PLAYSTATION 2 OWNERS TO MEET THEIR DESTINY

Thursday 10 February 2005/... Rising Star Games is set to release a new take on third-person action adventures with the beautiful hack-and-slash epic Swords Of Destiny. Heading for the PlayStation 2 in the summer, Swords of Destiny is further example of Rising Star's commitment to bringing quality Japanese software to the European market.

With an engine making the most of the PlayStation 2 hardware, players are treated to beautifully designed environments, rich in visual flair and atmosphere. Featuring diverse locations such as ruined fortresses, mountain passes shrouded in mist and labyrinthine temple interiors, there's plenty to explore. Within those impressive locations, stylish characterisation abounds with imaginative designs for both allies and enemies as suitably moody protagonists taking on superbly detailed and creepy opponents. Full localisation is also implemented, with professional voice actors providing dialogue painstakingly translated from the original Japanese. Vocals aside, there's an array of suitably dynamic sound effects to compliment the action.

Players take the role of Lei Yun, a supremely talented apprentice on a long and challenging mission against dark forces seeking control of the land. Previously defeated by Lei Yun's master, this pervasive menace returns in the form of the Gyakki, a race of powerful demons under the control of a tyrannical Empress. Hell-bent on bringing death and destruction to the nation, only Lei Yun stands in the way of a seemingly unstoppable army of evil.

Utilising the three magical swords handed to him by his fallen master, as well as weapons dropped by the demons he defeats, Lei Yun must battle his way through level upon level populated by all manner of demonic opponents. The three main swords give the player new abilities when equipped. Enemy sword types appear according to how opponents are dispatched and each weapon has its own unique properties and statistics.

The lock-on based fighting system is satisfying and simple enough to understand within a few seconds play, but deep enough to provide lasting appeal. When on the defensive, the player can dash, jump and roll away from the locked-on enemy's attacks. When taking the offensive, the lock-on really comes into its own. By accruing enough 'Sword Time' through killing enemies in a conventional manner or alternatively, using magic found in destructable items around the levels, Lei Yun can unleash devastating combo attacks that can clear the area of enemies in a spectacular slow-motion aerial tornado of dashing, slashing, sword-swinging destruction.

With its dynamic and intense fighting system, engaging plot and stunning visuals, Swords Of Destiny will be released for the PS2 in June 2005.

Features:

• Engaging storyline told though cinema-quality cutscenes.

• Stunning graphics based around an ancient Chinese setting.

• 48 usable weapons, some of which appear depending on how enemies are killed.

• Intuitive 'Sword Time' combo system delivers immensely satisfying combat action.

• Fight enemies on the ground or in mid-air with fluidity and supreme athletic grace.