Final Fantasy: Square Enix's FInal Fantasy® VII: Advent Children™ to be Screened at 61st Venice International Film Festival

LOS ANGELES, Calif., July 30, 2004 -- Square Enix Co., Ltd.(Square Enix), a leading developer and publisher of interactive entertainment content including the world-renowned franchises FINAL FANTASY®, and DRAGON QUEST (DRAGON WARRIOR® in North America), today announced that they will screen a special preview edition of the upcoming FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN at the 61st Venice International Film Festival, September 1st through 11th in Venice, Italy. FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN is a direct-to-DVD CG-animated sequel to FINAL FANTASY VII, one of the best-selling PlayStation® video games of all time. FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN will be shown as part of "Venezia Digitale," the new digital image category of the Venice International Film Festival. This category is intended to provide an overview of the new expressive possibilities granted by the new digital technologies and only feature-length films made using digital technology and never publicly screened outside their country of origin and in Italy will be presented. Since the product is still in development, a special preview will be screened at the festival.

   "We are honored to be a part of Venezia Digitale, this exciting new category that highlights the values of innovation and artistry of digital imagery," said director Tetsuya Nomura. "As we continually strive to create digital entertainment that pushes the boundaries of technology and art, we welcome the opportunity to become a part of the world cinema community through the Venice International Film Festival."

About FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN
FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN is a fully developed, CG-work sequel to FINAL FANTASY VII, the seminal 1997 PlayStation hit. Through 70 minutes of beautifully crafted DVD content, FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN revisits the rich universe and memorable characters of FINAL FANTASY VII two years after its dramatic conclusion. Technological advancements bring a visually stunning new look to the city of Midgar and its residents.

   FINAL FANTASY VII, originally released in Japan for the PlayStation game console on January 31, 1997 and September 7, 1997 in North America, redefined the standard for role-playing games (RPGs) and has since achieved record-shattering sales of over 9 million units worldwide. Fans have long requested a true sequel, and with FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN, their wishes are granted. The product is currently in development and scheduled for release in late 2004 in Japan.

   Two years after the events of FINAL FANTASY VII, the ruins of Midgar stand as testament to the sacrifices that were made in order to bring peace. However, the world will soon face a new menace. A mysterious illness is spreading fast. Old enemies are astir. And Cloud, who walked away from the life of a hero to live in solitude, must step forward yet again...

The FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN development team includes:
Director - Tetsuya Nomura (FINAL FANTASY X, KINGDOM HEARTS®)
Co-Director- Takeshi Nozue (FINAL FANTASY IX, FINAL FANTASY X, KINGDOM HEARTS)
Scenario - Kazushige Nojima (STELLAVISTA LTD.) (FINAL FANTASY X, KINGDOM HEARTS)
Art Director - Yusuke Naora (FINAL FANTASY X)
Composer - Nobuo Uematsu (FINAL FANTASY series)
Producer - Yoshinori Kitase (FINAL FANTASY X, KINGDOM HEARTS) and Shinji Hashimoto (FINAL FANTASY VIII, KINGDOM HEARTS)
Mechanic/Creature Design - Takayuki Takeya (Freelance) (ZEIRAM, MECHANICAL VIOLATOR HAKAIDER