Square, Disney and Japanese Pop Star Utada Hikaru Collaborate on Kingdom Hearts

Square Electronic Arts L.L.C. (Square Electronic Arts), the exclusive publisher of all SQUARESOFT(R) products in North America, and Disney Interactive announced today that KINGDOM HEARTS for the PlayStation(R) 2 computer entertainment system will feature a theme song sung by a Japanese pop sensation Utada Hikaru. The theme song is titled "Simple And Clean."

An action role-playing game, KINGDOM HEARTS is a joint project between Square and Disney Interactive. The title not only features many classic Disney characters and worlds, but also introduces new characters and environments created in the renowned Square style. Featuring more than 100 Disney characters, KINGDOM HEARTS also introduces new Disney characters - Sora, Riku, Kairi and the Heartless - designed by Square's Tetsuya Nomura, director and character designer of KINGDOM HEARTS. Nomura is best known for his creations in the breakthrough titles FINAL FANTASY(R) VII, VIII, and X.

Utada, one of the top-selling artists in Japan, lends her talents for the first time in a video game. "Simple And Clean" is the English version of its original release "Hikari" (meaning "light"), which was featured in the Japanese version of KINGDOM HEARTS. "Hikari," released as a single in March 2002 in Japan, has sold over 860,000 copies (as of August 14, 2002). Utada, who has fans of all ages, continues to dominate the charts in Japan and is on the verge of breaking through to the American audience. The dynamic lyrics of the theme song written by Utada were inspired by the worlds and characters in KINGDOM HEARTS. The English version of the song retains this emotion in its translation and is sure to draw players further into the world of KINGDOM HEARTS.

"Utada is the only artist I envisioned singing the theme song for KINGDOM HEARTS," said KINGDOM HEARTS' director Nomura. "Her music has moved millions of fans, and I was absolutely thrilled when she agreed to contribute to this project. I see her as an icon for young artists and she also proves that music transcends national and language barriers."

KINGDOM HEARTS is scheduled to ship to retailers nationwide on September 17, 2002. The title has garnered much praise and won several Editors' awards within the gaming community. Featuring an all-star voice cast, newly added features to the North American version such as Utada's theme song and additional bosses, KINGDOM HEARTS will deliver a very unique gaming experience for both Disney and Square fans alike.

Consumers will have a chance to demo KINGDOM HEARTS before its release at the world's only PlayStation store, in San Francisco, California, on August 23, 2002. At this "KINGDOM HEARTS Consumer Demo Day," consumers can demo the highly anticipated game for the first time. Fans will also be treated to special giveaways.

The KINGDOM HEARTS video game will be released on DVD format and is compatible with the DUALSHOCK(R) analog controller. The game carries a suggested retail price of U.S. $50 and is rated "E" (Everyone). Additional information on the title can be found at http://www.kingdomhearts.com.

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