[Vic Viper]

Square-Enix has announced plans to release Front Mission 4 and Star Ocean 3 for the PlayStation 2 in North America. Both games are scheduled for release in June and August respectively. 2004 has marked a move in this direction with the release of three very different titles in the first half. March will see the release of Drakengard an action game, featuring three different fighting styles set in a medieval world of dragons and the occult. Mech-based title, Front Mission 4 will follow, telling the account of political intrigue and military conspiracy. Then an epic, cinematic experience set in space awaits gamers in Star Ocean, with several exciting features brought to life in the Director's Cut.

Front Mission 4:

Front Mission 4 marks the debut of the popular mech-based strategy game series on the PlayStation 2. Utilizing the technological capabilities of the system, Front Mission 4 brings you the newest chapter in the best-selling series. While boasting an enhanced battle system, outstanding new graphics and dramatic voiceovers, Front Mission 4 maintains the outstanding strategic gameplay that has won acclaim from both gamers and press worldwide. As in the previous games, players can fully customize their wanzers, or mech units, with a variety of powerful weaponry and parts. In addition, new tactical features such as the "Link System" bring a new dimension of strategy to the game.

The game opens as an unidentified group of wanzers assaults and destroys an E.C. German base. Elsa, a new recruit in the E.C.'s Durandal corps, is sent to Germany with her team to investigate the attack. The story then shifts to Darril, a U.C.S. Army sergeant in South America. He and his company are sent to Venezuela after its governor declares independence from the U.C.S. Though Darril's squad seems far more interested in slacking off than fighting a war, their plans for early retirement are put on hold after they witness a fateful plane crash in the jungle.

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Star Ocean: Till The End of Time (Director's Cut):

The first PlayStation 2 installment in the acclaimed science fiction RPG series, the Director's Cut version is considered to be the culmination of the developer's true vision. Star Ocean was originally released with two versions in Japan. The development time was extended for the North American release in order to incorporate the extra features of the Director's Cut. Star Ocean builds on the first-rate concepts of earlier games in the series and leverages the technological capabilities of the PlayStation 2 to surpass them. In addition, the larger data capacity of the Director's Cut allows for multiple added extras providing the most complete game package possible. Incorporating the new features with gorgeous, extended cinematic sequences and an unparalleled real-time battle system, including a new VS. mode, Star Ocean is sure to attract a new group of admirers and thrill the longtime fans of the series.

Star Ocean's protagonist, Fayt Leingod brings his family and childhood friend, Sophia Esteed to the Federation-managed resort planet Hida for a long-deserved vacation. Their dreamy holiday turns into a nightmare when Hida is attacked by an unknown space military. In the heat of the attack, Fayt is separated from Sophia and his family and begins an emotional quest into the unknown to find his loved ones.

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