September 24^th, 2002 (12:00am) - A few days ago a promotional Japanese video clip about the GameCube’s Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicle was released. In this video Kawazu Akitoshi, the game’s creator, reveals new details about the game itself, including the GBA connectivity.

Here’s an excerpt of what was said in the video (translated):

Telop:What are some of the characteristics of FF:CC?

KAWAZU: First, the visuals are real-time, and the game itself is something resembling a real-time action game. In this sense, it is different from the Final Fantasies made up to this point. The most distinguished characteristic of the game, however, is the ability to connect the GameBoy Advance to the GameCube and not only use it as a controller, but use it to enjoy the game with up to 3 other players simultaneously anywhere, anytime. Data from the GBA is inputted into the GameCube. This data in turn is reflected in the actions of each player’s characters on-screen.

For example, at a time when you think your low on HP you can give commands, such as "Give Me a Hand!" , or "My attack gauge is high right now, so leave it to me!". You can call on your friends to adjust their participation in the game depending on how the situation within the game is unfolding at that given time." That’s the kind of game FF:CC is.

Telop: What exactly defines Final Fantasy?

KAWAZU: In actuality, even amongst the FF developers at Square, I imagine that each individual maintains a different concept of what motivates them in their work. However, if one were to define a common link among these varying concepts, it would be the idea of embarking on an adventure in creating an adventure. While the game and the world and adventure presented within it is of course something to also be enjoyed on an individual level, we as the developers of the adventure are also in the process embarking on the adventure itself.

Telop:A message to game fans...?"

KAWAZU: I am working on a number of projects that will hopefully and individually represent a continual and gradual improvement in the quality of game content. While it will still take some time to get these titles in the hands of gamers, my intention is to put that extra time into making these products even more enjoyable, fun, and exciting than previous efforts. Please look forward to things to come.

Kawazu Akitoshi is the current CEO of Game Designers Stuidio as well as the Executive Director at Square’s Buisness Operations Department #2. In 1987 Kawazu began creating games with the original Final Fantasy, from there he continued to work on titles such as Final Fantasy 2 and the Saga series.