Now you can experience what is possibly one of the most unique and original RPGs to hit the Nintendo DS this year. Square Enix sends word that The World Ends With You has shipped to retailers across North America.

The game follows the story of Neku Sakuraba, a 15-year old teenage boy who awakes in the city of Shibuya, Tokyo, with no apparent recollection of his past. Neku eventually comes to realize that he has been forced to partake in a so-called “Game” spanning seven days. With each day, players are given a mission objective that they must fulfill, or face the the threat of being eliminated.

Based on our initial impressions, The World Ends With You is a must-buy for anyone looking for a fresh take on the RPG genre. Check back for a full review soon.

THE WAIT ENDS TODAY FOR THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU

The Stylish New Action-RPG Makes Its Way to Retailers across North America

LOS ANGELES (April 22, 2008) – Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix™ interactive entertainment products in North America, announced that THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU™ was shipped to North American retailers today.

The creators of FINAL FANTASY® and KINGDOM HEARTS bring a new mix of innovation and style to Nintendo DS™ with THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU. Drop into the center of Japan’s youth culture with this stylish new title, set to revolutionize the way that DS games are experienced with its creative battle system, distinctive art style and hip soundtrack.

With a completely unique take on the capabilities of the DS system, THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU takes familiar DS functionalities and adds an exhilarating new edge. The battle system challenges players to take control of two characters simultaneously, choosing from a variety of touch and sound commands to unleash dynamic psychic abilities. With a soundtrack that complements the vibrant, urban visual style and a plot filled with riveting twists and turns, THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU promises to set new standards for the next generation of gamers.

STORY

The story begins as Neku Sakuraba, an unsociable 15-year-old boy, unexpectedly wakes up in the Shibuya shopping district of Tokyo, Japan. While trying to understand his rude awakening, he receives a strange text message warning him that he will cease to exist unless he accomplishes a certain mission. Although he barely has time to grasp what is happening to him, he undertakes his assigned task on the mysterious streets of Shibuya.

FEATURES

· Distinctive modern art style created by a team of artists led by Tetsuya Nomura, world-renowned character designer of the upcoming FABULA NOVA CRYSTALLIS® project which includes FINAL FANTASY XIII and FINAL FANTASY Versus XIII™

· Innovative Stride-Cross Battle System allows the player to control two characters simultaneously, unleashing special attacks with the stylus

· Collect a vast array of custom-designed pins, each with a powerful psychic ability that can be activated with the right touch or sound command

· Customize characters with Shibuya’s coolest fashions and exchange items with other players via Mingle Mode

· Experience an amazing soundtrack, which combines musical influences from hip-hop to rock to electronica

· Battle with up to three friends in Tin Pin Slammer, an exciting and fast-paced mini-game, via local wireless connection

THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU is rated T (Teen). Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board website at www.esrb.org for more information about ratings. THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU will be available at North American retailers for the suggested retail price of $39.99 (USD). The official website can be found at http://www.theworldendswithyou.com/

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