Square Enix have announced Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles Remastered Edition will not support local multiplayer, due to “development reasons.”
The news comes via a recent livestream, detailing the game and showing gameplay. The game’s official Japanese Twitter account tweeted the following information revealed during the livestream.
“As we have introduced in official broadcasts, this product does not support offline multiplayer. [Folded Hands Emoji]
For development reasons, it is necessary to select either offline or online, so we selected online multiplayer so that more people can play.”
Translation: Google Translate.
It is surprising to read that there may be technical limitations preventing local play, with all of the systems the game will be available on supporting multiplayer, local wireless networks, or Bluetooth. There are also numerous titles on those platforms capable of supporting both online and local multiplayer.
The original Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles was infamous for requiring multiple GameCube Game Boy Advance Link Cables; one for each player, and each with their own Game Boy Advance.
It was recently announced that the remake would have a free Lite version. Lite players can play the first three dungeons on their own, but must join a session with the full game player acting as the host to play all but the final dungeon.
You can find the full rundown (via the official website) below.
Story
Long ago, a giant meteorite fell on the land, and deadly miasma blanketed the world.
Crystals keep the deadly miasma in check, but the crystals’ power is not eternal.
Young adventurers embark on a journey once a year seeking “drops of myrrh” to purify the crystals.
These are the chronicles of brave young adventurers who journey to protect their home.
These are the “CRYSTAL CHRONICLES.”
Features
FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES Remastered Edition brings new features to make your adventure more memorable than ever:
- HD Graphics
- English voiceovers for the first time
- Updated soundtrack with new recordings and additional tracks
- New UI improvements and added mini-map
- Plus, high-difficulty dungeons to explore after completing the main story
Online Multiplayer
In Online Multiplayer Mode, caravan with friends wherever they may be. Cross-platform support offered so that you can journey together across different hardware: on PlayStation4, Nintendo Switch, and even smartphone devices!
Cross-Platform Support
Players on separate platforms, whether it be PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, or even iOS and Android, can come together to enjoy online gameplay!
Accessible Adventure! Enjoyable with Anyone!
Supports save data transfer between platforms!
Freely transfer save data between platforms!
Freely select the platform of your choice and go beyond the boundaries of mobile and home console devices!
Experience the game on the platform that best matches your own play style.
Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles Remastered Edition will launch August 27th for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Android, and iOS. The Android and iOS release date may be subject to change.
Image: Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles Remastered Edition official website
