Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time Coming to North America

Square Enix is bringing Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time to North America for the Nintendo DS and Wii. In the game, players can choose to play alone or with friends, whenever and however they like with the introduction of a new concept which will enable users of either Nintendo platform to adventure alongside each other for the first time. Maintaining the control scheme found in Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates and enhancing the gameplay experience, Echoes of Time has a system that promises to allow players to switch between the single and multiplayer modes in-game.

Using a new technology called the “Pollux Engine”,  this is a true cross-platform game as it will be identical on both NDS and Wii, down to the last detail. Use the stylus to control your character on the NDS while the Wiimote will mimic the same actions when used on the Wii. The game requires only one copy of the game to work on both systems.

The storyline tells the tale of a triumphant return from a monster-infested forest, which takes place during a 16-year-old hero’s coming-of-age ceremony. However, the hero’s joy is short-lived as a young village girl is found to be afflicted by a mysterious illness known as “crystal sickness.” Determined to obtain the cure, the hero steps out of the secluded village for the first time, only to discover a world in which crystals are merely artifacts of the past and no longer exist.

Game Features:

• Multiplayer connectivity reaches new heights where players can team up or compete with friends and players around the world
• The control scheme introduced in FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Ring of Fates returns, now adapted to Wii
• Players can switch between single and multiplayer modes within the game world itself, giving them two gaming options in one integrated experience
• A personalized hero can be generated from a choice of the four familiar races of the series; Clavats, Lilties, Selkies or Yukes. Players joining from the Wii can also introduce their Miis to the world.
• Create and customize materials, armor and equipment for characters with tailored appearances and abilities so that no two heroes will be the same
• A vast selection of quests which will give the player more to do even after completion of the main adventure

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Echoes of Time is expected to be released in Spring 2009. For more information, check out the game page on FileFront where you can download a trailer for the game. You can also check out the official website here, which unfortunately does not have much more than “coming soon” on the front page.