During a new product conference held by Nintendo in Japan yesterday, several new tidbits regarding Square Enix's first GameCube RPG Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles have been revealed. The game will run at 30 frames per second. As previously reported, the multi-player mode will indeed require the use of GameBoy Advance units as controllers. In single player mode there will be no CPU-controlled comrades, as the player will travel alone. Furthermore, the ever popular concept of experience points will be non-existent in Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles, as defeated enemies will "only" drop items, magic or money. Just like in most other representatives of the genre however, players can do the necessary shopping and tours of villages. This includes the manufacture of weapons at a blacksmith. The game will be progressive-scan compatible and the load times caused by moving from the larger (world) map to its smaller counterpart are said to be between 4 and 5 seconds. The game's general setup will first allow players to choose between single and multiplayer modes. Afterwards, they have to choose the name of their village as well as their character's name, gender, race, hair color and parents' profession. After witnessing the departure of the Crystal Caravan in event form, the game will move on to the big map. Having started a single player campaign, it is also possible to switch into multi-player mode after the story has progressed to some extent.

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles will be available in Japan on July 18th for 6,800 yen (57.75USD). The US version, published by Nintendo of America, is set for release in early November.

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