In the next few days you are going to be noticing some major changes here at EoFF. For starters, I have purchased a new server and we won't have to worry about bandwidth/too many downloads anymore. Because of this, you are going to see our media sections grow exponentially. Also because of the server change, you may notice more bugs/errors around EoFF. If you notice anything I need to fix, please email me and I'll fix it asap. For the meantime, I know the downloads are somewhat down but by this time tomorrow they will probably all be back up with more selection than ever. ...

Square-Enix has opened the official "Final Fantasy & Dragon Quest in Itadaki Street Special" website. There's only a few bits and pieces on the site right now - namely some pictures and game information - but there's sure to be some more updates in the pipeline.

The game will be released for Japanese Playstation 2 gamers at some point during Winter. As for the rest of the world? Well, the game probably won't make it outside of Japan due to it's unusual nature. Here's hoping, though.

To view the official site, click here.

[Source: Square Insider] ...

Square Enix has revealed that several connection problems have surfaced during the beta testing phase of Before Crisis: Final Fantasy VII. Users might find it hard to access the application due to a high server load that resulted from a higher than expected number of accesses. Since beta testing began on August 31st, the company has registered 1.6 million accesses by users. 16,000 users accessed the cell-phone based game in one hour during peak times. Square Enix looks to address this problem and find a solution before the Japanese launch on September 24th.

[Source: RPGFan] ...

The official site for Square-Enix's upcoming Final Fantasy XII has uploaded some new artwork and information concerning a few different races that will be featured in this world of Ivalice.

For starters, the site now details the differences between the numerous races of Bangaa. There are four in all, including the Faas ("soldier" in the Bangaa language), the Ruga (a seemingly peaceful type), and the Bista and Sanga (those inbetween). Just don't call them "Lizardmen", as it's considered an offensive remark.

The site also gives an up-close look at the newest version of the Moogle. The site's profile of Moogles mentions that most of them are adept engineers in Ivalice, also referred to as Etoria.

If that's not enough, there's also a few details about the Seeq.

To see it all for yourself, visit Square-Enix's official site for Final Fantasy XII. To check out all the info on the races, click here.

[Sources - SquareNet]
...

Electronics powerhouse Panasonic and the upcoming Square movie will be promoting one another soon, as the company's official website will soon feature a section with information and goodies from the highly anticipated sequel to Final Fantasy VII.

Beginning on September 16, Panasonic.jp will feature sections containing news updates, interviews with those involved in the movie's production, and plenty of downloadable material.

You can also jump here for a small advertisement that features Cloud Strife holding Panasonic's P900iv model cellular phone. There has been no official word on Advent Children's release date, although it's currently slated for release in Japan later this year.

[Sources - Advent Children, SquareNet] ...

Those eagerly anticipating the sequel to the smash Disney-immersed RPG will be happy to learn of new developments out of Tokyo for Kingdom Hearts II.

The camera system, considered by most a liability in the first game, can be controlled in KH2 by the right analog button. It still has a few kinks that have to be worked out, but it can be considered an important improvement.

During gameplay, the hero Sora can take advantage of a new feature referred to as the "Transformation Drive". You simply collect orbs from battles and activate them to combine your power with another character, allowing for an entirely new array of abilities and attacks.

The combo system has also been taken to a new level, as they should be easier to perfect. There are new combinations that are specific to your weaponry, most of which will involve arms from the original Kingdom Hearts.

Although there is no set release date for Kingdom Hearts II, it is expected to arrive in stores in Japan and North America sometime in 2005. There is no word concerning release in ...

IGN took the mobile game Before Crisis: Final Fantasy VII for a test drive. Based on what they described, the game features plenty of back-story to Final Fantasy VII including Midgar, the Turks, Shinra, and even Avalanche. Gathering materia is done in an interesting way as well: players use the camera on the phone to take a picture of something and it creates a new materia based on the color of the item. For instance: take a picture of a white piece of paper and you might get Cure.

Full Story ...

Nintendo has put together strong lineup of games set for release this fall. One of them being Square Enix's Final Fantasy I & 2: Dawn of Souls, the Game Boy Advance remake. Click here to check out the box art for the game. Dawn of Souls will reach North American shores on November 29th, and is being published by Nintendo. This is an official date, but is subject to change. We will keep you posted when the news comes in. ...

The Japanese mobile phone game Before Crisis: Final Fantasy VII will begin to be distributed on September 24. It will be compatible with NTT DoCoMo 900i series phones with exception to F900iT, D900i and F900i models. The release will start with a free trial version until the end of September. Then the game will cost 525 yen per month.

We'll let you know if Square-Enix decides to bring the mobile game stateside.

[Source: IGN] ...

The official website for the FFXI expansion, Chains of Promathia has recently been updated with exciting information, including the appearance of a familiar character. The expansion for the PS2 and PC versions of FFXI will feature the ever popular dragon, Bahamut. His role in the game is currently unknown, but on the website he is referred to as the "Wyrm King". Also, more non-playable characters have been revealed including Tenzen, a loyal samurai on a secret mission, Justinius, the head of the forces guarding the islands of Tavnazia, the Chebukki Twins, and Cherukiki. Chains of Promathia will also introduce some new equipment that will keep characters colorful and well protected. FFXI Chains of Promathia will be available worldwide in mid September.

In other gaming news, Square Enix has finally revealed the release date to the GBA Sequel to Kingdom Hearts, Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories. The game will be available in Japan on November 11th, and will carry a retail price of about $54.30 US. A North American release date for Chain of Memories is scheduled for this Christmas. Kingdom Hearts II for ...

The October 2004 edition of EGM (Electronic Gaming Monthly) claims that eyesonff.com is a must-see:

"Eyesonff.com - game reviews, wallpapers, maps, and... the invisible lady? People who consider themselves Final Fantasy fans should check it out."

Well you're not so bad yourself, EGM. ...

Good news for European Final Fantasy fans: Square-Enix is releasing its Gameboy Advance RPG 'Final Fantasy I-II Advance' on December 10th of this year. In an interesting note, the title of the game will be 'Final Fantasy I-II: Dawn of Souls'. This subtitle was registered in North America on July 26th, so the title will probably make it into the US version of the game as well.

[Source: Square Insider] ...

Square-Enix Co., Ltd., has appointed Ichiro Otobe as President and Chief Operating Officer of its U.S. subsidiary, Square Enix, Inc. Why? Well, Square-Enix is expecting a significant growth in the North American Final Fantasy market, and that includes the console games and the Mobile Phone titles currently in development. Mr. Otobe will be keeping a close eye on this expanding market, and hopefully, this will prove to be beneficial for American Final Fantasy fans.

[Source: AllRPG] ...

Music and Wallpaper section added today, including a total of 3 new songs and 6 new wallpapers. ...