The GIA has continued to prove that they are, hands down, the best gaming site on the web by brining us a fresh English translation of the side-story that accompanies the release of Final Fantasy X International. They also put a heavy disclaimer that one should really have beaten Final Fantasy X before viewing this, as it contains massive spoilers as to the outcome of the story and characters from the original game. Also included in this update were screenshots from the side-story, as well as more details of the features available to the the Japan-exclusive FFX International release.

   source | The GIA

   Square has announced plans to partner with Asashi SoftDrinks to release a series of collectable figurines and keychains for their upcoming PlayStation2 RPG 'Kingdom Heats.' Specifically, customers will receive a free keychain when purchasing 500ml bottles of Mitsuya Cider. More than thirty keychains and collectible figures will be available in the set. The promotion is scheduled to begin in mid-February, with new figures released weekly. For reference, Kingdom Hearts is scheduled for release on March 28th in Japan.

   source | Core Magazine

   Square has announced plans to dissolve their music subsidiary 'Square Sounds' in Japan. Under the terms of the deal, the subsidiary will become an operational division under Square directly. According to company representatives, the merger will allow Square to efficiently control the music and soundtrack aspect of their business. It's currently unknown whether Square Sounds offices in Meguro-ku Tokyo will remain open as a result of the merger.

   source | Square Source, Core Magazine

   Final Fantasy X has recently sold over 4 million copies worldwide, the first PS2 game to do so. However, Square is still projecting losses of $133 million at the end of the fiscal year as a result of money put into Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within. FFX's earnings have not been factored into this figure.

   source | The GIA

   Though it's been known for some time that Chrono Trigger and SaGa sequels were in the works, confirmation finally came today in the form of two registered trademarks. Squaresoft has copyrighted the names "Chrono Break" and "Unlimited SaGa" for use in electronic optical media. No information on either game is known at this time.

   source | The GIA

   Following the recently finished 24kbps refresh, I have given the playlist at our 56kbps station an overhaul. Now you can tune in to hear quality recordings of the Final Fantasy IX and Final Fantasy X OST's. Please visit our recently launched Radio page for more details regarding each of our radio stations.

   source | N/A

   Adding more replay value to the original, Square will be putting second versions of various Aeons in for those who go back and complete a new set of trials at the temples. They will be titled the "Heretic Aeons" and will have new looks, as well as more strength. Screenshots can be seen here over at The GIA.

   source | The GIA

   Over the night, I took down our 24Kbps stream to give it a bit of a refresh. A lot of the same songs are on there, but I re-did the ID3 tags and file names so that if you listen via Player365 you can find out what tune you are listening to. As of this moment, we have Final Fantasy 6, 7, 8, Tactics, Chrono Cross and Xenogears blasting 24 hours a day. After tonight, the 56Kbps will receive a refresh as well - featuring the Final Fantasy IX and X at a much better quality. Stay tuned!

   source | N/A

   The latest Final Fantasy piano compilation is due out on February 20th, and those interested in importing the disc can do so through CD Japan. Chances of the disc's release outside of Japan are slim, although there have been several readily available domestic releases recently produced to satiate fans who would rather not import.

   source | The GIA

   While initial reports were saying that the game was to be released in France only; it appears that Final Fantasy Anthology will be released across all of Europe on February 27th, 2002. The game will also feature a bonus playable demo of the upcoming Final Fantasy X release.

   source | RPGamer

   Gamespot has mentioned that Square is still in talks with Microsoft in regards to Xbox development, but it pretty much seems to be Microsoft begging for some much-needed Japanese X-box support. The article can be found here,

   source | Gamespot

   Square and Disney will release a CD single for the theme song of Kingdom Hearts in Japan on March 20, the song will be titled Hikari (translate to "Light"), and it will be composed and performed by the highly popular Japanese singer Hikaru Utada, who have sold a whopping 8 million copies of her first album "First Love" back in 1999.

   source | The Magic Box

   Square's upcoming Final Fantasy X International (Jan 31 release in Japan) will feature a new side story called FFX Another Story: The Forever Nagi Festival, which will take place 2 years after the original story, so far it is confirmed that Yuna, Wakka and Rikku will be showing up in this new story. (SPOILER: "Nagi Festival" is the time between Sin's defeat and revival, in which people celebrate for the true peace.)

   source | The Magic Box

   Square has recently announced that it will not be charging customers for usage of PlayOnline's non-gaming features. While a monthly fee will still be required to play titles such as Final Fantasy XI and Tetra Master, no such fee will apply to registered users of PlayOnline for use of e-mail services and chat rooms. The PlayOnline service launches in Japan this Spring. Square is expected to release more details concerning the services next month.

   source | The GIA