Square-Enix's DS exclusive is heading to Europe, under the new guise of The World Ends with You. Full details inside.

Spring 2008 will see the launch of The World Ends with You in Europe, previously known as Subarashiki Kono Sekai (It's a Wonderful World) on its release in Japan. It fully utilises the capabilities of the Nintendo DS, and takes major influence from Japan's modern day culture including its people, music, clothes, food and design.

Set in Tokyo, the game begins with the lead character Neku waking up to find a phone message stating he has only 7 days before he will cease to exist. Only with the coolest fashions, friends and fighting skills can Neku restore hope to the city's population and prevent being stricken from existence altogether!

"Square Enix has traditionally been associated with RPG's set in fantasy lands, but THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU is our first ever game to be set in modern times and real-life locations. The use of the Nintendo DS functionality is second to none. We believe gamers of all ages and abilities will be able to enjoy all that THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU has to offer," says John Yamamoto, Square Enix's president and chief executive officer.

The game is set to feature all the "urban grit and neon" you'd expect from Tokyo, an "achingly hip cast of characters", a "highly innovative and intuitive combat system" controlled via the touch-screen and microphone, and and audio soundtrack full of "bleeding-edge hip-hop, rock and techno."

Players will need to use psychic powers to read the thoughts of the population, put words into people's minds, and move objects to help you progress. The game is described as a tale of friendship, hope and overcoming your challenges, creatively told with a modern edge. Items you've bought can be traded over the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection too - with a four-player minigame for local wireless multiplay as well.

More details, and a firm date, on the way soon.