FINAL FANTASY: Record Keeper launches in US for iOS and Android

There's another Final Fantasy-themed mobile game out in the US -- Final Fantasy: Record Keeper is an RPG set in the universe(s) of Final Fantasy. It's also a free-to-play fix for FF lovers (with some in-app purchases available, too).

So, I've been playing around with the game a bit since its launch -- should you care about it?

Short answer: if you really love the Final Fantasy universe (all of it) and are very familiar with (all of) it, you will likely get some entertainment out of it and might even really enjoy it. If you're new or inexperienced with the Final Fantasy games, there is still a decent game here for you -- with some nice music, graphics and game play. The game is filled with references to the universe(s) and the inexperienced will, likely, have no clue as to why they should care or what's really going on.

Still, it's free and worth a look. Press release below:

DeNA and Square Enix Launch

FINAL FANTASY: Record Keeper in North America

Fans Can Now Battle their Way through the Most Epic FINAL FANTASY Moments

SAN FRANCISCO - March 26, 2015 - DeNA and Square Enix (OTC: SQNXF) today announced the highly-anticipated release of FINAL FANTASY^®: Record Keeper™ inNorth America. The first mobile game where players are able to experience the completeFINAL FANTASY universe, FINAL FANTASY: Record Keeper lets fans relive favorite moments across all past FINAL FANTASY installments and build a team of classic characters. FINAL FANTASY: Record Keeper is available on the AppStore for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch and Google Play for Android devices beginning today.

FINAL FANTASY: Record Keeper delivers the entire FINAL FANTASY universe directly into the hands of players and fans of the storied franchise. Players can recruit favorite FINAL FANTASY heroes, including Tidus, Lightning, and Cloud, to form the most dynamic team of all time. Characters can each be completely customized and equipped to the fullest with iconic gear, powerful spells, summons, and hundreds of weapons to choose from.

Gameplay in FINAL FANTASY: Record Keeper is as strategic and challenging as ever with the classic FINAL FANTASY Active Time Battle (ATB) system in place. Players battle their way through the most epic FINAL FANTASY moments, woven together for the first time on mobile with an all-new tale. Featuring skill-based interactive gameplay, players plan attacks, carefully choose tactics, and engage enemies in active time battles.

"The wait is finally over for fans who have been anxiously awaiting the release of FINAL FANTASY: Record Keeper in North America," said Shintaro Asako, CEO of DeNA West. "The game truly delivers the entire FINAL FANTASY universe that players know and love in one immersive experience that won't disappoint."

"DeNA and SQUARE ENIX are proud to present the highly anticipated FINAL FANTASY: Record Keeper to players in the US," said Ichiro Hazama, Producer atSQUARE ENIX. "The mobile RPG that took Japan by storm is set to bring that same excitement to US shores."

FINAL FANTASY: Record Keeper is available as a free download on the AppStore for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch and Google Play for Android devices beginning today. For more information on the game, visit: http://www.finalfantasyrecordkeeper.com. To download multimedia assets, including screenshots, game logo, and more, visit the game's online press kit.

A gameplay trailer is available to watch and embed on your site via the following YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yivGwd39lSA.

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About FINAL FANTASY

Since the release of FINAL FANTASY in 1987, this unique RPG series continues to showcase the spectacular visuals, highly imaginative worlds and rich stories leading the industry and earning the highest accolades from users around the world. Titles of the series have so far achieved a cumulative shipment of over 110 million units worldwide.

About DeNA

DeNA (pronounced "D-N-A") is a global Internet company that develops and operates a broad range of mobile and online services including games, e-commerce and other diversified offerings. Founded in 1999, DeNA is headquartered in Tokyo with offices and game development studios across the globe. DeNA Co., Ltd. is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (2432). For more information, visit: dena.com

About Square Enix Co., Ltd.

Square Enix Co., Ltd. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content around the world. The Square Enix Group operates a global network of leading development studios and boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property, including: FINAL FANTASY, which has sold over 110 million units worldwide, and DRAGON QUEST® which has sold over 64 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 42 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix is a Japan-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

More information on Square Enix Co., Ltd. can be found at http://www.jp.square-enix.com/ 

Spirit of '77 RPG -- The Cruise Ship of the Damned free adventure

Monkeyfun Studios, a new developer crewed by the seasoned team of David Kizzia and Bob Richardson, are releasing their first RPG: Spirit of '77. Running on a modified Apocalypse World rule set, Spirit of '77 promises plenty of awesome 70's-themed action and adventure, taking inspiration from many of the movies and TV shows of the period.

What's more, Spirit of '77 is going onto Kickstarter in early September (as of this writing, about a week away), and, to help you decide if this is your kind of game, the guys at Monkeyfun Studios have a free adventure to check out -- The Cruise Ship of the Damned.

The PDF sits in at 49 pages, nearly half of which are the rules which give a thorough understanding of how to play/run the game. Honestly, you're given enough to start creating some simple adventures/campaigns of your own with just this PDF. There are no character creation rules, but there are seven very interesting pre-made characters (complete with images).

It's a solid adventure and introduction to the game, in general. The amount of content there is more than worth checking out, especially since it's free. And, heck, just reading it is pretty entertaining -- a lot of the writing, especially the examples, are pretty evocative and show how much the developers really love this setting and style.

Also, they have a Spotify list linked on their site, with indicators of suggested songs to play throughout the adventure. I'm not certain how effective it is in practice, but it certainly helps get you in the mood for the game.

If you're interested in learning more (or want to snag a copy of the adventure) be sure to check out Spirit of '77's website, Facebook page, and Monkeyfun Studios' website. And keep your eyes peeled for the Kickstarter that's opening soon.