Final Fantasy XIII set for March 9th Euro/US launch

After days of speculation, Square Enix has finally confirmed the released date for Final Fantasy XIII via high-profile online video reveal.

The game will land in Europe and North America on March 9th on both PS3 and Xbox 360 – just a short while after its December debut in Japan this year. There is usually a lengthy localisation delay between releases of the Final Fantasy games.

The full trailer detailing the news can be seen at the official site for Final Fantasy XIII.

Final Fantasy XIII promises to be a huge event in the 2010 gaming calendar,” said Phil Rogers, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Europe.

This is truly a landmark title, arriving simultaneously for multiple platforms for the first time in the history of the series. We are also immensely proud to be able to bring the game to the European and PAL audience much earlier than was publically anticipated.”

Square Enix has also announced that a Leona Lewis song has been chosen as the game’s official theme tune – with her track My Hands (from her new album) playing over a crucial scene in the game.

"When Square Enix approached Leona about including her song, ‘My Hands’ in Final Fantasy XIII, she was honoured to be partnered with such an iconic and groundbreaking video game series," said Tom Corson, EVP/GM, RCA Music Group.

"Leona is a natural fit with the game’s powerful themes and strong female protagonist. We’re delighted to be part of this effort, bringing great musical artistry to Final Fantasy XIII which is a riveting and dynamic gaming experience."