Interactive comics? Square Enix makes it possible on the Android Market.

by: Sean Cahill - posted: 6/20/2011 12:00:00 PM

Square Enix has jumped into the land of multimedia phones by releasing an interactive comic called Imaginary Range, exclusive to the Android Market.  The idea is that the comic is a full-color story that will have mini-games to help tie into the plot of the comic itself, offering you a unique take and actually taking part in the story while reading it.  We've seen ideas like this come up in discussion only from developers, but it's certainly a breath of fresh air to have a company come out and actually run with the idea.  Comics are still a strong force in the entertainment world, and giving you access to one that has mini-games built into it right in the palm of your hand is fantastic.

Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in the Americas, announced today that Imaginary Range™, a new type of entertainment app that lets users play through games as they read through a digital comic, is now available for download on Android™. 
Imaginary Rangeis a full-color comic that includes a selection of mini-games inserted within the flow of the plot, immersing gamers alongside the cast as they proceed through the story. The project is overseen by Motomu Toriyama, director of FINAL FANTASY® XIII, with Souki Tsukishima, author of the novel Emeth: Ningyo-tsukai no Shima, writing the story. The art is being handled by Toshiyuki Itahana, character designer for the FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES® series.
 
The comic, set in France as it is attacked by an enigmatic menace, features a cast that can freely jump between reality and the world of dreams.
 
Imaginary Rangeis a free app available now for Android, and is also available on iPhone®, iPod touch®, and iPad®platforms.
 
Story
The nation of France remains in a state of complete chaos after a sudden attack by a giant creature known only as Omega. Cid, a technician and psychotherapy specialist, delves into France and works alongside his friend Ciela to put a stop to the menace. What is Omega after? Why are Cid and Ciela talking about the end of the world as they fight? At the end of a battle that transcends dreams and reality, the world will come closer and closer to the truth...