Tickle-Me Elmdor

[03.15.99] » New licensed Final Fantasy Tactics product designed to widen age bracket of gamers.

Note: This story is a joke. No such doll has been or will be produced. (Too bad, huh?)

   With FFVII and FFVIII merchandise selling well, Square has finally decided to get into the product licensing game with it's blockbuster strategy title, Final Fantasy Tactics. Their chosen product, however, appears to be aimed not so much at the usual target audience of the game, but seems to be designed to widen the age bracket of Square gamers.

   Following the huge success of Tickle-Me Elmo dolls only a year or so ago, Square has teamed up with a toy company to produce Tickle-Me Elmdor, a soft, squeezable replica of FFT's bloodsucking villain. When his stomach is rubbed, he giggles and promises revenge.

   A spokesman from Square Japan says, "It's been a dream for all of us at Square to reach every possible gamer. Our biggest obstacle in that regard has always been that we at Square prefer making games with mature plots, and so the toddler market was always out of reach. With this new product, we hope to see a new generation of precocious young RPG fans."

   Square USA already has begun their ad campaign, and are scheduled to bring Tickle-Me Elmdor to North America only a month after the toy's release in Japan. Will Tickle-Me Elmdor be the hot, hard-to-find gift this Christmas? Maybe not -- if all goes well, Square may offer up similar products soon. Rumors are that this marketing plan may expand to other Square games, including Xenogears. Will North America see a Tickle-Me Grahf in time for the holiday season? Stay tuned to GIA for further information as it is released. For now, check out the advertisement as seen below.