Eight for '98?

TOKYO - A report on Monday in Japan's Nikkei Shinbun says that Final Fantasy VIII, the next chapter in the highly successful Final Fantasy series, will be released by the end of Square's current fiscal year - which is only mildly satisfying to hear. Square closes its books on the year next March 31, 1999.

According to the report, Square is expecting sales of the new title to reach at least four million units domestically. It will release the game several months later in overseas markets through the newly formed Square EA alliance.