Developed by Japanese
game developer Game Republic under legendary game creator Yoshiki Okamoto,
executive producer for Onimusha, Devil May Cry and Resident Evil, Folklore is a unique, dark fantasy adventure inspired by western fairy tales.
Regarded as one of the holiday's most anticipated titles for PS3, Folklore
is the story of two strangers drawn together in an effort to uncover the
mystery of a remote village that exists on the border between dreams and
reality. The two, Keats and Ellen, learn that the answers they seek lie in
the realms of the Netherworld, a fantastic world full of creatures, spirits
and monsters. In order to solve a mystery that threatens the balance of this
universe, the pair must journey through these worlds, combat creatures beyond
imagination and uncover their secrets.
"Using a unique combat system that harnesses the power of PS3 and SIXAXIS
wireless controller, Folklore will physically grab the attention of fantasy
action gamers," said Jeff Reese, director, software marketing, SCEA.
"Folklore's multi-threaded story, artistic environments and sublimely bizarre
characters provide a powerful mix that will captivate all those who enjoy
playing through a gripping mystery adventure."
The story begins when Ellen receives a letter from her mother, long
presumed dead. Meanwhile, Keats, a skeptical journalist working for a
paranormal magazine, is urgently called to investigate a mysterious attack.
The fate of this unlikely pair converges in the Irish village of Doolin -- a
quaint, sleepy place which hides a secret gateway to the Netherworld and the
answer to a 17-year old mystery. Ellen and Keats, both playable characters,
must travel separately through seven vast realms inhabited by "Folks", strange
Netherworld creatures whose powers they must collect and harness if they are
to survive.
Players capture the Folks' powers by using the SIXAXIS controller to tug
and reel them out of their bodies. Each Folk has a unique attack ability,
adding strategic depth to the gameplay as players must decide which Folk's
powers to employ to defeat their next adversary. There are over 100
beautifully-rendered Folks, each with their own special attacks, powers and
anatomy.
Players will begin the game as either Keats or Ellen and learn their story
and gameplay style. Keats uses a traditional brawler style while Ellen takes
a more strategic approach. Players will experience two parallel yet distinct
storylines running through the game -- each with its own twists, turns and
intrigue. Decisions made in one story line will directly impact the story
path of the other. Folklore blends in RPG characteristics including a deep
storyline that can equate to over forty hours of gameplay and the ability to
level up the creatures you capture throughout your adventure. The game also
includes an Online Dungeon Trial feature that allows players to design custom
Folklore dungeons, populate them with creatures they've captured during single
player gameplay, and share them with other players online.