move about
these new yet familiar surroundings. This installment of the Mana is a true
action-adventure, with sweeping plains and mountains stretching as far as the
eye can see. It's a world ripe for adventure!

A World of Sensation

"Touch" is the theme of Dawn of Mana's world. You can virtually feel
realistically rendered, lifelike objects.

The release date for Dawn of Mana will be announced at a later time. Dawn of
Mana has not yet been rated by the ESRB. This title has not yet been concept
approved by Sony Computer Entertainment America.

DIRGE OF CERBERUS -FINAL FANTASY VII-

Three years after the events of FINAL FANTASY VII, an unknown group of
seemingly unstoppable soldiers appears, bringing a swift and bitter end to the
peace enjoyed by the people of the world. The members of this enigmatic group
are the ones who were trapped under the ruins of Midgar for three long years --
the Deepground soldiers. Vincent Valentine finds himself pursued by several
elite members of the mysterious Deepground organization. An unrelenting chain
of events leads Vincent to the truth behind his past -- and forces him once
again to be the key player in a battle for the planet itself and all those
living on it.

Just what is the connection between Vincent's past and the recent attacks? When
the world is engulfed in darkness, his gun will toll a dreadful dirge ...

DIRGE of CERBERUS will be released Summer 2006. The ship date will be
announced at a later time. This title is rated "T" for Teen by the ESRB.

FINAL FANTASY XII

As war looms on the horizon, the mighty Archadian Empire begins a campaign to
subjugate its neighbors. The small kingdom of Dalmasca shares their fate, and
it is here that our tale begins.

Two years after the fall of Dalmasca, the citizens are without guidance and
direction. In the capital city of Rabanastre, the denizens gather and await
the introduction of Archadia's new consul. To Vaan, a young man living on the
streets of Rabanastre, the Empire is a hated enemy who took the life of his
brother, the only family he had left. In an effort to exact revenge, Vaan
hatches a plot to break into the palace and steal from the occupying imperials.
There, he gets more than he bargained for as he runs into Princess Ashe, the
sole surviving heir to the Dalmascan throne. Together, the two will embark on
an incredible journey through Ivalice, tracing the mysteries behind the
Archadian Empire's invasion. The choices they make will determine the very
fate of the world.

Active Dimension Battle

The Active Dimension Battle (ADB) system enables players to move seamlessly
between exploration and combat. Jarring random battles and their load times
are a thing of the past, keeping you in the world from start to finish.

An All-New Combat System

Characters act according to an intricate "gambit" system of actions and
reactions that you determine. As they fight, characters earn license points
that can be spent to broaden their knowledge of magic, arms and armor.

FINAL FANTASY XII will be released Fall 2006. This title has not yet been rated
by the ESRB.

VALKYRIE PROFILE 2: SILMERIA

Hundreds of years before Lenneth's tale, another saga lies concealed by the
gods. The valkyrie Silmeria once served Odin loyally, but after an incident
ignited a conflict between them, Odin forcefully reincarnated her as a human.
The human soul that would carry her spirit was that of Alicia, Princess of
Dipan. Ordinarily, Silmeria's consciousness would have been sealed, her spirit
dormant until she was next summoned. However, the forced transmigration causes
Silmeria's spirit to awaken within Alicia, leaving two souls to inhabit a
single body. The spirit that should have been sealed has awakened -- a
situation Odin will not ignore for long.

Photon Action System

This installment introduces the new Photon Action System to the classic
side-scrolling action format found in the original. Projecting photons grants
players more freedom to explore and expands the action, resulting in
challenging puzzles with clever solutions. Add to that "sealstones" that
affect the laws of nature in dungeons, launching strategy to new heights.

Advanced Tactical Combination

The unique, highly acclaimed battle system of the previous game has evolved
into the Advanced Tactical Combination Battle System. Feel the exhilaration of
accelerated battles raging across 3D environments for more spectacular and more
strategic combat than ever before!

VALKYRIE PROFILE 2: SILMERIA will be released 2006. This title has not yet
been rated by the ESRB. This title has not yet been concept approved by Sony
Computer Entertainment America

Online

FINAL FANTASY XI: Treasures of Aht Urhgan


The once sleepy port town of Mhaura has become the center of unprecedented
commotion. The cause of this disturbance can be attributed to the arrival of
mercenary recruiters from the Aht Urhgan Empire, a land far to the east of
Windurst. Starting in the city of the Tarutaru, they have been touting the
benefits of their Empire-sanctioned business throughout Vana'diel in an
effort to garner the interest of prospective candidates, and also seek to
organize a ferry route from Mhaura to the Imperial capital of Al Zahbi. The
majority of the conservative townspeople frowns upon the insistence of their
foreign visitors. However, the large number of action-starved Mithran
mercenaries is putting pressure on the governor, who is gradually losing her
resolve to refuse entry to the Empire's ships.

