FF VIII reservations reach 500,000 in one week

[01.03.98] » Final Fantasy VIII aims to set new sales records in Japan with the aid of a special reservation offer.

    Reservations for Final Fantasy VIII in Japan have passed the 500,000 mark in just one week, outselling most released titles and putting FF VIII well on its way to passing FF VII's sales of 3.7 million in Japan.

    Coming mostly from Square's convenience store distribution wing, DigiCube, the reservation boom may be driven in part by the offer of a free Final Fantasy-themed PocketStation carrying strap to those who reserve the game. DigiCube aims to reach 1.5 million reservations by FF VIII's February 18th release date, which would set a new reservation record in Japan -- so far, only two games, Zelda 64 and Pocket Monsters Stadium have managed to pass one million.

    Judging from its success so far, FF VIII might well be able to reach its lofty goal. Will it will be able to set similar records in North America? Stay tuned.