TOKYO - The presell campaign for Final Fantasy VIII started today at convenience stores all over Japan. DigiCube, a Square-owned convenience store game distributor, expects to log 1.5 million preorders for the game prior to its February 11 release. To encourage gamers to reserve the game at convenience stores, DigiCube is offering an exclusive carrying strap with an attached metallic plate with the Final Fantasy logo on it (best used with the PocketStation).

　　DigiCube is also planning to have a contest for its preorder customers and is giving away AOL access CD-ROMs that contain exclusive footage of the game.

　　Aside from the quality of the game itself, many industry insiders are interested in the number of units Square is planning to sell. Its predecessor, Final Fantasy VII, sold more than three million copies in the first three days at retail - primarily due to the thousands of in-store DigiCube kiosks promoting and selling the title. The massive sales of FFVII helped the PlayStation to secure the number one position among console units in the Japanese gaming market almost two years ago. But since then, the Japanese gaming market has changed.

　　In the past year, there were only two games that shipped more than one million units, Pokemon Stadium and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Some industry insiders contend the Japanese market is shrinking.

　　As a company, Square is suffering from disappointing sales for all the games it released this year. The sales of Parasite Eve and Brave Fencer fell short of expectations. DigiCube itself is suffering slightly lower sales and as a result has started to carry music CDs and videos.

　　Both companies are expecting huge results from Final Fantasy VIII. The game is scheduled to clock in at a 7,800 yen (about US$63), but the price isn't final.