For those eagerly waiting for Chrono Trigger for the Nintendo DS, you may be interested in another classic offering from Square Enix, namely their remake of the the SNES title Final Fantasy IV.

While we haven't covered this title before - we've got all the information you could possibly want about it - with the exception of a precise local release date other than 'winter'. However, lack of region coding on the Nintendo DS will allow you to import this one to play it the same time as our US compatriots very soon. We've information extracted from the E3 Media & Business Summit, including a US release date.

As many of you will be aware, Square Enix have already released Final Fantasy III on the DS, featuring updated 3D graphics, cinematics and the like. They've given Final Fantasy IV the same treatment.


The plot of Final Fantasy IV follows Cecil, a knight in the royal army. Following orders from his King, Cecil is instructed to take four powerful elemental crystals from otherwise peaceful kingdoms. Met with personal doubt, Cecil returns to his king filled with grief at his orders and actions. The King, acusing him of disloyality, disbands Cecil from his ranks, sending him on what can be considered a suicide mission to slay a 'mysterious beast'. Cecil then 'embarks on a fateful journey that will bring trials, betrayals, friendship, loss and self-discovery.'

Remastered for the DS, Final Fantasy IV's features include:

• 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

• Fully-voiced cut-scenes, with high quality 3D characters maximise use of the hardware to set a new standard in Nintendo DS storytelling.

• Navigate effortlessly through the game with Nintendo DS Touch Screen functionality and stylus-driven controls while receiving vital assistance via the dual-screen presentation

• Special new mini-game lets you nurture your own summon monster and battle a friend via DS Wireless Communications!

• New additional episodes let you explore the unseen lives of the main characters.

• Event Theatre bonus mode lets you replay any scenes that have already been viewed.

While it will be available in the US on the 22nd of July, a vague Australian release date looms as 'Winter 2008'. Hopefully we can see the title on local shelves sooner rather than later, with Square Enix releases historically suffering from outrageously staggered release dates in Australia compared to other territories.