British Final Fantasy fans: start planning. The game's official launch party, to be held on February 23 at the HMV on Oxford St, London, may appeal to you. Check that, it will appeal to you. It will send you batshit loco.

First up, a cosplay competition. We'll get the terrifying part out of the way first. "Square Enix talent spotters" (you go make your own perv/paedophile jokes) will be sown amongst the crowds, dishing out freebies to the best-dressed. Good news for cosplayers and furries, but for the rest of you, we'll move right along.

The first 100 people to exchange currency for FFXII will get a "limited editon" Moogle plush and a special (ie edited) version of the game's soundtrack, with the next 200 also scoring the soundtrack, which is also "limited edition".

That's OK, but here's the clincher: Akitoshi Kawazu (Executive Producer) and Hiroshi Minagawa (Co-Director) will both be on-hand to sign games, merch and answer fan questions. FF fans, you won't get a better chance to awkwardly express your gratitude/relentlessly hassle these guys than this.

There's also a trp for two to Japan up for grabs. Full press release after the leap. Luke Plunkett

Final Fantasy XII Official UK Launch Event At HMV

Exclusive Moogles and Soundtracks, Developer Signing, Cosplay Competition and a Trip to Japan up for Grabs!

London (12th February 2007) - Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces UK launch event plans for the eagerly awaited FINAL FANTASY XII, the next instalment in the award-winning franchise that has sold more than 70 million units worldwide.

Meet the Makers. Fans attending the UK launch event on 23rd February will be treated to a very rare opportunity to meet the executive producer and director of the game. Both Akitoshi Kawazu and Hiroshi Minagawa will be available to sign games and goodies, and answer questions.

Limited exclusive Moogles and soundtracks. The first 100 people to buy the game during the launch event will receive an exclusive Moogle soft toy and a CD soundtrack featuring five songs from FINAL FANTASY XII, selected by the legendary composer Hitoshi Sakimoto. The following 200 people to buy the game will also receive the soundtrack. These highly collectable Moogles are not available to buy in the UK at present and the CD soundtracks have been produced specifically for the launch event. The gifts will be available to people who buy the game between 12-2pm but you can secure your gift by arriving early and picking up a wristband, available in store from 9am, 23rd February.

Cosplay Competition. Square Enix and HMV are inviting you to join in the celebrations wearing your very own FINAL FANTASY costumes. Square Enix talent spotters will be in the store looking for their favourite character costumes. Fans sporting some of the best costumes will be rewarded with freebies. Just turn up on the day in your FINAL FANTASY costume for a chance to win.

Win a trip to Japan. Anyone attending the launch event can also enter a competition to win a trip for two to Japan. No purchase necessary.

Date: 23rd February 2007

Time: 12pm-2pm (gift wristbands available from 9am)

Address: HMV, 150 Oxford Street, London, W1D1DJ

Entry: Free to everyone