f13.net

NAMCO ENTERS THE WORLD OF MAGE KNIGHT WITH APOCALYPSE

Action RPG Based on Collectible Miniature Game Storms the PC

SANTA CLARA, Calif., (May 5, 2005) - Leading video games developer and
publisher Namco Hometek Inc. announced today "Mage Knight Apocalypse," an
action role-playing game for the PC based on the best-selling collectible
miniature game from WizKids Games. Designed with a unique character leveling
system and an unprecedented focus on team play, "Mage Knight Apocalypse"
allows up to five players to embark on a cooperative or competitive journey
through a war-torn fantasy setting, and is planned for release in Spring
2006

"Mage Knight Apocalypse" follows the events of an upcoming "Mage Knight"
storyline. A mysterious power has issued an ominous portent and the call has
gone out for stalwart heroes from all reaches of the Land to battle against
an army of pure evil. Leading this army is The Apocalypse Dragon, a
seemingly unstoppable five headed juggernaut of destruction that has been
reborn and set loose on an unprepared populace.  Taking the role of one of 5
characters, the player must band together with other legendary heroes to
face this Dragon and defeat the forces of Chaos in the "Mage Knight"
universe.

Team dynamics will be vital in "Mage Knight Apocalypse," and players will
need to select their party carefully, combining melee, ranged and magical
strikes in conjunction with overwhelming group combo attacks to triumph in
battle. Players can quest alone or with friends in five-player cooperative
and competitive play modes, working together or going head-to-head in the
ultimate clash for battlefield supremacy.  Players can choose from five
distinct character classes and customize them with hundreds of weapons,
armor and items, equipping the right gear for each intense encounter. 
Unlike other action RPGs, in "Mage Knight Apocalypse," players will have no
need to worry about ability points or discreet levels to gain.  Instead,
character development depends on what type of playing style the player
enjoys.  Swinging a heavy sword will make you stronger, casting spells will
make your magic more powerful, and shooting bows will improve dexterity. 
The skills players use and the way they use them determines how the
character will develop.

"'Mage Knight' has captivated collectible miniature game fans for years with
endless strategy and a unique fantasy premise," said Grantley Day, business
unit director at Namco Hometek, Inc. "'Mage Knight Apocalypse' brings the
heroism and mythology of this adored property from the tabletop to the PC,
delivering an all-new storyline and focusing on team play to capture the
same sense of community and teamwork that has made "Mage Knight" a worldwide
phenomenon."

"The beloved and rich world of 'Mage Knight' has found a great home on the
PC," said Jordan Weisman, CEO of WizKids Inc. and creator of the "Mage
Knight" game and fictional universe. "This game will capture all of the
strategy and fun of 'Mage Knight' for new and old fans alike." Created in
2000, "Mage Knight" spawned an entire genre of collectable games and is one
of the most recognizable fantasy game properties.