Atlus and ACE Team bring Zeno Clash II with full cooperative multiplayer

[Inzaghi]

ATLUS AND ACE TEAM JOIN UP TO TAKE VIDEO GAME FACE BASHING TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH ZENO CLASH II, SEQUEL TO AWARD-WINNING INDIE FIRST-PERSON MELEE BRAWLER, COMING TO PC, XBOX 360, AND PLAYSTATION 3 SYSTEMS WITH FULL COOPERATIVE MULTIPLAYER IN EARLY 2013

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA -- JUNE 4, 2012 -- ATLUS, a brand of Index Digital Media, Inc., in collaboration with ACE Team, developer of Zeno Clash™ and Rock of Ages™, today unveiled Zeno Clash II™, sequel to the award-winning indie first-person melee brawler, coming in 2013 to PC, Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and PlayStation®Network for PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system.

Building upon the daring visual design and gratifying first-person fisticuffs of the acclaimed original, Zeno Clash II is bigger, bolder, and better in every way. Zenozoik comes alive like never before, an open world waiting to be explored, one rendered with breathtaking splendor. As Ghat, players can fully and freely explore every natural and architectural wonder his world has to offer. In addition to most of the characters, enemies, and items from the first game--all of which return with dramatic visual enhancement--Ghat can also expect to encounter awe-inspiring new sights, jaw-dropping new creature designs, and wildly creative new weapons and items.

Beyond visuals, Zeno Clash II also dares to refine and add to its predecessor's gameplay foundation for success. The game's heralded first-person brawling mechanics are further refined, improving on the integral enemy "Lock-on" function as well as giving the player pinpoint control over where their strikes land. New RPG elements allow players to gain more strength, master defense, or improve in other areas in order to give Ghat and his companion Rimat a better chance of survival.

Lastly, and perhaps of the greatest excitement, the entire game can be experienced with drop-in/drop-out online cooperative multiplayer. Ghat can now be joined by his sister Rimat in battling past the angry denizens bent on stopping them from accomplishing their goal.

"The world of Zenozoik is one of wild dreams and wilder nightmares," stated Andres Bordeu, co-founder of ACE Team. "This is part of the reason we are working on Zeno Clash II, to give players the opportunity to explore Zenozoik with a friend via online cooperative multiplayer, turning those moments of wonder and awe into a shared adventure. We will make certain that going back and forth between solo and cooperative play preserves the consistency and impact of the narrative experience, while still allowing friends easily drop in and out of the game's fulfilling exploration and visceral melee combat."

Zeno Clash II is scheduled to release in early 2013 on Xbox LIVE Arcade, PlayStation Store, and Steam. For more information, visit www.zenoclash2.com.

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About ATLUS
Video game publisher ATLUS has established itself as one of its industry's most consistent, celebrated companies. With proven success across a variety of genres and platforms, including enthusiast-oriented games like the Shin Megami Tensei franchise of award-winning, fan beloved roleplaying games (including the hit Persona sub-series of games and the prestigious Nocturne), the groundbreaking, genre-defying Catherine, Demon's Souls, and the upcoming official video game adaptation of Game of Thrones (coming May 15, 2012), ATLUS provides quality critically acclaimed interactive entertainment to a wide spectrum of customers.

ATLUS is a brand of Index Corporation and its privately held subsidiary Index Digital Media, Inc.

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© 2012 ACE Team. Produced by ATLUS. Licensed to and published by Index Digital Media, Inc. Zeno Clash II has not yet been rated by the ESRB.

[Minato Hikari]

Just saw the trailer, looks like it will be awesome! =D

[Enzeru]

I really can't wait! I loved loved loved the original game. So happy that Atlus is publishing this one, too. And it's on PS3? Even better.

[ZombieBP]

I didn't get the opportunity to play the first one but it looked interesting. I was glad to see that this is coming to PS3 and when I saw "cooperative multiplayer" and "New RPG elements" it sounded even better. I'll have to coerce my buddies into playing it with me.

[Bloodios]

That is nice to know, but is the first game eventually going to be ported to the PS3, too? I mean otherwise, how can PS3-only owners possibly comprehend the plot?

[kolaces]

Hopefully there'll be splitscreen along with online co-op. First game was great, looking forward to this!

[narrat0r]

>Open world
They just sold it.

[Manly Biceps]

Originally Posted by Bloodios

That is nice to know, but is the first game eventually going to be ported to the PS3, too? I mean otherwise, how can PS3-only owners possibly comprehend the plot?

One of the major focal points during the development cycle is ensuring that first-time players are able to comprehend the story. So, whether you're on the PS3, or just new to the world of Zeno Clash, we'll be trying to fill you in.

[Blacksmoke]

Props on publishing these ACE team games. Can't say I've played them, but they look quirky/original (though making a sequel isn't hugely innovative). Also nice to give a small(ish?) developer a chance like that.