Why is the Empress so desperate to recruit mercenaries? What trouble is
brewing in the Near Eastern land of Aht Urhgan? The road to epic new
adventures will soon be revealed ...

FINAL FANTASY XI and the brand new third expansion, Treasures of Aht Urhgan
are available now on PlayStation 2, Windows and Xbox 360 video game and
entertainment system from Microsoft. This title is rated "T" for Teen. For
more information on FINAL FANTASY XI and all of its expansions please visit:
http://www.playonline.com/ff11us

Handheld

Game Boy Advance

FINAL FANTASY V ADVANCE & FINAL FANTASY VI ADVANCE


The classic FINAL FANTASY games that premiered on the Super Nintendo
Entertainment System are now making their way to the Game Boy Advance! Hot on
the heels of FINAL FANTASY IV ADVANCE (now available in stores), FINAL FANTASY
V ADVANCE and FINAL FANTASY VI ADVANCE will soon be available to handheld
gamers. However, these titles are more than simple ports -- every aspect of
the games has been reviewed and enhanced. Additionally, a host of brand-new
elements have been seamlessly merged with the original games, providing
unexpected surprises for longtime fans. With new dungeons, new job classes,
and other exciting features, both old-school players and newcomers can enjoy
these genre-defining FINAL FANTASY titles in a portable format!

The magic of the FINAL FANTASY classics is returning to gamers' hands -- and
soon the wait will be over.

FINAL FANTASY V ADVANCE & FINAL FANTASY VI ADVANCE will both be released 2006.
These titles have not yet been rated by the ESRB.

Nintendo DS System

Children of Mana


In ages past, an island called Illusia floated at the center of the world. At
the heart of the island towered an ancient, enormous tree that stretched up to
the very heavens. For ages past, chaos and sorrow had engulfed the world until
at last its salvation appeared in the form of a boy, a girl, and a holy sword.
Time flowed on and peace returned. The sword and the tree remained, and they
soon came to be known as the Sword of Mana and the Mana Tree. Followers of the
Mana Tree returned to Illusia as the world started slowly but surely down the
path to recovery.

More Magic with the Eight Spirits

The eight elemental spirits are a staple of the Mana series. These powerful
allies aid you with healing and special status effects. They can also unleash
fearsome magic upon your foes.

Cooperative or Competitive Gameplay for Up to Four Players

The greatest innovation of this installment of the Mana series is allowing four
players to advance the story and solve quests together while maintaining the
feel of an action RPG. Players' actions affect each other in a gameplay
experience completely unlike previous action RPGS!

Children of Mana will be released 2006. This title has not yet been rated
by the ESRB.

DRAGON QUEST HEROES: ROCKET SLIME

The latest game from the creative minds behind the 2005 RPG classic, Dragon
Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King, has arrived on the Nintendo DS.
The hero of this brand-new action-adventure is a slime -- one of the most
popular monsters from the Dragon Quest series. The game is set in the kingdom
of Slimenia, a peaceful land that is suddenly invaded by a mysterious cartel
called "the Plob," who then proceed to kidnap all the slimes in the capital
city of Boingburg. Our protagonist, Rocket, is the only slime left behind, and
must embark on a journey throughout Slimenia to save his friends and uncover
the Plob's nefarious plot!

Bounce, Stretch, and Carry

The adventure stages consist of our hero bouncing and stretching, as well as
carrying various objects on his head, while solving the mysteries behind each
area, and rescuing his captured slime friends along the way. Simple,
streamlined controls allow players of all ages and skill levels to take part in
the action with ease.

Fierce Tank Battles

Each adventure stage culminates in Rocket hopping aboard a colossal
slime-shaped war machine called the Schleiman Tank and battling it out with the
enemy's Monster Tanks. Customize tanks by collecting a vast array of weapons
and items. Call upon allies, each with their own individual personality and
abilities, to aid in the heated tank battles. Even shoot your fellow slimes so
they can infiltrate and sabotage the enemy's Monster Tank! Pit tanks against a
friend's in exciting player-vs.-player action, using the Nintendo DS wireless
multiplayer game feature!

DRAGON QUEST HEROES: ROCKET SLIME will be released 2006. This title has
not yet been rated by the ESRB.

