October 18^th, 2004 (6:23pm) - Bandai America today announced that Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex has gone gold. Available exclusively for the PlayStation 2, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex is a fast-paced action game based on the chart-topping television series of the same name by anime legend Masamune Shirow. Slated for release on November 8, 2004, the game is rated “M” for Mature by the ESRB, with a suggested retail price of $49.99.

“Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex is easily one of the most action-packed games of 2004,” said John Soller of Bandai America. “We have created a game with a thrilling storyline and tight, satisfying gameplay that is sure to delight die-hard ‘Ghost in the Shell’ fans and welcome newcomers to the universe of Major Kusanagi and her cybernetic counterparts.”

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex lets players assume the role of “Major” Motoko Kusanagi, Section 9 officer Batou or Think Tanks Tachikoma as they battle through an army of cybernetic enemies and bring justice to the Tohoku Autonomous Region, a metropolis lost between technology and humanity. Players can utilize either a cutting-edge arsenal of firearms and explosives or deadly hand-to-hand combat to fight through the enemies, and even hack into machinery and fallen enemies to solve puzzles and gain an added advantage in battle. The game also features an exciting multiplayer component, allowing up to four players to engage in competitive and team-based play modes.