January 26th, 2000 - Square Electronic Arts has announced the North American release of Final Fantasy VIII for the PC. The PC version of Final Fantasy VIII adds several new features not included in the PlayStation version of the title, which was released last year world-wide.

Most notibly, the graphics have been improved with 3D acceleration and the higher definition PC monitor; the characters now look even more life-life and move smoother with motion-captured animation. As announced in a previous update, the game comes packaged with a Windows mini-game called Chocobo World.

Here's the official SquareSoft press release:

COSTA MESA, Calif., January 25, 2000 – Square Electronic ArtsSM L.L.C. (Square Electronic Arts), the exclusive publisher of all SQUARESOFT® products in North America, today announced the release of FINAL FANTASY® VIII for the PC. The game offers an improved graphics engine that provides life-like characters and motion-captured animation; a playable mini-game called "Chocobo World," which is available as a separate Windows® application; and full support of the latest graphics and sound cards. The PlayStation® game console version of FINAL FANTASY VIII, which shipped in September 1999, has sold more than six million units worldwide.

"There are currently over one million consumers in the U.S. who have experienced the thrill of FINAL FANTASY VIII on the PlayStation," said Jun Iwasaki, president of Square Electronic Arts. "Now PC gamers are sure to be blown away by the visually stunning technological advancements represented in the PC version, including characters’ realistic facial expressions and the transition from seamless gameplay to full motion video within the game. The processing power of PCs really allows this game to come to life. It’s simply breath-taking."

FINAL FANTASY VIII, the second in the FINAL FANTASY series to ship for the PC, features a compelling story mix of action and adventure with an added touch of romance. Squall is a member of an elite combat team that engages in a power struggle with another faction; both are battling to take control. The key question for Squall and his team is who to trust? Adding to this FINAL FANTASY story line are intriguing characters such as the free spirited young woman, Rinoa Heartilly, the sorceress Edea, Quistis Trepe the instructor, and Squall’s archrival, Seifer.

FINAL FANTASY VIII is the latest title in the award-winning FINAL FANTASY series, a product line that is heralded by the industry as the benchmark for all role playing games (RPGs). To date, the popular franchise has sold more than 25 million units worldwide, making the series one of the top-selling game franchises in the history of the interactive entertainment industry.

Square Electronic Arts L.L.C. and Square Co., Ltd.

Square Co., Ltd. is the leading third-party developer and publisher of home video game console software in Japan with annual sales of more than US $345 million and 1,200 employees worldwide. Square Co., Ltd. became famous for its role playing games, including its world-renowned FINAL FANTASY series, which has sold more than 22 million units to date, and now publishes other titles under the SQUARESOFT brand spanning all genres. Square Co., Ltd. is based in Tokyo, Japan, and maintains a branch office in Osaka.

In North America, Square Co., Ltd. publishes its SQUARESOFT titles through Square Electronic Arts L.L.C., located in Costa Mesa, CA. Square Electronic Arts L.L.C. is a Limited Liability Company established on May 1, 1998 by Square Soft, Inc. and Electronic ArtsTM to manage the marketing and distribution of SQUARESOFT products in North America. More information about SQUARESOFT products can be found on the Internet at http://www.squaresoft.com.

The European release date (including the U.K.) is still sketched in for a February release, with the Japanese closely following in March.

Early signs are that the port was a lot more successful than the Final Fantasy VII PC port, but more news as it comes...