FINAL FANTASY III

The only FINAL FANTASY that was never localized -- the third installment of the
original series -- will finally reach North American shores! Lauded as
"legendary" by the Japanese fan base, FINAL FANTASY III has been reborn,
incorporating the latest in portable gaming technology. Using the features of
the Nintendo DS to their fullest, FINAL FANTASY III features graphics that have
been reworked and remodeled in 3D, while maintaining the mythical FINAL FANTASY
look and feel.

This is the fans' chance to complete the circle. The legend of FINAL FANTASY
III is reborn.

FINAL FANTASY III will be released 2006. This title has not yet been rated by
the ESRB.

PSP (PlayStationPortable) system

VALKYRIE PROFILE: LENNETH


Asgard, the realm of the gods, remains locked in an eternal struggle between
the benevolent Aesir and the demonic Vanir. With the end of the world
approaching, Odin, Lord of Asgard, summons Lenneth Valkyrie to his side.
Possessing the ability to hear the thoughts and feelings of men and women in
their dying moments, he charges Valkyrie to search Midgard, the world of
mortals, to recruit and train the souls of worthy warriors to join the ranks of
the Aesir in the Sacred War. VALKYRIE PROFILE: LENNETH brings the classic
PlayStation game console title, originally released in 2000, to the PSP
system with completely new CG cut scenes. tri-Ace, the developers behind the
acclaimed Star Ocean series and Radiata Stories, introduce new fans to
the spectacular combo attacks, unique side-scrolling environment, and gripping
storyline that first captivated players six years ago.

Additional CG Cutscenes

To give players a deeper understanding of the plot and to complement the game's
dramatic storyline, additional CG cutscenes have been incorporated. Some of
these new scenes contain links to the story of VALKYRIE PROFILE 2: SILMERIA.

VALKYRIE PROFILE: LENNETH will be released 2006. This title has been rated "T"
for Teen by the ESRB.

Mobile -- Square Enix

BEFORE CRISIS -FINAL FANTASY VII-


The Shinra Company achieved the pinnacle of success by monopolizing Mako energy
and gaining unstoppable political power. It came at a price though. Many had
fallen victim during Shinra's rise to the top, and those with great hatred for
the company were far from few. The rebel group Avalanche was formed with the
intent of eradicating the Shinra Company and all those within its greedy
corporate circles. With its very existence in danger, Shinra was forced to
take secret measures. The company entrusted everything to its elite unit: the
Turks.

BEFORE CRISIS -FINAL FANTASY VII- allows players to take on the role of a
new recruit in Shinra's elite Turks unit and conduct various missions and
operations. Utilizing the mobile network, multiple players are able to
simultaneously participate in real-time combat. Several other features
possible only on mobile phones are also included, creating an exciting new
experience.

BEFORE CRISIS -FINAL FANTASY VII- will launch 2006. North American compatible
handsets TBA.

FINAL FANTASY I

Since ages long past, the legend of the Light has been handed down from
generation to generation. The legend tells that the world would remain safe so
long as the Crystals maintain their brilliance. Should they lose their light,
the skies will blacken, the land wither, and the seas rage. In this hour, four
warriors would appear -- they are the Warriors of Light. Originally released in
1987, FINAL FANTASY's enthralling story and extraordinary graphics spawned a
series now numbering twelve core titles. FINAL FANTASY retains its original
charm while making the evolution to convenient play on mobile phones.

FINAL FANTASY I will launch 2006. North American compatible handsets TBA.

Mobile -- Taito

3D Space Invaders


Space Invaders are back -- now in 3D! Reborn using 3D polygon functions, that
timeless classic can now be experienced from new camera perspectives with the
press of a button. Set the perspective to first-person and get ready for an
exciting, realistic invasion!

Availability and North American compatible handsets TBA.

Chase H.Q. 3D


Chase H.Q. 3D is the latest version of that legendary, realistic car chase
action classic. Originally developed for the arcades in 1988, Chase HQ was
ported to various consoles such as the Amiga, the Atari ST, the Commodore 64,
the Genesis, the Sega Master System, and the TurboGrafx-16. Today, you can
enjoy Chase HQ on your mobile phone. Go undercover and pursue criminal
suspects with the help of your operator, Nancy!

Availability and North American compatible handsets TBA.

Elevator Action 3D


Originally developed for the arcades in 1983, Elevator Action, has been ported
to several consoles, such as the Commodore 64, the Game Boy, the Game Boy
Color, the NES, the Saturn, and the ZX Spectrum, where it has since enjoyed a
large and loyal following. Fans of the original and fans of the FPS genre will
be pleased to find that classic Elevator Action has now been realized in 3D
with crisp graphics, special tactical elements, and fast-paced, FPS action.

Availability and North American compatible handsets TBA.