Legendary Final Fantasy publisher Square Enix has this week whipped the covers of an intriguing Nintendo DS exclusive called ‘The World Ends With You,’ which it describes as “an exciting new title from the makers of Kingdom Hearts.” Got your attention?

Set for release in the spring of 2008, The World Ends With You (or Subarashiki Kono Sekai as it’s known in Japan) is set in a trendy district of Tokyo, and opens with lead character Neku receiving a devastating telephone message informing him that he will cease to exist in 7 days if he fails to complete a certain mysterious task.

Jumping into action, brave Neku must utilise his fighting skills and rely on his friends and, um… fashion sense… in order to restore hope to Tokyo and prevent his own mortal erasure. How odd.

“Square Enix has traditionally been associated with RPGs set in fantasy lands, but The World Ends With You is our first ever game to be set in modern times and real-life locations,” enthused John Yamamoto, president and CEO of Square Enix Ltd. “The use of the Nintendo DS functionality is second to none. We believe gamers of all ages and abilities will be able to enjoy all that The World Ends With You has to offer.”

Boasting plenty of atmosphere via “urban grit and neon” of Tokyo via the game’s “high quality style of in-game artwork,” The World Ends With You is set to deliver an “achingly hip cast of characters” arriving with interesting personalities and strong senses in fashion, music and culture.

Beyond the odd incorporation of fashion sense, Square Enix promises to take full advantage of the DS touch screen, dual screens, and microphone when it comes to implementing the game’s innovative and intuitive combat system. Players will also be able to use “fantastic psychic powers” to read people’s thoughts, plant words into the minds of others, and even move in-world objects and barriers.

Other features include a diverse fusion-friendly soundtrack, fashion item trading via Wi-Fi, and also a host of wireless mini-games that can be played by up to four players.

Source: Monsters and Critics