In exciting news for RPG and Final Fantasy fans, the previously never-before-seen-in-Europe Final Fantasy III is coming to the DS next Spring. It also promises to fully utilise the touch screen that makes the DS so unique.

Protected by the crystals of light, the once peaceful land has forever been changed by the great tremor. Without warning, the earthquake pulled the crystals into the earth, upsetting the world’s fragile balance. It seems as if all hope is lost – but as the Gulgan prophecy foretold, four souls blessed with the light shall once again restore balance to the world.

Near the small village of Ur, fate guides Luneth to a sentient crystal that changes his life forever. As the light of the crystal fades, Luneth embarks on a journey to seek three others who share his destiny to search for the remaining crystals, and fight the battle of light and darkness.

OK, so the story is pretty unimaginative, but you have to remember that this game was originally released in 1990, so this was probably one of the best stories in a videogame ever back then.

Final Fantasy III was originally released only in Japan on the Famicom, or NES for everyone outside of Japan. After 17 years since it’s original release, you can now discover for yourself the birth of moogles and summons. This is also the only FF title that has not ever been re-made or localised, so this will be new to many of you.

It’s not just a simple port either. Square Enix, realising that a direct port would make the game look dated, have completely re-done the visuals. Taken from the press release:

“Due to the game’s age, a direct port may seem a bit dated, but now FINAL FANTASY III has been made anew on the Nintendo DS platform, including new graphics in 3D, rebalanced jobs, and brand new characterisation for the four young heroes, who are now more dynamic than ever. As the only game in the FINAL FANTASY series that had not previously been localised, we are very pleased to bring FINAL FANTASY to players in Europe. We hope that not only FINAL FANTASY fans, but a wide variety of players in Europe enjoys the new FINAL FANTASY III.”

Sounds pretty exciting, and I know that I will definitely be buying this game when it gets released next Spring, as I’m a big FF fan. And if you’re wondering what the DS could add to the game, here is a nice little list of features:

• The missing link in the evolution of FINAL FANTASY is unveiled – experience a tale untold
• A dynamic job-changing system allows for more than 279,000 party variations
• The Touch Screen interface seamlessly utilizes the Nintendo DS capabilities – explore dungeons, dispatch foes and cast spells using the DS stylus
• A complete visual overhaul breathes new life into a classic with colourful 3D graphics
• Take advantage of both the wireless local area connection and Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection to access the Mognet and communicate with other players as well as NPCs and uncover hidden dungeons, quests and items
• Character designer Akihiko Yoshida of the award-winning and critically acclaimed FINAL FANTASY XII lends his talents by designing the four main characters

Sounds very intriguing. Hopefully the Touch Screen capabilities make the game a smooth and battles easy, perhaps simpler than any console variations of other FF titles. Either way, I’m hoping this will be excellent, and is a worthy addition to the DS’s catalogue.