In a press release sent to us today, it has been detailed that Square-Enix’s “Heroes of Mana” will be coming to Australia and New Zealand in Spring 2007 and will be distributed by Ubisoft. The game is a real time strategy game which utilizes the DS stylus and will also have an online multiplayer mode allowing friends to challenge each other via DS wireless communications. Press Release Inside.

ENTER A NEW WORLD OF STRATEGY AS HEROES of MANA IS ANNOUNCED FOR AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, announces the forthcoming release of HEROES of MANA™ on the Nintendo DS™ system for Spring* 2007. The game will be distributed by Ubisoft in Australia & New Zealand. Developed exclusively for Nintendo DS, HEROES of MANA breathes new life into the WORLD of MANA™ series by taking it into the completely new realm of real-time strategy. Stylus-wielding generals must plan, plot and employ strategy to ensure victory on the battlefield. Utilising the Touch Screen to the fullest, players take full control of the battle as they gather resources, assemble armies and experience an all-new perspective on the ever-evolving battle for the world of MANA, “We’re very excited to be bringing HEROES of MANA to PAL territories,” says John Yamamoto, President and CEO of Square Enix Ltd. “The MANA series has long been adored by fans around the world. HEROES of MANA offers a fantastically fresh new approach, with the addition of real-time strategy that makes battles even more thrilling than before.” -The Story- Roget, a soldier of Pedda, is on a reconnaissance mission to Ferolia with his companions, when their aircraft is shot down by the enemy and abandoned by their carrier. The crew comes to realise that the mission was a plot by their own superiors to eliminate them, with the invasion of Ferolia being only the first step towards Pedda’s domination of the world. Witnessing the atrocities committed by the Peddan army, Roget and his crewmates are forced to fight against their own countrymen. -Features- * Real-time strategy that makes full use of the Nintendo DS Touch Screen – the intuitive control scheme allows players to lead armies, build bases and vanquish their foes entirely through the use of the Nintendo DS stylus * Intense head-to-head multiplayer allows friends to challenge each other via DS Wireless Communications * Command heroes and monsters alike from the MANA series and lead them to victory on the battlefield * The signature MANA art style comes to life in a fantastic blend of 2D and 3D environments * KINGDOM HEARTS series composer Yoko Shimomura delivers a stirring soundtrack that captures the essence of the WORLD of MANA series * Sep-Nov 2007