The DS sees the Light of Final Fantasy
For DS RPG fans looking for something a little more traditional than Pokemon, there will soon be an original entry in the Final Fantasy series for the platform. Dubbed, Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light, it's set for release on October 5th and is being developed by the same team that did the warmly received FF 3 and 4 remakes for the DS. The game includes a number of series mainstays like a job set and an innovative combat system, along with a "love it or hate it" epic storyline featuring adventuring teenagers.
With Dragon Quest recently finding a new home on the DS, it was only a matter of time before Square's other big property made an original appearance. Thankfully this one sounds more solid and traditional than the Crystal Chronicles series. I wonder though, if this game will stick more to basics, or divide the fanbase as much as FF XIII did.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WRITE YOURSELF INTO THE STORYBOOK WORLD OF
FINAL FANTASY: THE 4 HEROES OF LIGHT ON OCTOBER 5, 2010
Square Enix Announces North American Launch of the
First Original FINAL FANTASY Game for Nintendo DS
LOS ANGELES (May 27, 2010) – Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in North America, announced today that it is releasing FINAL FANTASY®: THE 4 HEROES OF LIGHT™ in North America on October 5, 2010. Developed exclusively for Nintendo DS™, this role-playing game is the first original FINAL FANTASY title for the platform.
With FINAL FANTASY: THE 4 HEROES OF LIGHT, the FINAL FANTASY series is rendered anew as an epic storybook adventure by the creators of the FINAL FANTASY III and FINAL FANTASY IV Nintendo DS remakes. Players will enter a beautiful fairy-tale world featuring illustrations and character designs by acclaimed character designer Akihiko Yoshida (FINAL FANTASY III for DS, FINAL FANTASY XII).
In addition to the vibrant artwork, this title introduces several all-new features to the franchise, including an Action Point Combat System that allows players to unleash their most powerful attacks by saving up their action points during battle. Players will also have over 20 jobs to choose from and dozens of abilities to master with the Crown Job System – a system that also changes the appearance of characters as they are equipped with new weapons and armor.
The game tells the tale of a young boy who sets out on a journey of self-discovery with his friends, only to be tasked with saving the world from an unexpected evil. With both single and multiplayer modes, FINAL FANTASY: THE 4 HEROES OF LIGHT challenges players to take on the roles of four endearing characters who do not always see eye to eye. The multiplayer mode allows up to four players to work together and become the Heroes of Light as they travel alongside their friends on a journey to save the world.
Story:
In the small kingdom of Horne, Brandt awakes on the morning of his 14th birthday.
Today is the day he becomes an adult, and the custom of the realm says that he must go to the castle to present himself to the king.
Yet when he arrives at the castle, he finds the king distraught and the youngest princess missing, abducted by the Witch of the North. With no one else to turn to, the king makes a shocking request: will Brandt save the princess?
And thus Brandt’s adventure begins...
Features:
* The first original FINAL FANTASY title for Nintendo DS brought to life by the development team behind the Nintendo DS remakes of FINAL FANTASY III and FINAL FANTASY IV.
* Charming storybook visuals crafted under the guidance of art director and character designer Akihiko Yoshida (FINAL FANTASY III for DS, FINAL FANTASY XII).
* Combat is fun and intuitive with a battle system that operates on Action Points. Requiring nothing more than a simple selection of commands, players can dive right into a classic turn-based RPG battle experience.
* The Crown Job System offers a selection of over two dozen jobs to choose from. Players can freely customize a character’s abilities and magic skills no matter which crown they have equipped. The possibilities are endless!
* Help friends advance in their adventure, or join forces to conquer tough dungeons. The multiplayer mode enables cooperative play for up to four players.
FINAL FANTASY: THE 4 HEROES OF LIGHT is rated E10+ (Everyone 10 and older). Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board website at www.esrb.org for more information about ratings. FINAL FANTASY: THE 4 HEROES OF LIGHT will be available at North American retailers for the suggested retail price of $34.99. The official website can be found at http://ff4heroes.com.
About Square Enix, Inc.
Square Enix, Inc. is a U.S. based wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd., a holding company leading Square Enix Group. Square Enix, Inc. publishes and distributes entertainment content under the Square Enix Group’s internationally renowned brands such as Square Enix, Eidos and Taito in the Americas. The Square Enix Group includes a global network of leading development studios located in North America, Europe and Japan. The Group boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: FINAL FANTASY, which has sold over 96 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 53 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 35 million units worldwide; and other well-established products and services.
More information on Square Enix, Inc. can be found on the Internet at http://www.square-enix.com.
