Final Fantasy X will appear at E3, but whether in playable or video form is unknown

 May 8th, 2001 - Prior to this month's Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles, Square Electronic Arts has revealed its line-up for the show. Quality takes centre stage ahead of quantity, with just Final Fantasy X on PlayStation2 and Final Fantasy Chronicles for PSone on display. There will also be a section devoted to this summer's Final Fantasy movie, The Spirits Within. The absence of any news concerning the Final Fantasy I, II and III remakes for Bandai's currently Japan-only WonderSwan Color handheld console would suggest no immediate plans to localise these games for the western market.

With Final Fantasy X now just over two months from its Japanese launch, Square EA revealed details concerning the game's plot and location to accompany their E3 line-up press release. Those afraid of even the slightest spoilers might want to stop reading round about now.

The first PlayStation2 Final Fantasy takes place on a world known as "Spira". In earlier FF games, the name of the planet on which the game took place was never disclosed, but with FF IX's Gaia and now FF X's Spira, Square appear to be breaking with tradition. Also revealed were the new names of the game's summon beasts. Where Final Fantasy VIII had Guardian Forces and Final Fantasy IX had Eidolons, chapter X has "Aeons". The game's heroine, Yuna, is apparently on a quest to discover more about these Aeons and how to harness their power. Although FF X's setting is much less futuristic than the game it is most closely related to in the series, FF VIII, it appears that long ago the world was a technological paradise. That was until a mysterious force of nature, known as Sin, destroyed most of the planet's civilisation. Hence, the people of Spira live in fear of technology and the destruction advancements in science could bring, and this is where the game's protagonists come in. It's up to them to try to overcome Sin and restore calm and order. The latest installment in Square's flagship series is due to touch down in Japan on July 17th, with a US release to follow early next year. The European date has been tentatively set for mid-2002. Visit the recently updated official Final Fantasy X site for more information.

The other game in the line-up, Final Fantasy Chronicles, is still on course for its mid-July release. Hopefully fans will be able to get a look at the fresh Final Fantasy IV translation during the game's E3 outing. The compilation package, which also includes Chrono Trigger, is sure to be a hit with retro gamers and fans of the series alike.

A short showcasing of The Spirits Within should accompany these two Final Fantasy games. Visit the official site for more info, plus a look at the new trailer. The movie is down for a July 11th debut in the States.

WonderSwan Color Final Fantasy II Remake Hits Japan
Last week, Square's remake of the second Final Fantasy game for Bandai's handheld console was unleashed upon the Japanese public. As with the remake of Final Fantasy I, a limited edition package was made available. This contained a copy of FF II along with a special version of the WonderSwan Color, depicting a small silhouette of the game's central character. Also included in the bundle was a FF II-themed wrist strap, a new item, not part of the original FF I plus WonderSwan Color special edition package, and all of this for just under 10000 Yen. The game is expected to repeat the success of its forerunner, which helped sell the mini wonder to the gaming masses.

The box art of the special edition WonderSwan Color Final Fantasy II remake depicts an Amano image of the game's hero, Frioniel