Gaming News - March 2006

Torrance, CA (March 7, 2006) - XSEED Games announced today that Shadow Hearts: From the New World has shipped to retailers across North America.

From XSEED:

Exclusively for the PlayStation 2, this third and latest installment in the critically acclaimed role-playing game series takes place in the United States during the Great Depression. Featuring a gripping and inspirational storyline spanning across North and South America, players can expect to run into a unique set of characters at famous, real-world locations including Chicago, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, New York and Rio de Janeiro. The addictive Judgment Ring System has been improved, adding even more excitement and strategy to the overall gameplay.

The Story

The story begins as Johnny Garland, a young, 16-year old detective who lost his father, sister and his memory in an accident, accepts an investigation to track down a criminal suspect who escaped from custody. As he closes in on the suspect, Johnny witnesses a supernatural occurrence – a huge monster appears from a green light known as the “window” and swallows up the criminal. Apparently, a series of horrific incidents similar to this have been plaguing the cities across the nation. Johnny’s female counterpart is 21-year-old bounty hunter Shania, a Native American who is searching for these mysterious windows and determined to fight them using her spiritual powers. Together, they travel around the states and are joined by other characters.

Key Features

Series trademark Judgment Ring battle system makes a return with improvements – “Stock System” allowing players the option of executing a “Combo” command with a second character or “Double” command enabling a character to perform two different actions in one turn.

A completely new story and set of new characters will make the title easily accessible to newcomers of the series with its unique style and sense of humor.

A cast of well-drawn, entertaining characters with distinct personalities and reappearances by a few of the series’ favorites.

Experience a higher level of realism with easy to navigate, visually-stunning backgrounds, special lighting and illumination effects.

Huge production values with dramatic events unfolding through high-quality graphics, CG cut- scenes, impressive sound effects and voice-overs.

Tons of side-quests and exciting mini-games to explore totaling up to 60 hours of gameplay

Shadow Hearts: From the New World is available at retailers nationwide at a suggested retail price of US$39.99. The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has rated Shadow Hearts: From the New World “T” for Teen. Additional information on the title is available at www.shadowheartsnewworld.com.