Final Fantasy concert blowing into the Windy City

If you need additional proof that games are about more than just sharp graphics, look no further. Square Enix today announced that the Dear Friends, Music from Final Fantasy concert series is kicking off a North American tour in Chicago this coming February 19.

The concert series debuted in Japan in 2002. Most recently, the tour included a seven-show, six-city tour of Japan in 2004.

This is the second American concert featuring the musical compositions from Square Enix's wildly popular Final Fantasy series. The first took place in Los Angeles last May. Held two days before the start of E3, the concert sold out in just three days, spawning the idea of a North American tour.

"The first Final Fantasy concert in the US brought fans from far and wide together in Los Angeles to share in an unforgettable musical experience," said Ichiro Otobe, president and COO of Square Enix, Inc. "We are pleased to announce that, due to the overwhelmingly positive response, a North American tour will soon bring the emotionally moving and powerful scores to fans across the country."

The two-hour concert will feature images from the game projected on giant screens and award-winning music from series composer Nobuo Uematsu. The orchestra will be conducted by Arnie Roth and performed by the Chicagoland Pops Orchestra and their Festival Choir.

Tickets are now on sale online from Ticketmaster and range from $33 to $125. Details on further shows have not yet been announced.