The Final Fantasy series isn’t known for journeying through multi-platform, but 2010 brings grandeur news along with the release of Final Fantasy XIII! Not only will Final Fantasy XIII be released on both the 360 and PS3 consoles respectively, but the big release date for Australia and New Zealand is earlier than fans anticipated. Yes, “Face your destiny on March 9^th 2010,” says company Square Enix! This is truly a remarkable feat for Square Enix, as the release of Final Fantasy XIII is marked as the first of many Final Fantasy releases to ever grace multiple hi-definition consoles. Expanding upon the rich tradition of the series, producer Yoshinori Kitase (FINAL FANTASY VII, X, X-2), director Motomu Toriyama (*FINAL FANTASY VII, X, X-2*), character designer Tetsuya Nomura (*FINAL FANTASY V, VI, VII, VIII, X*) and art director Isamu Kamikokuryo (*FINAL FANASY X, XII*) combine their creative vision to deliver the latest masterpiece in the FINAL FANTASY universe. Additionally, Masashi Hamauzu (*FINAL FANTASY X, DIRGE of CERBERUS -FINAL FANTASY VII-*) presents a sweeping soundtrack while movie director Takeshi Nozue (*FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN*) and his team of artists adorn the game with seamless cinematic sequences of unparalleled calibre.

“FINAL FANTASY XIII promises to be a huge event in the 2010 gaming calendar,” said Phil Rogers, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Europe. “This is truly a landmark title, arriving simultaneously for multiple platforms for the first time in the history of the series. We are also immensely proud to be able to bring the game to the European and PAL audience much earlier than was publically anticipated.”

Furthermore, the humorous “console war” may be over for many devout PS3 “fan peeps,” for there are many who have chosen to outcast the 360 for lack of more popular exclusive titles. Somehow, I highly doubt this very prediction because let’s face it; there are some pretty passionate and blind-sighted people out there. Not that I’m affiliated with a particular side or anything.  Ahem. Still, Square Enix has yet to cease with the…interesting news. Multi-platinum and grammy-nominated recording artist, Leona Lewis, was apparently ecstatic when asked to lend her talents as lead songstress for Final Fantasy XIII main theme, “My hands.” Some of you may know her from hit-singles like “Better In Time” and “Bleeding Love.”

“When Square Enix approached Leona about including her song, “My Hands,” in FINAL FANTASY XIII, she was honored to be partnered with such an iconic and groundbreaking video game series,” said Tom Corson, EVP/GM, RCA Music Group. “Leona is a natural fit with the game’s powerful themes and strong female protagonist. We’re delighted to be part of this effort, bringing great musical artistry to FINAL FANTASY XIII which is a riveting and dynamic gaming experience.”

Final Fantasy has shipped more than 85 million units world-wide. For more information about FINAL FANTASY XIII and to watch the release date announcement video, everyone is encouraged to visit the Official Website at www.finalfantasy13game.com

FEATURES

• Take Part in a Gaming Experience that Sets New Standards – The first in the series developed for a simultaneous release on multiple high-definition consoles, *FINAL FANTASY XIII *pushes new boundaries in cinematic presentation, sound and gameplay.
• Experience the Unity of Speed and Strategy with the Ultimate Active Time Battle system – The familiar system has evolved, granting players the freedom of executing numerous commands in a single turn with the multi-slot ATB gauge. Whether inputting singular commands in each slot for consecutive attacks, or expending multiple slots at once to activate a devastating blow, it’s up to the players to respond effectively to the battle conditions at hand.
• Adapt to the Ever-Changing Tide of Battle with Paradigms – A brand-new game mechanic enabling players to assign roles to their party members at any time during battle, shifting between combat paradigms. Consisting of various combinations of the game’s six roles, ranging from * Commando*, the offensive specialist, to *Medic, *the quintessential healer, paradigms allow players to respond and adapt instantly to any given situation to turn the tide and seize victory.
• Witness the Battle Scene Transform with an All-New Summon System Introducing *Gestalt Mode,* a powerful dimension of the summon system that elevates the action to a whole new level. In *Gestalt Mode*, characters
• and their transformed Eidolons fight as one, dealing massive damage to enemies through simple button commands.
• Delve into an Emotional Experience – An immersive storyline connects players to an intriguing cast of characters. Will they have the strength to confront their cursed fates, or will destiny prevail over all that they believe in?