April 22^nd, 2004 (12:00am) - Leading video games publisher Namco Hometek Inc. announced today that it is bringing Ghosthunter, a dark and atmospheric third-person action-adventure game from Sony Computer Entertainment Europe’s Cambridge Studio, to the U.S. market. Scheduled for release on the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system in August, Ghosthunter is set in a paranormal environment and features film-quality graphics with stunning ghost effects.

“We are always working to deliver new and distinctive experiences to gamers, and Ghosthunter definitely qualifies,” said Rod Nakamoto, Executive Vice President of Research and Development.“ “With its all-out action, supernatural universe, cinematic gameplay, dark and eerie atmosphere, and even humor, Ghosthunter gives gamers a truly unique action-horror experience.”

During a routine patrol through a derelict high school that was once the site of a brutal and unexplained massacre, Lazarus Jones, a rookie Detroit cop, and his partner, Anna Steele, stumble across the ghost research laboratory of Professor Peter Richmond. Lazarus unintentionally liberates a legion of ghosts and spirits that begin to wreak havoc around the world. A malevolent spirit abducts Anna, while another ghost fuses with Lazarus, giving him the ability to see into the spectral realm. Armed with second sight and a cache of weapons and gadgets, the idealistic cop is forced to take on the entire spirit realm in hopes of finding his valued partner -- and saving the world.

Developed by the award winning SCEE Studio Cambridge, Ghosthunter blends the action and adventure aspects of a third-person shooter with macabre humor. Players battling the vengeful sprits are equipped with a selection of high-tech weaponry and gadgets specially designed for hunting and capturing ghosts. Diverse cinematic locations set the scene and make the game come to life with haunted versions of familiar sights, including an Alcatraz-style prison and a sunken ship.