April 22^nd, 2005 (2:21pm) - Namco has released ten new screenshots of its upcoming action role playing game, Arc The Lad: End of Darkness. Featuring an all-new real-time combat system, an expansive selection of playable characters and online gameplay for up to eight players, the game is planned for release on the PlayStation 2 this June.

Taking place five years after the events of the last "Arc" adventure, Arc The Lad: End of Darkness follows young hunter Edda on a journey to save the world from the danger that threatens nature and civilization.

The first action-based game in the series, End of Darkness lets the player control up to 24 unlockable characters from the series, performing combos, casting spells and utilizing artifacts on the fly. The spoils of battle include weapon and armor cards, which can be grouped together to impart new skills and abilities.

Players can also take the adventure online for the first time, battling competitively with up to seven other players in Match mode, or teaming up with three others from around the world to proceed through missions and defeat powerful enemies and collect cards for items such as rare equipment.