KINGDOM HEARTS is the first project between Square and Disney Interactive, combining classic Disney characters and worlds with newly introduced characters and environments created in the renowned Square style. New Disney characters making their debut in KINGDOM HEARTS - Sora, Riku, Kairi and the Heartless - are designed by Square's Tetsuya Nomura, director and character designer of KINGDOM HEARTS, best known for his creations in the breakthrough titles FINAL FANTASY VII, VIII, and X.

KINGDOM HEARTS is scheduled for release this fall in North America. Combining Square's award-winning game design and Disney's legendary cast of characters has brought upon the creation of a game that gives players a new opportunity to enjoy and experience with many of Disney's most adored properties. This exceptional blend of two companies will deliver a unique interactive gaming experience that melds Square and Disney entertainment legacies of animation, design, story-telling and character development.

"With the immense success of the recent Japanese release, I am certain that Kingdom Hearts will be as well received in the US," said Nomura. "I am confident that everyone who plays this game will have an incredible experience."

KINGDOM HEARTS follows the story of 14-year old Sora, who, while searching for his friends Riku and Kairi, in a strange and mysterious land, meets Court Wizard Donald and Captain Goofy, protectors of the Disney Castle. Donald and Goofy are on a mission to find King Mickey. The three learn of ominous creatures known as the Heartless - beings without hearts derived from an unknown dimension and the perpetrators of the devastating storm. Upon discovering the link between the Heartless, the storm and the disappearance of King Mickey, Sora, Donald and Goofy join forces to recover Sora's friends, return the King to his rightful position and save the universe from the Heartless. KINGDOM HEARTS is an epic tale of adventure, heroism and, ultimately, the sacrifice of what is held dearest for the greater good.

For the first time, multiple Disney characters and worlds co-exist in one interactive product. More than 100 Disney characters appear in the game including Jafar and Aladdin from Disney's Aladdin, Clayton and Tarzan from Disney's Tarzan™, Hades and Hercules from Hercules, The Queen of Hearts and Alice from Disney's Alice in Wonderland, Oogie Boogie and Jack Skellington from Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas and Simba from Disney's The Lion King. In addition, FINAL FANTASY characters, including Cloud from FINAL FANTASY VII, Squall from FINAL FANTASY VIII, Tidus and Wakka from FINAL FANTASY X along with others will make special guest appearances. There will also be new features added to KINGDOM HEARTS exclusively for the North American release that will bring additional challenges to the player, further enhancing gameplay.

The action-packed game features a real-time battle system that incorporates innovative new elements with traditional RPG elements found in other Square titles. KINGDOM HEARTS fully exploits the technological possibilities of the PlayStation 2, incorporating remarkably crafted 3D and CG worlds. KINGDOM HEARTS is compatible with DUALSHOCK®2 analog controller and will carry an ESRB rating of "E." Additional information on the title can be found at www.kingdomhearts.com.