Square announces Final Fantasy Chronicles

Square Electronic Arts has confirmed the PlayStation release of Final Fantasy Chronicles, a compilation game including the company's classic RPG games Final Fantasy IV and Chrono Trigger. This special bundle package will be released in North American on July 19.

"We are pleased to deliver these two titles to our North American fans on the PlayStation game console," saidn Jun Iwasaki, president of Square Electronic Arts. " Since the release of Chrono Cross last August, we've received an overwhelming number of fan requests to rerelease Chrono Trigger for the PlayStation game console. We have added a variety of new features to both Final Fantasy IV and Chrono Triggger for this compilation and believe this set will appeal to fans of the original games and introduce a new generation of gamers to some of our classic titles."

The updated PlayStation version of Chrono Trigger will include new opening and ending cinematic sequences, as well as recreations of existing sequences. Square promises that these new movie sequences will shed further light on the game's unique story and give insight into the world of its sequel Chrono Cross. New game modes will include a theater, music box, and an art gallery that will open up as the game progresses. Detailed descriptions of the monsters, magic, and bosses are also included.

Enhancements planned for the PlayStation release of Final Fantasy IV include a dash feature that lets players move quickly through towns; a new two-player mode that let's two players participate in battle together; and new CG sequences. Additionally, this PlayStation release will include all of the story elements that were omitted in the original US Super NES release of the game.

Final Fantasy Chronicles will carry a suggested retail price of $40.