August 3, 2006 - Slime is no longer the only Square Enix mascot on the DS. Square Enix has announced plans to bring one of its Final Fantasy mascot characters to the platform for an all new, original title called Chocobo and the Magic Picture Book (Chocobo to Mahou no Ehon in Japanese).

Final Fantasy's Chocobo characters are the stars of this mysterious new title. The game focuses on a Chocobo who lives on a Chocobo Farm, and his care taker, Shiroma. Shiroma serves as the navigator through your adventure, which will reportedly feature cameos from other Final Fantasy characters.

The game kicks off when Kuroma, FF's black sorcerer character, arrives on the farm with a mysterious picture book. Chocobo and Shiroma head into the picture book world to save their friends and stop the sinister plans of a villain.

Based on the few screenshots that have been released through the Japanese media, this latest Square Enix title appears to use a 3D engine for its visuals. This seems to be somewhat of a trend for games out of the publisher (see Mario Basket 3on3 and Final Fantasy III).

Much of Chocobo and the Magic Picture Book is still in the dark, but with a Japanese release set for the winter, expect more details to come our way shortly. The game has yet to be announced for stateside release.

Source: Can be found here