The short version – KHII will be in Europe this Autumn. No actual date except Autumn. And then a ton of stuff you already know…

Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, announced today the forthcoming release of the highly-anticipated KINGDOM HEARTS® II. The latest title in one of Square Enix’s most popular franchises, KINGDOM HEARTS II will be available exclusively on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system in autumn 2006.

The world of KINGDOM HEARTS brings classic Disney characters and worlds together within a new story where you will meet and visit new characters and locations created by Square Enix. The remarkable and innovative result of the collaboration is an original adventure that has captured the attention of fans worldwide.

In KINGDOM HEARTS II, players will travel through the worlds of Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Mulan, Pirates of the Caribbean, Steamboat Willie and Tron as well as revisit worlds from the original, including Aladdin, Disney Castle, Hercules, The Little Mermaid, Winnie the Pooh and Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. The game features more than 100 Disney characters, including the new additions of Chicken Little, Stitch from Lilo and Stitch and one of Disney’s favourite villains, Pete.

KINGDOM HEARTS II also introduces new, original characters such as Roxas, members of Organization XIII and the Nobodies, all designed by Square Enix’s Tetsuya Nomura, director and character designer of the KINGDOM HEARTS series. Nomura is best known for his creations in the top selling titles FINAL FANTASY® VII, VIII, X, X-2 and directing FINAL FANTASY VII: ADVENT CHILDREN™.

John Yamamoto, President and CEO comments: “From Mickey Mouse in Steamboat Willie to Pirates of the Caribbean and FINAL FANTASY, both Disney and Square Enix boast characters with worldwide recognition. KINGDOM HEARTS II combines the best of these worlds in a stunning game that will appeal to all gamers.

“KINGDOM HEARTS II is an exciting adventure with strong characters in unique settings,” said Thierry Braille, vice president for Buena Vista Games Europe. “We are excited to bring a sequel with an interactive and entertaining experience to fans of all ages.”