Square Enix brings Dragon Quest to Europe

Author: Square Enix

LONDON, January 12, 2006 - Square Enix, one of the world's leading video game publishers, is releasing Japan's biggest ever selling PlayStation2 game in Europe. Dragon Quest: The Journey of the Cursed KingTM will be available exclusively on the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system in April 2006.

Dragon Quest: The Journey of the Cursed King is the first European release of the legendary franchise that has sold over 40 million units worldwide. The game has been updated for its European debut including voice-overs recorded by a British cast, a full-orchestral soundtrack, a completely renovated menu system, new battle abilities, and improved animations. These new additions greatly enhance the gaming experience for the international audience.

Dragon Quest: The Journey of the Cursed King offers players a huge, epic adventure in a seamless world. Roam as far as the eye can see and battle against a wide variety of unique monsters by deploying spectacular attacks and spells - all in 3D for the first time ever.

Some of the biggest names in the Japanese entertainment industry work on the Dragon Quest series; Akira Toriyama famed for creating Dragon Ball is responsible for character design; Yuji Horii is responsible for the story and script; and Koichi Sugiyama who has composed music for TV and released over 100 soundtracks and orchestral CDs, is responsible for the music. Dragon Quest : The Journey of the Cursed King is by highly respected developer Level-5, Inc. delivers a richly detailed environment, vast enough to house Yuji Horii's sweeping drama, and a cel-shaded graphics engine which perfectly captures the spirit of Akira Toriyama's character designs.

John Yamamoto, President and CEO comments: "We are delighted to be bringing such a prestigious title to Europe. The launch of Dragon Quest: The Journey of the Cursed King marks a milestone for Square Enix as a leading European publisher, and will create a benchmark in gaming. There is high anticipation for Dragon Quest and this title will not disappoint".

About Dragon Quest

The Dragon Quest franchise has been established for 20 years in Japan, and with 27 titles under its belt, is the cornerstone of family entertainment. In addition to being the biggest selling PlayStation 2 game in Japan, Dragon Quest pioneered RPGs for the console platform. Dragon Quest VIII was released in Japan in November 2004 and has sold over 3.6 million copies to date.

About Square Enix

Headquartered in Tokyo, Square Enix Co., Ltd. (Square Enix) develops, publishes and distributes entertainment contents including interactive entertainment software and publications in Japan, North America, Europe and Asia. Square Enix brings two of Japan's best-selling franchises - FINAL FANTASY, which has sold over 63 million units worldwide and DRAGON QUEST which has sold over 40 million units worldwide - under one roof. Square Enix is one of the most influential providers of digital entertainment content in the world and continues to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation. More information on Square Enix can be found on the Internet at http://www.square-enix.com .

About Square Enix Ltd.

Located in London, Square Enix Ltd. handles operations in Europe and other PAL territories including sales, marketing and publishing of Square Enix titles. More information on Square Enix Ltd. can be found on the Internet at http://www.square-enix.com .

SQUARE ENIX, the SQUARE ENIX logo , DRAGON QUEST, THE JOURNEY OF THE CURSED KING, FINAL FANTASY and other names of products mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarkes of Square Enix Co., Ltd. in Japan and/or other countries.

"PlayStation" is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Contact:

Alex Huhtala

Public Relations Manager

Square Enix Ltd

+44 (0) 20 7291 5123

[email protected]