Rise to Honor will feature film star Jet Li and innovative 360 degree fight system exclusively for Playstation 2, while Final Fantasy XI, will go online in N.America.
Sony used E3 coverage to announce the fall 2003 release of Rise to Honor, a fast-paced action game inspired by the excitement and cinematic styling of the Hong Kong action movie genre, developed exclusively for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. Created by Sony Computer Entertainment America's Foster City Studio in collaboration with film star Jet Li, Rise to Honor places gamers at the heart of a Hong Kong action thriller incorporating a 360 degree martial arts fight system, allowing players to battle multiple enemies in any direction simultaneously. Utilizing high-energy hand-to-hand and weapon based gameplay, Rise to Honor depicts Kit Yun (Jet Li) as he struggles with family, deceit and honor in a chain of dangerous events extending from Hong Kong to San Francisco.
Rise to Honor offers an unparalleled level of realism by incorporating an authentic recreation of Jet Li's signature movements through motion-capture technology. Jet Li and acclaimed action director, Cory Yuen, who has partnered with Li on many projects, worked closely with the development team for two months to plan and perform the fight moves and action choreography seen in Rise to Honor. In addition to his motion capture performance, Li is providing voiceover for the game's main character, as well as contributing to the creative direction of the project.
Our art style, combined with Jet Li and the 360 degree fight system really captures the intensity and cinematic feel of the Hong Kong action movie genre, said Jim Wallace, associate director, Foster City Studio. We were thrilled when we learned that Jet wanted to collaborate on this project; his creative input on Rise To Honor is helping us truly realize our vision for this ambitious game.
Working with Sony to create a game for PlayStation 2 has been a fascinating experience- very different from making a movie, said Jet Li. The motion-capture system guarantees extremely realistic movements and we were able to use a lot of actions for the game that we can't normally put in a film. The result for the player is the feeling that they are the main character in an action movie.
Rise to Honor follows the story of Kit Yun (Jet Li), the trusted bodyguard of Boss Chiang, the leader of one of Hong Kong's crime gangs. As Chiang is assassinated, he whispers his dying wish to Kit - to deliver an important message to Chiang's estranged daughter Michelle in San Francisco. By fulfilling Chiang's wish, Kit becomes entangled in a web of alliances and hidden agendas that unveil a great struggle between his conflicting sense of duty and honor.
FFXI Online in N. America
Developed by Square Enix Co., Ltd. and published by Sony Computer Entertainment America, FINAL FANTASY XI, the first online title in the series, is a cross-platform, cross-continent massively multiplayer online role playing game (MMORPG), which allows gamers to connect to the same exact world regardless of whether they are playing on a PlayStation 2 or a personal computer (PC). FINAL FANTASY XI showcases the same award-winning visual content, innovative gameplay and deep storyline that has made the FINAL FANTASY series one of the most popular videogame series in the world, with more than 44 million units sold to date.
FINAL FANTASY XI utilizes the Network Adaptor (Ethernet/modem)(for PlayStation 2) and the upcoming internal hard disk drive (40GB)(for PlayStation 2) to allow players to connect online, either via broadband or dial-up connection, and join in a truly persistent world that keeps evolving, growing and developing, even when gamers are not playing. Players can create their alter ego that will exist in the world of Vana'diel, and be able to customize characters by race, sex, country of origin, and numerous physical traits. In FINAL FANTASY XI, players will become immersed in an expansive, original storyline as they go on missions and build up their character's skills and attributes, either alone or with other members of the community, ultimately creating the history of Vana'diel. We are excited to bring the FINAL FANTASY series online with PlayStation 2. The deep gameplay, numerous regions and always evolving worlds make FINAL FANTASY XI one of the largest, most in depth online adventures ever created, said Ami Blaire, director, product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. FINAL FANTASY XI will revolutionize console gaming with the ability for gamers to join others on quests and adventures regardless of whether they are playing on a PlayStation 2 or a PC. It is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.
Players will embark on multiple adventures through vast environments in the world of Vana'diel, which has more than 100 areas to explore including mountains, forests, ice plains, deserts, oceans, rivers, castles and dungeons. Incorporating time and climate changes, Vana'diel is truly a persistent world, composed of three unique regions: the Republic of Bastok, known for Industry and Might; The Kingdom of San d'Oria, called "A City Within A Fortress;" and the Federation of Windurst, founded on "The Fruits of Knowledge." These countries enjoyed a friendly relationship on the surface; however, the territorial expansion is a constant desire for all of the countries leaders, and players must chose one of these countries as their home. Once players start their adventure in a rather civilized capital city, they may congregate, chat and do battle with the forces of evil, creating Vana'diel's history through battles and interactions.
With the ability to create unique characters, choosing from a variety of races, facial features, size, hair-styles and attributes, players will be able to play at their own pace and form parties with other players while embarking on multiple adventures. They can also acquire skills in trades such as leatherworking, fishing, jewel crafting and many more that help them on their quests. Various communication tools have been incorporated into FINAL FANTASY XI to assist in interaction between players, including easy-to-use chat and messaging systems.
