- Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix(TM) interactive entertainment products in North America, announced that CRISIS CORE(TM) -FINAL FANTASY(R) VII-, the much awaited prequel to one of the most influential titles in video-gaming history, has shipped to North American retailers today.

Before Cloud and Sephiroth’s now legendary confrontation and the ensuing battle that captivated millions of gamers worldwide, there was Zack Fair and his simple yet whole-hearted ambition to become a SOLDIER 1st Class. Players will now discover what was hitherto left untold, as they journey through the exciting and intriguing world of CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII-, developed exclusively for the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system. Offering a compelling narrative coupled with breathtaking graphics and an action-packed battle system, this latest entry in the COMPILATION OF FINAL FANTASY VII series is sure to captivate both fans of the original FINAL FANTASY VII and newcomers alike.

Launch Event

To celebrate the arrival of this highly anticipated entry in the COMPILATION OF FINAL FANTASY VII, Square Enix is hosting an exclusive launch party at the PLAYSTATION(R)Store @ Metreon in San Francisco today, March 25th, at 6:00 p.m. The event will be limited to 200 attendees who will have the opportunity to purchase CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII-. Fans will also be able to get a first-hand look at concept art and all-new merchandise, win raffle prizes, and much more! The first 100 attendees in line will also receive a special commemorative shirt.

Strategy Guide

Fans can complete their gaming experience with the CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- Signature Series Guide, now available from BradyGames.

BradyGames is proud to present the CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- Signature Series Strategy Guide. This one-of-a-kind strategy guide provides everything you need to get the most out of CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII-; complete walkthroughs, detailed maps, in-depth coverage of all magic and skills, expert boss tactics, and a complete bestiary, and that’s not all! This awesome strategy guide also includes bonus content, an exclusive foldout and more! This strategy guide is the one and only official resource that allows you to play CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- at its maximum potential! Visit http://www.bradygames.com/ and order your copy of the CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- Signature Series Guide today and receive a 20% discount! (Coupon code BGCCFF08)

Mobile Content

CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- content, including an assortment of VideoRings, is now available on mobile service provider Helio. Helio members can access the VideoRings microsite by entering "FANTASY" (3268279) on their mobile device and then pressing the "Jump" key. For more information on Helio, visit http://www.helio.com/.

STORY
  Seven years prior to the events of FINAL FANTASY VII-

The Shinra Company is rapidly increasing its influence through its monopoly on mako energy and military might. With the burgeoning city of Midgar as its base and symbol of prosperity, Shinra is on the verge of establishing absolute dominance over the world. SOLDIER is a group of skilled combat operatives within Shinra. The elite within the group -- those strong enough to be deemed SOLDIER 1st Class -- are respected and idolized by the citizenry.

Zack is a young SOLDIER 2nd Class who aspires to become a 1st. He spends his days carrying out assignments under the guidance of his 1st Class mentor, Angeal. During an operation in Wutai, a large number of SOLDIER members, led by 1st Class operative Genesis, go missing. The severity of the situation prompts Shinra executives to deploy even more SOLDIER operatives in hopes of bringing an end to the war with Wutai -- and conducting an investigation into the mass desertion. The ones assigned to the mission are Zack, Angeal, and the 1st Class hero who is known the world over as Sephiroth...

What truths lie behind Genesis’s disappearance? What secrets bind the three SOLDIER 1st Class operatives? For Zack, a cruel and fateful struggle awaits...

FEATURES
  -- Complete the FINAL FANTASY VII experience and reunite with the most
     recognized RPG characters created by world-renowned character designer
     Tetsuya Nomura
  -- Witness stunning graphics and gorgeous CG cutscenes coupled with
     top-notch voice acting in a 16:9 widescreen presentation, made possible
     by the PSP system
  -- Innovative DMW (Digital Mind Wave) system enhances the action-packed
     real-time battle system, allowing players to unleash special attacks or
     call upon iconic FINAL FANTASY summons
  -- Take on challenges with the all-new "Hard Mode" developed exclusively
     for the North American audiences
  -- Acquire unique accessories made available through 300 side missions to
     further enrich the gameplay experience

CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- is rated T (Teen). Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website at http://www.esrb.org/ for more information about ratings.

CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- will be available at North American retailers for the suggested retail price of $39.99 (USD). The official website can be found at http://www.crisiscore.com/.