Japanese newspaper Asahi recently ran a report on the latest instalment in the series, including quotes from chief Yoichi Wada, which reveal that the game will not arrive before March 2005 as previously stated. The game is said to be due before the end of 2005.

"There are no plans to release the game within the current fiscal year," Wada admitted. The game received mixed reviews from E3, mainly a result of its controversial artistic influences, but was certainly progressing solidly. This will be the first new single-player Final Fantasy outing since 2002; so all eyes are understandably on Square Enix to deliver a fitting next instalment. More on this soon.

By Luke Guttridge