Video Gaming News - April 2004

Foster City, CA (April 20, 2004) - Sony Computer Entertainment America announced today the release of Siren available exclusively for the PlayStation 2.

From Sony:

Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment Japan, in conjunction with Sony Computer Entertainment America's Santa Monica Studios, Siren puts the player into an alternate reality, capable of raising the heartbeat and creating a true sense of suspense and fear allowing for a new horror thriller entertainment experience. Set in a fictional Japanese village, a terrible force slowly turns the civilians into vile creatures. Seen through the eyes of ten characters, Siren immerses the player into a personal fight for survival and to unravel the truth behind the mysterious force.

With a story loosely inspired by Japanese folklore and horror movies from around the world, Siren places the gamer right in the center of the village of Hanuda. Building upon a dark atmosphere and creeping terror, Siren heralds an exciting new genre of horror thriller games -- from a world of fear, mystery and suspense that is focused on extreme background detail and storyline, rather than 'slasher-style' shocks traditionally found in horror entertainment.

"Siren represents the changing face of horror thriller entertainment and pushes the PlayStation 2 technology to new heights," said Ami Blaire, director, product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "By placing the player in a riveting setting and chilling experience, Siren is a unique adventure that transcends traditional boundaries between the player and terror by presenting a unique twist on reality that will keep gamers on their feet as they unravel the mystery occurrence in the game and leaving them wanting more."

In Siren, which takes place over the course of three days, time is made irrelevant as episodes do not happen in chronological order and the story builds as the player uses their own character's psychic abilities to look through the eyes of the shibito. The shibito or 'living dead' are civilians in the village that have been slowly transforming into evil creatures that are out to destroy the player. Players can steal the viewpoint of the shibito in their surroundings by using the innovative 'sightjack' system, foreseeing danger and predicting enemies' actions. However, in this world of unspeakable evil and horrific visions, this extraordinary observational power could be more of a curse than a blessing. With 78 missions in the game, every individual has their own chilling story to tell throughout the various episodes, providing not only a mission to survive, but an opportunity to slowly piece together the horrifying events that have overcome the village of Hanuda.

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