A FESTIVE SIGHT FOR SWORD EYES TREE SCULPTOR AND FINAL FANTASY FAN CARVES CHRISTMAS TREE IN HOMAGE TO HIS FAVOURITE VIDEO GAME FRANCHISE
LONDON (Dec. 13, 2022) – Today, SQUARE ENIX® unveiled a one-of-a-kind tree carving of their legendary Buster Sword to mark the launch of the modern version of the cult classic CRISIS CORE™ –FINAL FANTASY® VII– REUNION, out now on PlayStation®5 (PS5™) console, PlayStation®4 (PS4™) console, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One consoles, Nintendo Switch™ system, and PC.
Working in collaboration with Simon O’Rourke, a renowned UK based tree sculptor and self-confessed video game enthusiast, the striking design took 30 hours to create. This unique take on the franchise’s infamous Buster Sword, an acclaimed weapon from CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION, was created to celebrate the launch of the game and to mark the festive season.
For this stunning creation, Simon stripped off the outer layers of the tree with his collection of chainsaws of different shapes and sizes, simultaneously visualising the sculpture as he worked his way around it. Once the foundations of the Buster Sword design were finished, he then worked his way in to the finer details of the sword and handle using smaller tools, such as the grinder, drill, and rotary tool to finesse the final details. Within the intricate woodwork of the sculpture, he used metal inserts to strengthen fragile areas and then delivered the finishing artwork using a chisel and smaller power tools, before staining and colouring to complete the Buster Sword Tree.
For the Buster Sword Tree, Simon lit the branches with LED lights, and he plans to have it on display, pride of place on his front lawn for the duration of December. The Blue Atlantic Cedar tree used for the sculpture was felled in a suburban area earlier in the year owing to a common place fungal disease.
Simon O’Rourke said, “I’ve been waiting in anticipation for months to showcase to the world my homage to the Buster Sword, and I hope the fans of the franchise will feel that I’ve done the video game justice! With the release of CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION on December 13th, I thought I would surprise my family with a Christmas tree with a difference. I spoke to SQUARE ENIX and we collaborated to bring my vision of the tree to life.”
Simon, whose previous work has been displayed across the United Kingdom, is part of several sustainability and planting programmes to which SQUARE ENIX have now donated in recognition of Simon’s work and to offset the tree he has used. To find out more information on the creative process for the Buster Sword Tree carving and Simon’s sustainability practises, please visit the SQUARE ENIX official blog, which has an exclusive interview with him:
https://weblet.square-enix.com/geojmp.php?d=BLOG&l=CRISIS-CORE-TREE
For further examples of Simon O’Rourke’s work, please visit https://treecarving.co.uk/
15 years after the release of the PlayStation®Portable exclusive original game, CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION features a complete HD graphics overhaul, newly arranged soundtrack, fully voiced dialogue in English and Japanese, and an updated combat system.
CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION launches on PlayStation®5 (PS5™) console, PlayStation®4 (PS4™) console, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One consoles, Nintendo Switch™ system, and PC on December 13, 2022.
The game can be pre-ordered here: https://ffvii.square-enix-games.com/games/crisis-core
About FINAL FANTASY VII
First released in 1997 on the PlayStation® computer entertainment system, FINAL FANTASY VII is celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2022. The game is universally regarded as a hallmark title of the RPG genre. The original title received high praise for its epic storyline, unique characters, and movie sequences that utilized the most cutting-edge technology of the time. Since then, the game has sold over 13.9 million copies worldwide and continues to receive widespread acclaim from critics and fans around the world. The popular game has even expanded into spin-offs, films, and merchandise.
The first game of the FINAL FANTASY VII remake trilogy project, FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE released in 2020 has been praised by both players and critics across the globe, earning more than 20 perfect scores from media, and was selected as a PlayStation® “Editor’s Choice” pick. The game also became the highest-selling digital release on the PlayStation® platform in SQUARE ENIX’s history, exceeding more than five million shipments and digital sales worldwide since its release. FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH, the second game in the trilogy is now in development for the PlayStation®5.
About Square Enix, Ltd.
Square Enix, Ltd. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX® and TAITO® branded entertainment content in Europe and other PAL territories as part of the Square Enix group of companies. The Square Enix group of companies boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 173 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 85 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix Ltd. is a London-based, wholly owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.
More information on Square Enix, Ltd. can be found at https://square-enix-games.com
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CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION © 2007, 2008, 2022 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. CHARACTER DESIGN: TETSUYA NOMURA
