Online game publisher K2 Networks has announced that they will be bringing the award-winning Korean MMO Granado Espada to Europe and North America this Summer, under the title Sword of the New World. Granado Espada, created by Ragnarok Online's daddy Hakkyu Kim, is one of Korea's most popular MMORPGs, featuring beautiful graphics, beautiful sound, and of course, beautiful characters. What sets the game apart, however, is the setting. Rather than traditional fantasy or space epics, this game is based off of Europe's exploration of the New World, with a fantasy twist. I am a complete sucker for a good history/fantasy mashup.

The game also offers a unique system where you control three characters simultaneously, controlling one while the others back you up, able to switch main control on the fly. Perfect for MMO altaholics who can't decide what class to level. You can even trade characters with other players. The North American / European version will feature new customization options, an improved control scheme, and a whole new story.

I have to say, as much as I have been burned by Korean MMO games, this one certainly has me intrigued. Check the press release below for more info. Michael Fahey

K2 Network To Bring Korea's Award-Winning 3D MMORPG To North America And Europe

Sword Of The New World: Granado Espada for the PC is the Only Fantasy MMORPG To Offer the Ability to Control Multiple Characters Simultaneously

IRVINE, Calif. - January 23, 2007 - K2 Network, Inc. (www.k2network.net), an online game publisher, announced today that it is bringing Korea's most popular and highly decorated massively multi-player online role-playing game to North America and Europe this summer. Winner of the 2006 Grand Award for Best Game in Korea, Granado Espada, which will be titled Sword of the New World (www.swordofthenewworld.com) in the U.S., is developed by famed developer Hakkyu Kim, the creator of Ragnarok Online.

"Sword of the New World is truly an MMORPG player's dream come true," said Grantley Day, Vice President of Product Development at K2 Network. "It is alive with beautiful artistry,
baroque-inspired architecture and enchanting music, and, of course, the multi-character control system."

Licensed to K2 Network by Hanbitsoft, Sword of the New World is developed by imcGAMES, which is headed by CEO Hakkyu Kim, the creator of Ragnarok Online, one of the world's most popluar MMO's with more than 25 million subscribers. A fantasy MMORPG whose story is modeled after Europe's exploration of the New World, this gorgeous, original title allows players to create and simultaneously control a family of characters utilizing the excusive Multiple Character Control (MCC) system.

This innovative fantasy adventure lavishly unfolds its luscious graphical style through a rich and compelling story comprised of thrilling missions and quests. Swept by an exotic New World fever in the 17th century, this fictional yet profoundly historical exploration of the new found continent includes features that are all-new and exclusive to the U.S. version of the game.

K2 Network's version will offer a new character customization feature with hundreds of costume options, while an improved control scheme and in-game tutorial makes controlling multiple characters familiar and comfortable (for MMO players). In addition, the game includes an all-new story with hundreds of new quests.

Key Features of Sword of the New World:

Control three characters simultaneously
While most games allow you to level just one character at a time, Sword of the New World allows players to develop, mix and match a team of three distinct characters simultaneously.

Combat
Get the best of both types of MMO worlds with Player vs. Environment (PvE) and Player vs. Player (PvP) combat fully integrated into gameplay. Sword of the New World also includes additional combat options, Family vs. Family (FvF) dueling and City vs. City (CvC) in specific arenas.

Stunning audio and visual offerings
Alive with beautiful artistry and baroque-inspired architecture and fashion, the game offers stunningly attractive characters with inspiring clothing and armor sets. Evocative music completes the diverse atmospheres found throughout the game's many locations.

Multiple Character Classes with unique stances and skills
Character classes include the traditional melee champ Fighter; the spell-casting Wizard, and the dual-purpose assassin and healing Scout, with more classes to be announced later. Each class can learn and perform unique stances and unlock advanced skills.

Free Trial and Premium Editions
Download and play the trial version of the game for free or buy the premium, boxed copy for additional content and gameplay experiences.

To see the new screen shots of Sword of the New World and for continuous updates on the game visit the Web site at www.swordofthenewworld.com.

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About HanbitSoft
HanbitSoft, established in 1999, is one of the largest online game publishers in Korea as well as in Asia. After establishing itself as the No. 1 publisher in Korean PC game market, HanbitSoft has continuously invested in developing and publishing excellent and promising online games. HanbitSoft has broad portfolio of online games ranging from casual games to high-end MMORPG's, either developed in-house or by external development studios such as Studio Mars (Neo Steam) and imcGAMES (Granado Espada). Most of its games already have been introduced in the Asian market as well as in the North and South American market. For example, PangYa, a fantasy-themed online golf game, is now in commercial service in more than 12 countries including Japan, USA and Brazil. Now, HanbitSoft is focusing on pioneering overseas online game markets in an effort to be a "global leading publisher."
www.hanbitsoft.com.

About imcGAMES
imcGAMES was established in 2003 and strives to Impress, Motivate and Connect by creating the highest quality games to make a deep impression. Second, they seek to imbue in their games a passionate and perpetual sense of motivation. Third, they foster new connections to enable relationships for each person who plays their games. imcGAMES is staffed by people dedicated not only to making players happy, but also to enjoying their work. job.www.IMC.co.kr.

About K2 Network
K2 Network, an online game publisher and community service management company, publishes and services highly engaging online games and cultivates dynamic player environments. The company puts "Gamers First" with compelling titles, exciting communities, creative pricing models, quality customer service, and frequent updates based on user requests. K2 Network currently offers War Rock, Knight Online, Global MU Online and Golf King. Company headquarters are in Irvine, Calif. More information can be found at www.k2network.net. ;

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