February 10^th, 2004 (12:00am) - Sammy Studios today announced the launch of the dedicated web site for Seven Samurai 20XX at www.sevensamurai20xx.com. Exclusively for Sony PlayStation 2, Seven Samurai 20XX is a fast-paced action game inspired by Akira Kurosawa’s masterpiece "The Seven Samurai." The web site highlights the game’s colorful graphics, frantic melee-style action and impressive artistic elements, including the character design of renowned visualist Jean "Moebius" Giraud ("Alien", "The Fifth Element") and music composed by Ryuichi Sakamoto ("The Last Emperor"). Visitors go behind-the-scenes to gain access to a wide selection of art, movies, screenshots, character and story background and artist profiles to get a look into how the greatest action tale of all time has been "digitally remastered" for the video game generation. Scheduled for release spring 2004, Seven Samurai 20XX is rated T for Teen and has an MSRP of $39.99.

"A collaboration of talented artists spanning several decades has made Seven Samurai 20XX a unique, exciting and fun videogame," said John Rowe, president and chief operating officer of Sammy Studios, Inc. "The game takes its premise from the drama and adrenaline of Mr. Kurosawa’s masterpiece and adds inspiration and contributions from established artists. The combination of old and new makes Seven Samurai 20XX a must-own for fans who enjoy living the action once seen on the big screen."

Seven Samurai 20XX is a third-person 3D action game that combines intense melee-style combat with a story that takes a classic samurai war premise into the future. Players take on the role of the young ronin Natoe, a masterless samurai who comes to the defense of a group on the run from a murderous army. With two razor-sharp katanas and an arsenal of samurai attacks, Natoe must fight his way through a massive futuristic city as he leads the group to an outlying village. There he and fellow warriors make their stand to defend the villagers, becoming legend as the seven samurai who stood against an army. Visitors to www.sevensamurai20xx.com will find the story behind the game as well as background on each of the warriors, including artwork and images highlighting the unique character design of the legendary Moebius. Movies and screenshots give a sneak peek into this fast-paced, graphically amazing game, and the site offers early hints on Natoe’s fight moves and combos. In addition, a "Behind-the-Scenes" area delves into the famous artists involved in the game’s production. Upon release, the site will become the destination for players seeking strategy and tips on unlocking the game’s many bonus features.