ZERO GRAVITY, FEUDAL JAPAN OR VAMPIRE CITY – MASTER YOUR ENVIRONMENT
Project Sylpheed, Tenchu Z and Vampire Rain put you in the thick of the action
LONDON - 10th May, 2007 - Whether it's piloting a futuristic spacecraft in a distant galaxy, skulking in the shadows bedecked in a Ninja outfit, or struggling to survive in a rain soaked city against a vampire-like menace, the trio of Xbox 360 titles - Project Sylpheed, Tenchu Z and Vampire Rain will require players to adapt to diverse and dangerous surroundings.
Each of the titles, all due for release on Friday 29th June, herald from Japan demonstrating the continued support of Xbox 360 from Japanese developers.
Project Sylpheed, a 3D space shooter developed by Game Arts and published by Square Enix confronts players with a staggering number of enemy craft to destroy. Square Enix's legacy shines through the gripping story telling the struggle of protagonist Katana. Enriching the frenetic action is over 50 minutes of CG cutscenes.
Tenchu Z meanwhile is a Ninja Stealth Action game developed by K2 and published by From Software - the first Ninja title on Xbox 360. Set in Feudal Japan and reflecting Ninja mythology, in Tenchu Z players must incorporate stealth, sword-based combat and the ability to utilise a wide variety of ninja accessories to complete their objectives - all while taking into account how much noise they make, how visible they are, and even how badly they smell.
Finally, Vampire Rain, developed by Artoon and published by AQ Interactive is a survival horror game featuring 3rd-person military gameplay. The game is set in a rain-soaked city, inhabited by a mysterious, deadly, not to mention hideous threat - the vampire-like Nightwalkers. Stealth is a necessity in Vampire Rain - the Nightwalker's abilities far outstrip those of the player and are only weakened by rainfall. In order to succeed players will need to master the use of Necrovision, which distinguishes humans from Nightwalkers. And pray for rain.
"With an ever-growing selection of Xbox 360 titles that covers a wide spectrum of game genres, we are pleased to expand our range further, offering our first Ninja game Tenchu Z, Square Enix's Project Sylpheed and some of the most dangerous enemies yet faced - the Nightwalkers, in Vampire Rain," said Richard Teversham, European director of Marketing and Platform, Xbox.
For more information please contact: v-kaszle@microsoft.com
About Square Enix Co., Ltd. and Square Enix, Inc.
Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Square Enix Co., Ltd. (Square Enix) develops, publishes and distributes entertainment content including interactive entertainment software and publications in Japan, North America, Europe and Asia. Square Enix brings two of Japan's best-selling franchises-FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 68 million units worldwide, and DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 40 million units worldwide-under one roof. Square Enix is one of the most influential providers of digital entertainment content in the world and continues to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation.
Square Enix, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Square Enix Co., Ltd. with offices in Los Angeles, California and Seattle, Washington. It handles operations in North America, including development, localization, marketing, and publishing of Square Enix titles. Please visit http://www.square-enix.com/ for more information on Square Enix.
About Game Arts
Founded in 1985, Game Arts is a long-standing Japanese game developer with titles published across multiple platforms. The company has published and developed more than 50 titles, including several well-known franchises such as the "Grandia" and "Lunar" series. Game Arts was acquired by GungHo Online Entertainment in October of 2005 while in production of "Grandia Online" for PC. The company still produces console and handheld titles under GungHo while also developing for the MMO market. For more information on Game Arts, please visit their Web Site: http://www.gamearts.co.jp/.
About Artoon
Based in Yokohama, Japan, Artoon is a digital entertainment design, development and production company with rich talent and experience. The company was established in 1999 by Yoji Ishii and Naoto Oshima, co-creator of "Sonic the Hedgehog" in 1991 and part of Sega's Sonic Team. Centering on the design and development of original content, Artoon is mainly involved in the development of software through external cooperation, as well as the design and production of entertainment content in the mobile communication category. More information on Artoon can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.artoon.co.jp/.
About K2
K2 is a professional group of software creators specializing in video game products. Many of core members had careers at the major game companies in Kansai, Japan area, and their accomplishments drew the attention of customers at home and abroad. For more information on K2, please visit their Web site, http://www.kei-two.co.jp/e_index.html.
About Xbox 360
Microsoft revolutionized the gaming industry with the November 2001 launch of Xbox ( http://www.xbox.com), its first-generation video games and entertainment system, now sold in 26 countries around the world. This holiday season Microsoft debuts its next-generation system, Xbox 360, in Europe, Japan and North America, to be followed by availability in Australia, Colombia, Hong Kong, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore and Taiwan in 2006. Xbox 360 is the most powerful video game and entertainment system, delivering the best games, the next generation of the premier Xbox Live online gaming service, and unique digital entertainment experiences that revolve around you.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.