Sony just chucked a press release in the rusty Kotaku mailbox, announcing that the RPG Untold Legends Dark Kingdom will get a PS3 Japan release. The title was developed by Sony Online Entertainment and will be hit The Land of the Rising Sun courtesy of Spike. From the presser:

'It is an honor to publish Untold Legends Dark Kingdom in Japan,' said Mitsutoshi Sakurai, C.E.O. of Spike. 'We hope that this will be the start of a strong and mutually beneficial relationship between our companies.'

Hey, Mitsutoshi. Lighten up. Full press release after the jump. Brian Ashcraft

Sony Online Entertainment Announces Spike Company to Distribute Untold
Legends(TM) Dark Kingdom(TM) for the PLAYSTATION(R)3 System in Japan

Untold Legends Dark Kingdom Is Scheduled for Release in Japan in February 2007

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 6 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Online Entertainment (SOE), a
global leader in the online gaming industry, announced today that it has
entered into a Japanese licensing and distribution deal with Spike Company
Limited to distribute Untold Legends(TM) Dark Kingdom(TM) for the
PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system. Developed by SOE, Untold
Legends Dark Kingdom takes the top-selling PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable)
system brand onto the next generation of PlayStation systems. Spike will be
responsible for the marketing, sales and distribution for Dark Kingdom in
Japan.
"Spike has a successful track record of publishing games in Japan, and we
are pleased to be collaborating with them as we bring the next generation of
the Untold Legends franchise to Japan," said John Needham, Senior Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer, Sony Online Entertainment. "Based on
the positive response that Dark Kingdom received at Tokyo Gaming Show last
year, we are confident that it will be a good fit in this market."
"It is an honor to publish Untold Legends Dark Kingdom in Japan," said
Mitsutoshi Sakurai, C.E.O. of Spike. "We hope that this will be the start of
a strong and mutually beneficial relationship between our companies."
Untold Legends Dark Kingdom is an epic action-RPG that delivers all-new
graphical detail in high-definition, dynamic visual effects utilizing the raw
rendering power and unique cell processing of the PLAYSTATION 3 computer
entertainment system and heart-pounding creature combat featuring
physics-based gameplay for a more immersive experience. Players can choose
from one of three unique characters to take on their perilous journey, with
which they will be able to unlock spells and abilities, and collect unique
weapons, armor and other items throughout the game. In addition, the game is
impressively interactive with the surrounding environment, giving players the
ability to tear through environments and defeat enemies in new ways.
Knock enemies against walls and watch them bounce to the ground. Smash
through crates, pillars, and boxes to clear a way through the environment. Or
grab NPCs and use them as living, unwilling weapons. Other next-gen features
include support for high-definition formats up to 720p, a dynamic particle
system, cinematic story-telling, digital surround sound, high-resolution
textures and detailed character models.
For the epic storyline of Dark Kingdom, SOE engaged renowned fantasy
author Keith Baker, writer of several best-selling Dungeons and Dragons
novels. In Dark Kingdom, players have loyally served the king, yet have
reason to believe he is being corrupted by dark forces. Sensing distrust, the
king sends some of his military off to quell an uprising in the barbaric
borderlands. After returning home, players find the land a horribly changed
place. It is revealed that the king is responsible for torturing and killing
many innocent people, and now players must battle through forests, caverns,
villages and the palace, all the while betraying the king in order to save the
kingdom!

Key features in Dark Kingdom include:
* Next-Gen HD Graphics: Experience next-gen graphics in true
high-definition formats. Watch as the fantasy unfolds through vibrant
environments, beautifully rendered characters, highly-detailed
creatures, and intense battles filled with engaging combat, magical
spells and brilliant special effects.
* Engaging Real-time Physics: Unique physics-based game mechanics will
give the heroes of Dark Kingdom the ability to tear through
environments and defeat enemies in exciting ways. Knock enemies against
walls and watch them tumble to the ground. Smash through crates,
pillars and rocks to clear a way through the environment. Or grab
creatures and use them as living, unwilling weapons.
* Epic Storyline: Immerse yourself in an intriguing storyline, as you
seek to end an evil king's reign of oppression that he has forced upon
your fellow citizens — all told through in-game dialog and cut
sequences.
* Visceral Action RPG Combat: Take control of battles by using chained
melee attacks, or an array of spells and special abilities acquired
along your journey.
* In-depth Character Progression: Choose from three unique heroes and
unlock new spells and abilities as you adventure! Collect and equip
unique armor sets, powerful weapons and other special items that will
aid your hero on their perilous journey!
* Co-op and Internet Modes: Adventure alone or with your friends with a
full range of multiplayer support such as two player co-op and four
player online.

For more information, visit Untold Legends Dark Kingdom
www.uldarkkingdom.com

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