Following speculation of a July North American release date for the fully 3D remake of Final Fantasy IV for the Nintendo DS in this month’s Nintendo Power magazine, Square Enix has gone on record to confirm that the month was indeed correct, and announced that the exact date that we can expect the triumphant game is 22nd July, 2008.

Square Enix today revealed that it will launch the completely re-envisioned FINAL FANTASY IV for Nintendo DS on 22nd July, 2008. A new generation of gamers will now have the opportunity to experience a legend reborn. Unless, of course, they played the Game Boy Advance edition a couple of years back, in which case the game may well be slightly too familiar for their liking. However, just as FINAL FANTASY III was converted from flat, 2D sprites to wondrous three dimensions, so has FINAL FANTASY IV now.

“FINAL FANTASY IV for DS is a classic revived for the 21st century. The visual upgrades are remarkable, and the plot has been enhanced with added detail and depth. We hope that fans of the original, as well as players new to the FINAL FANTASY franchise, will enjoy all that this title has to offer.”
- John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix.

The team that brought FINAL FANTASY III to Nintendo DS comes together once again to breathe new life into a classic that broke convention and introduced a wide array of innovations to the RPG genre. With its groundbreaking Active Time Battle (ATB) system and an engrossing, character-driven plot, FINAL FANTASY IV was a stunning step forward for role-playing games when it was originally released for the Super NES in 1991. Now featuring full 3D graphics, fully-voiced dramatic cutscenes, and added content, FINAL FANTASY IV for DS is a must-play for those looking to jump into the best-selling RPG franchise in the world.

“Four elemental Crystals, each possessing awesome power, lie scattered throughout the realm. However, men are quick to covet things that offer strength, and are easily corrupted by the might that they possess…Seduced by the promised power of the Crystals, the kingdom of Baron begins employing unprovoked force to seize them from peaceful nations. The dark knight Cecil — Lord Captain of Baron’s elite force, the Red Wings — is ordered by his king to obtain the Crystals, but soon begins to question the monarch’s motives. Stricken with grief at his own actions, yet burdened by his loyalty to his country and his personal sense of honor, Cecil at last decides to turn from the path of darkness and destruction.

“Enraged, the king accuses him of disloyalty, strips Cecil of his command, and sends him off to slay a mysterious beast that lurks in the nearby Valley of Mist. Cecil embarks on a fateful journey that will bring trials, betrayals, friendship, loss and self-discovery. Can Cecil open his eyes and become the man of honor that he must be?”

• Witness the dramatic and thrilling story of this mythical game world brought to life through astounding 3D graphics, gorgeous CG cutscenes and top-notch voice acting;
• Create a versatile party using the all-new Augment System — a dynamic system that allows the player to assign special abilities to characters;
• Dive into the first RPG to incorporate the innovative Active Time Battle system, now further enhanced and refined for the Nintendo DS;
• Listen to a beautifully remixed score by world-renowned composer Nobuo Uematsu that breathes new life into some of the most beloved FINAL FANTASY themes;
• Navigate effortlessly through the game with Nintendo DS Touch Screen functionality and stylus-driven controls while receiving vital assistance via the dual-screen presentation;
• Train and customise Whytkin by playing a variety of mini-games and challenge another player to head-to-head battle via local wireless connection.

FINAL FANTASY IV will be available at North American retailers for the suggested retail price of US$39.99. The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/ff4/. No European or Australian date has been confirmed as of yet, but it is definitely expected soon given Square Enix is endeavouring to prevent delays in localistation.