In the lead-up to Square’s hotly anticipated DS remake of Final Fantasy IV, the company has recently released some new screenshots and magazine scans. The game is set to release in Japan on December 20th, 2007. It is looking quite impressive thus far. The graphics are in the same style as the DS remake of FFIII.

There are also new screenshots for the newest Crystal Chronicles title for the Nintendo Wii. The game appears to be more exploration and adventure-based, but at this point it is far too early to tell. It is scheduled to be released on the Wii ware channel in Japan sometime in March 2008.

It appears that the handheld title, FFVII: Crisis Core is off to a promising start in Japan.  First-day sales figures have roughly put the title at around 350,000 copies sold.  This is slightly more than the 330,000 for the first-day sales of FFIII on the Nintendo DS. FFVII: Crisis Core is also has the 2nd best start for any PSP title in Japan.  With a strong promotional campaign, utilizing on the popularity of rising J-pop star Ayaka singing the main theme, Square-Enix’s efforts are paying off.

1) Japanese trailer for FFVII: Crisis Core

After a long wait of eight years, Square-Enix has finally brought back the Chocobo’s Mysterious Dungeon games.  There will be a new title that is set for release on the Nintendo Wii this winter in Japan.  The gameplay is slated to be utilizing the typical FF job system.  The main characters are treasure hunter Chocobo and Cid.  There are no plans for a North American release for this title, so those who really want to get their hands on this one will have to import it.

Square-Enix recently has unveiled some new details regarding their PSP title: Crisis Core. Key characters from FFVII will make their appearance in the game, such as Aeris and Professor Hojo. FFVII: Crisis Core is set for a September 13th release in Japan. Square-Enix recently also announced a limited edition package for FFVII: Crisis Core that will include a special silver coloured handheld PSP with the FFVII 10th Anniversary logo. Also included will be some artwork containing Cloud and Zack. There are only 77,777 units available in Japan. The special edition bundle will also release on September 13th, selling for about $212 US.

On the same day, Japanese beverage and spirits maker Suntory will release a limited edition of Final Fantasy VII 10th Anniversary potions!  With only 77,777 sets available in Japan, they are sure to sell out quickly with a modest price tag of 3980 yen.

Square-Enix has announced the list of Final Fantasy titles to be shown at E3:

Final Fantasy II - PSP (July 24, 2007)
Final Fantasy XI: Wings of the Goddess - PC/PS2/Xbox 360 (Winter 2007)
Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings - Nintendo DS (November 20, 2007)
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates - Nintendo DS (Q2 2008)
Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions - PSP (October 9, 2007)

Note that all release dates are for North America.  Stay tuned for more details about these games as E3 comes to a close.

The new version of FF XII will feature both English and Japanese voiceovers. There will be a job system featured in which gamers can choose from 12 new job-related license boards. In addition, the game will have Larsa and Vossler in playable form, rather than as “guest” characters. As of now, the Japanese release is slated for August 9th, 2007. Unfortunately, like all versions carrying the "International" name, FF XII International will not see a North American release date.

FFVII: Crisis Core has finally received a release date, according to Square-Enix.  It is now set for a Japanese release on September 13th, 2007.  The main theme song for the game will be performed by the popular young J-pop artist, Ayaka.  The song is titled "Why".  Ayaka is a 19 year old singer/songwriter who has gained rapid popularity since her major debut in 2006.

Dissidia: Final Fantasy will utilize the LAN capabilities of the PSP platform.  Already known is that the game will be a 3D fighter that will also feature RPG elements such as leveling up and a class-based system.

The Square-Enix party that recently took place in Japan unveiled some new footage to anticipated titles such as Final Fantasy XIII and FFVII: Crisis Core. The trailers for FFXIII gave us a first look at popular summons like Shiva and Ifrit. More details on the FFIV remake on the DS were revealed. In addition to all the extras such as graphics and new designs, it is speculated that the remake will also feature voice acting. As well, there is a surprise announcement that there will be a PSP Final Fantasy title coming soon. The game is a 3D battler that features characters from past FF titles such as Cecil from FFIV, Zidane from FFIX and Sephiroth from FFVII, among many others. No other information is known at this point but we’ll keep you posted!