August 10^th, 2004 (12:00am) - Leading video games developer and publisher Namco Hometek Inc. announced today the upcoming U.S. release of Xenosaga Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Böse, shipping exclusively for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system in February 2005. The sequel to the million-unit selling Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht, the game is being developed by Monolith Software Inc. in Japan. Featuring an elite cast of characters, breathtaking graphics and an unparalleled storyline, Xenosaga Episode II is a premier role playing game combining self-contained cinematics and charismatic game play with the adrenaline rush of claiming destiny in an unpredictable, futuristic world.

“More than one million people embraced Xenosaga EPISODE I, so there is an amazing following already in place for this sequel,” said Rod Nakamoto, Executive Vice President of Research and Development for Namco Hometek Inc. “Xenosaga Episode II is sure to give players the quintessential role playing game experience.”

Taking place thousands of years into the future in a civilization devoid of Earth’s existence, Shion, KOS-MOS and the beloved characters from the original cast return to race and retrieve the original Zohar to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. Some believe the Zohar holds the key to unlocking infinite power, while others feel the Zohar will unravel the mysteries of the past and save the world from the ethereal alien race, the Gnosis.

Xenosaga Episode II’s epic storyline begins in Second Miltia, with the group reaching the city to unlock the key to the Y-data hidden inside MOMO. Driven by an unknown future and fears of the world, players will attempt to uncover the mystery surrounding the Miltian Conflict and delve further into many unresolved questions and mysteries posed in Xenosaga Episode I. Offering a large number of characters in expansive worlds filled with multiple destinations, Xenosaga Episode II routes players on a magical journey filled with intrigue and surprises.

Characters in Xenosaga Episode II are equipped with substantial features to tackle the most difficult situations. Players can customize characters to their liking using more than 100 different skills such as Last Revenge, Overload and Double Power. They can also use the game’s new battle system including combination attacks, a refined boost system and double team attacks including Archangel’s Requiem, Fiery Ritornelle and Gravity Bomb.

For more information on Xenosaga Episode II, please visit www.namco.com.