2 September 2003

RPG EXPLODES ON XBOX


Mindscape announces format-exclusive release of Arx Fatalis for Xbox in November

Mindscape today announced the release of Arx Fatalis, a first-person RPG, due to be published by DreamCatcher Games for the Xbox^® video game system from Microsoft in November.

Widely-acclaimed by the gaming press for its hugely successful outing on the PC, Arx Fatalis is now console-exclusive on Xbox, combining an intriguing story, huge environment and user-friendly interface.

The Xbox Arx Fatalis world spans 20 sprawling levels with real cities, underground lakes, natural caves, lava openings, lost civilizations, secret temples, crypts, city sewers, Goblin encampments and Dwarf forgeries. All of the levels exist in the realm of medieval fantasy, where the sun has slowly retreated, leaving a world of evil and darkness inhabited goblins, trolls and rat men.

Featuring a proprietary game engine and using all the latest 3D technology that harnesses the power of Xbox, Arx Fatalis offers players top-end interactivity with in-game objects and non-player characters through advanced world simulation, actively encouraging players to try out mechanisms, craft items by combining objects and explore all-new environments. Coupled with real-time physics for clothing and hair and real fight tactics for non-player characters, this makes both the Arx Fatalis world and characters very realistic indeed.

For those with a magical bent, a unique real-time, on-screen spell-casting system allows players to draw signs and cast over 50 spells with a pad, speeding up reaction time in an otherwise lengthy magical process.

The Arx Fatalis storyline is totally non-linear, allowing players to roam freely, wherever and whenever they like. Game progression can be achieved with or without the help of non-player characters and player attributes are honed when completing levels, solving quests and, of course, killing monsters.

With a wealth of blood-curdling features, Arx Fatalis looks set to become a sure fire hit with the fans of both first person and RPG gameplay when it hits Xbox in November.

Arx Fatalis will be published for Xbox by DreamCatcher Games and distributed by Mindscape in November 2003, price tbc.