If you’ve been anticipating the arrival of The Last Story in North America, rejoice! Publisher Xseed announced yesterday that the final, official release date for Mistwalker’s Wii RPG is August 14, 2012, and also revealed some additional bonuses for those who preorder the game at participating retailers.

Xseed stated that all launch copies will include a 44-page softcover art book regardless of retailer. Those who preorder at Amazon, GameStop, and EB Canada will also receive the premium soundtrack on CD as a bonus. Publisher Xseed also implied that other retailers may have access to the bonus content, but they were only able to positively confirm that it will be carried by the above named ones. They also assured purchasers that if they had already pre-ordered the game, they will be getting the CD.

The Last Story’s development was led by famed Japanese director Hironobu Sakaguchi and scored by renowned composer Nobuo Uematsu, both of Final Fantasy fame. Overseas reviews of the game have been overwhelmingly positive, so if you’re interested in playing this game as soon as possible, and want some extra goodies, there’s no reason not to head on out and reserve a copy.

XSEED Games Announces The Last Story Release Date in North America and Special Pre-Order Incentive

Highly-Anticipated Action RPG Title from Famed Game Creator Hironobu Sakaguchi to Enthrall Fans on August 14; Initial Launch Copies to Include Limited Edition Art Book and Pre-orders with Select Retailers to Include Bonus Soundtrack CD

Torrance, Calif., (July 12, 2012) – XSEED Games, an independent-minded publisher, is pleased to announce that the highly-anticipated RPG title for Wii™, The Last Story, will ship to retailers throughout North America on August 14 at a suggested retail price of $49.99. All initial launch copies of The Last Story will include a bonus 44-page softcover art book, which will be packaged together with the game in a custom outer box. Additionally, fans who pre-order from select retailers including Amazon.com, EB Games Canada and GameStop will also receive a bonus soundtrack CD with seven memorable tracks from the game’s highly acclaimed soundtrack, which was crafted by famed composer Nobuo Uematsu.

Developed by legendary game creator Hironobu Sakaguchi and his studio, MISTWALKER, in conjunction with Nintendo, The Last Story centers on a band of mercenaries and follows them on their epic journey. Throughout the adventure, players will experience a highly interactive story with an emphasis on immersion and engagement. Gameplay is action-oriented, utilizing a cover system and both ranged and melee combat, but also includes strategic elements such as a battle command system which players can use to issue orders to party members on-the-fly.

The Last Story follows Zael and his band of fellow adventurers as they travel to Lazulis Island, the only region prospering as the mainland of the Empire slowly rots away, in search of work, opportunity and a better future. After securing employment with the ruler of the island, Count Arganan, Zael dreams of finally achieving a secure life as a knight and putting his unstable mercenary past behind him, but things don’t exactly go to plan when events during their first mission change his life forever…

The Last Story was developed by MISTWALKER and Nintendo, exclusively for Wii. The game will be published by XSEED Games in North America on August 14, 2012.

©2011-2012 Nintendo / MISTWALKER. Published by XSEED Games.

Wii and The Last Story are trademarks of Nintendo.

About XSEED Games:

XSEED Games was formed in November 2004 by a small group of industry veterans with a common vision: to cross-pollinate the avid gaming cultures of Japan and North America. Delivering unique, innovative titles across multiple platforms and genres, XSEED Games is dedicated to publishing products that appeal to and enrich the North American market. More information on XSEED Games can be found at http://www.xseedgames.com