Square Enix announced that the eagerly anticipated 13th entry in the series, FINAL FANTASY XIII, is now available at retail outlets across the nation. Developed for both the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360, FINAL FANTASY XIII marks the dawning of a new era for the celebrated franchise.

Bringing the series to multiple high-definition consoles simultaneously for the first time in its history, FINAL FANTASY XIII combines seamless cinematic sequences of unparalleled caliber with a fast-paced, high-intensity battle system that is sure to give players an adrenaline rush with every enemy encounter. Producer Yoshinori Kitase, director Motomu Toriyama, character designer Tetsuya Nomura and art director Isamu Kamikokuryo combine their creative vision to deliver the latest masterpiece in the FINAL FANTASY universe.

Offering nothing less than the finest creative vision, graphical quality and gameplay system of its generation with every installment, the FINAL FANTASY series has continued to captivate audiences around the globe, shipping over 92 million copies worldwide. FINAL FANTASY XIII is no exception to this legacy, and promises to introduce players to a dynamic gaming experience with breathtaking, never-before-seen sights, unparalleled storytelling and an addictive new battle system.

The first in the series developed for a simultaneous release on multiple high-definition consoles, FINAL FANTASY XIII pushes new boundaries in cinematic presentation, sound and gameplay. The familiar system has evolved, granting players the freedom of executing numerous commands in a single turn with the multi-slot ATB gauge. Whether inputting singular commands in each slot for consecutive attacks, or expending multiple slots at once to activate a devastating blow, it’s up to the players to respond effectively to the battle conditions at hand.

A brand-new game mechanic enabling players to assign roles to their party members at any time during battle, shifting between combat paradigms. Consisting of various combinations of the game's six roles, ranging from Commando, the offensive specialist, to Medic, the quintessential healer, paradigms allow players to respond and adapt instantly to any given situation to turn the tide and seize victory. Introducing Gestalt Mode, a powerful dimension of the summon system that elevates the action to a whole new level. In Gestalt Mode, characters and their transformed Eidolons fight as one, dealing massive damage to enemies through simple button commands.

An immersive storyline connects players to an intriguing cast of characters. Will they have the strength to confront their cursed fates, or will destiny prevail over all that they believe in?

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