"We are extremely excited to launch XSEED Games with these two quality role-playing games," said Jun Iwasaki, president, XSEED Games. "Our extensive past experience working with some of the highest quality titles in the industry has really honed our ability to spot the best in interactive entertainment. These two titles are the first of what the XSEED Games label will come to represent in bringing great entertainment to the U.S. audience. We expect both Wild Arms 4 and Shadow Hearts to not only appeal to the existing fans of the series but also attract newcomers."

XSEED Games was founded in November 2004 by a small group of talented professionals, all of whom have extensive experience in the video game industry. Led by president Jun Iwasaki, the team launched several multi-million seller titles and many quality Japanese titles in multiple genres across the PlayStation, PlayStation 2 and PC platforms.

Wild Arms 4

Wild Arms 4 is the newest chapter in the popular role-playing game series which has shipped over 2.5 million copies worldwide. Featuring a new cast of characters, an original storyline, and a new strategic battle system, it appeals to new players of the series while fans will instantly recognize the mainstays of the Wild Arms world of Filgaia. Wild Arms 4 follows the journey of four teenagers as they reshape the future of Filgaia.

Jude Maverick has grown up in an isolated town called Ciel, which is completely enclosed in a large sphere floating thousands of feet above the surface of Filgaia. His sheltered world changes forever when he sees the sky "tear" and ships entering his homeland. Upon inspecting the camp site set up by the intruders, he sees something that he has never seen before; a girl. The girl's name is Yulie and she is being held captive by the intruders after being captured by a "Drifter" for hire, Arnaud G. Vasquez. After the invading army attacks Ciel and brings the whole sphere crashing down, Jude, Yulie and Arnaud join forces to find out the army's true intention behind Yulie's abduction. With the help of another Drifter, Raquel, these four idealistic teenagers travel the war-torn land of Filgaia in search of truth, their own identities and their individual paths to adulthood.

Key Features

• Innovative new HEX battle system unlike anything seen before in turn- based RPGs; easily accessible while providing an amazing amount of speed, depth and strategy.
• Action elements on the field map such as double-jumps, using the new "Accelerator" ability to manipulate time, and equipping items to solve puzzles eliminates the boredom of walking around waiting for random battles.
• Inspiring coming-of-age storyline as Jude learns to cope with the harsh realities of the outside world with the help of his newfound friends.
• Events presented in a distinctive use of polygons and shading with voice-overs.

Wild Arms 4 is scheduled for release in Q1 2006. The title was released in Japan on March 24, 2005 by Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. and developed by Media. Vision Entertainment Inc.

Information on the title will be available at http://www.wildarms4.com.

Shadow Hearts: From The New World

The third and latest installment in the critically acclaimed role-playing game series, Shadow Hearts: From The New World takes place in the United States during the Great Depression. Featuring a gripping and inspirational storyline with up to 60 hours of gameplay, players can expect to run into a unique set of characters at famous, real-world locations including Chicago, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas and New York. The addictive Judgment Ring System has been improved, adding even more excitement and strategy to the overall gameplay.

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.

Shadow Hearts: From The New World is scheduled for release in Q1 2006. The title was released in Japan on July 28, 2005 by Aruze and developed by Nautilus.

Information on the title will be available at http://www.shadowheartsnewworld.com.