Video Gaming News - February 2003
Foster City, CA (February 21, 2003) - Sony Computer Entertainment
America Inc. announced today the release of Dark Cloud 2.
From Sony:
The follow-up to the successful 2001 release, Dark Cloud 2 features a new
character-driven story with two playable characters, an enhanced graphical look
utilizing cell-shading technology, the return of the GEORAMA -- the unique
ability enabling players to create, build and customize a fully interactive, 3D
world, and the introduction of the Invention System which allows players to
create an array of items for later use in battle and exploration.
The original Dark Cloud was released in May 2001 on PlayStation 2 and was
greeted with much enthusiasm by consumers. Only nine months after its release,
the game became a bonefide hit and entered the "Greatest Hits" program.
"Dark Cloud 2 brings with it even more elements of what made the first title
so popular," said Ami Blaire, director, product marketing, Sony Computer
Entertainment America. "By combining fast-paced action, strategy,
puzzle-solving, mini-games and world-building with conventional exploration and
battle elements, Dark Cloud 2 delivers a revitalizing and fresh look to the RPG
genre that will satisfy fans of the genre and supporters of the first game, as
well as those looking for a unique gameplay experience."
The compelling saga of Dark Cloud 2 will captivate gamers as they undertake
the roles of two playable characters -- Maximilian and Monica. Maximilian is a
young inventor with the heart of a hero who always lets curiosity get the better
of him. Monica is a skilled warrior from the future and a master of magic who
favors her graceful sword and possesses a magical bracelet. When Maximilian, who
has never set foot outside of his town, uncovers a secret involving the fate of
the world, Monica leads Maximilian on a journey through the past, present and
future to prevent an evil madman from destroying the world. In the process, they
find themselves assisting a diverse group of villagers, battling monsters,
rebuilding the world and unlocking secrets that will lead them to their ultimate
destiny.
One of the biggest enhancements made in Dark Cloud 2 is the introduction of
an innovative new gameplay mechanic called the Invention System. When players
portray Maximilian, they will obtain a camera during the early part of the game
that they can use to take photos within the environment. These photos help to
give Maximilian ideas on items he can create for later use to assist him in
battle and exploration. Dark Cloud 2 allows gamers to play as either Maximilian
or Monica, both who have their own set of weapons and abilities. The game
features an enhanced detailed weapons system, allowing players to upgrade their
weapons by leveling up, spectrumizing, synthesizing or building them up. In
addition, Dark Cloud 2 features an improved battle system including close and
long range attacks, special maneuvers and evasive moves. Max's "Ridepod"
inventions are capable of combating the toughest of enemies and Monica can morph
into various monster forms during battles, to trick her enemies.
The innovative GEORAMA element returns in Dark Cloud 2, where players can
create and build a fully interactive, 3D world, and then immediately roam
through their newly constructed environments, all in real-time. This time
around, however, players can fully customize everything from choosing the color
of a house to where the chimney should be placed, allowing players to take full
ownership of how they want to create the world they are building so that the
future can flourish. As Maximilian or Monica, gamers will travel to the future
completing various tasks and goals to see the result of their GEORAMA building,
and sometimes will pick up new clues or objectives in the process.
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