Tuesday, May 14, 2002 - In a press release, Enix today unveiled new details about Grandia Xtreme, the first original Grandia title for the Playstation 2 that will be released in North America this Septermber.

"Grandia Xtreme is the first result of our new partnership with Game Arts, the creators of the Grandia and Lunar RPG series," said Paul Handelman, president of Enix America. "For many, the Enix brand is synonymous with quality RPGs due to our strong franchises such as Dragon Warrior and Star Ocean. Now we add Grandia to our profile, further increasing our mark of RPG quality and strengthening our active fan-base."

Grandia Xtreme will include the following features:

• 360-degree viewing radius in fully rendered 3-D environments creates dramatic worlds and integrates physical puzzles into game play;
  
• Sophisticated AI options, ranging from 'Totally Aggressive' to 'Safety First,' streamline game play and add additional strategic depth to combat. Two AI settings can be configured for each player and players can switch between both settings;
  
• Map and radar functions to ease exploration. Radar alerts the gamer to the presence of enemies so the user can choose to engage or run. No random combat to frustrate the user;
  
• Deep character development system whereby attaching skill books and magical Mana Eggs enable each character to grow in a variety of ways;
  
• Innovative strategy sessions occur in-game as characters discuss issues and learn which actions they should take next;
  
• Quick load times between scenes and into combat.
  

Grandia Xtreme is being publicly unveiled in North America for the first time at the Enix booth #2340 in the West Hall during the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles, May 22 - 24.