When German developer Ascaron entered insolvency in April, things were looking grim for the studio's properties, which included Port Royale, Darkstar One, On the Ball and The Patrician. Luckily for fans, Kalypso swooped in, grabbed what they could, and now have set up a new nest for Ascaron's properties, with The Patrician III on track for a summer release. Stefan Marcinek, Global Managing Director for Kalypso Media Group, explains the new studio's formation as move towards greater independence.

"For Kalypso, this move is not just an expansion of our own studio capacities, but will also allow us greater independence in our games development. We currently have four new titles scheduled for release in 2010 which are being developed in our Munich and Gütersloh studios"

While this is excellent news for fans of Ascaron's other projects, it leaves the future of the Sacred series up in the air, though maybe the poor performance of the console versions have already sealed that franchise's fate.

Sacred 2 media has skewed heavily towards the Xbox 360 up until now, so it's nice to see some images from the PlayStation 3 version. Not seeing a big difference between this and the 360, other than the fact that someone at Ascaron has been boning up on how to create compelling screenshots. Definitely looking good. Here's hoping the delays that have plagued the console version were used to make sure the game plays as well as it looks.

North American Xbox 360 owners are definitely getting their hands on Sacred 2 come May 12th, and while the official press release doesn't list the PlayStation 3 version, cdv assures us that it will be released at the same time.

It will definitely ship the same time as the PS3. It's just a few days behind in the Sony approval/submissions process. We expect to announce Gold status next week.

So now we know the reason for the original delay back in March, and we only have less than a month to wait before the Diablo-esque action role-playing game hits store shelves.

Unless of course we live in the UK, where it ships on June 5th.

Released last November for the PC, Sacred 2: Fallen Angel is an expansive isometric action role-playing game with multiple character classes and engaging online play. Originally slated for a March 24th release on the consoles, publisher CDV dropped us a line informing us that the target window would be missed.

Just a quick note to let you know that the release date for Sacred 2: Fallen Angel for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 has been changed. The new retail release date is May 12, 2009. If you could update the entry in your database immediately, it would be appreciated.

I would have let you folks know sooner, but I just spent the past two hours trying to find our release date databases, which do not exist.

We've replied, inquiring as to the reason for the delay, but have yet to get a response. We'll just assume it isn't done yet and move on.

At least it begins focusing on it, and then quickly devolves into a fight between the Seraphim character and one of the Inquisitors from the game. It's the strangest little transition, really. The narrator at the beginning could have been talking about anything leading up to the fight.

Cheese. A delicious dairy product long sought-after for its creamy goodness, whether eaten alone or as a topping to apple pie.

Then BOOM! A fight breaks out.

Apparently the answer is to give up hope altogether. Hansi reveals that Blind Guardian had been trying to get into a video game - any video game - since the early 90's, and had given up hope for being featured in a video game at all. That's when German video game developer Ascaron came calling.

Not only is Blind Guardian's music in Sacred 2, virtual versions of the band actually perform in the game itself. Hell, a society that doesn't blink at a robot dog with a laser cannon on its arm certainly won't begrudge itself a few electric guitars.

The main draw of the newly-released 620MB update would have to be the Sacred 2 network, which is essentially an online community for Sacred 2 players that adds an extensive ladder and highscore ranking system to the game. Players can win ranks and orders, compare their character and guild information, or use the social network to meet friends to play with. There's even a Hall of Fame and a Heroes' Cemetery to help immortalize legendary characters.

The update also brings with it 20 new opponents, new armor and weapons, a new snow region, and a new holiday quest line that results in a set of armor even Santa Claus would wear.

Check out the screenshots below for a look at both the new holiday content and the Sacred 2 Network. The new patch is available as we speak at http://update.sacred2.com.

SACRED 2 – Fallen Angel: Content update including beta version of SACRED 2 network now available!

ASCARON, a leading German manufacturer and developer of games software, and Deep Silver, the games label of Koch Media, a leading producer and distributor of digital entertainment products, today announced an extensive content update, including the beta version of the long-desired SACRED 2 network, for the popular action RPG. The holiday update (620 MB) will be published on December 17, 2008.

The update is packed with new features such as new armour, a brand new snow region, a whopping 20 new opponents and spectacular new weapons. In addition, a completely new series of quests guarantees tons of gaming fun and provides a special set of armour specifically designed to get you into the festive spirit. Naturally, many game details were improved as well, making for an even better gaming experience.

The first beta version of the SACRED 2 network includes an extensive ladder and highscore ranking system allowing you to compare your own performance to that of other community members. You can even win ranks and orders, and legendary characters are immortalized in a Heroes' Cemetery and a Hall of Fame. You can also use the social network to create your own profile then contact other users, make new friends, or arrange some multiplayer sessions.

Tincat, the flexible multiplayer engine from Arvato Systems, makes it possible to export all information belonging to a game character to the SACRED 2 network, and view it there. This allows players to compare character and guild information, and to view multiple highscore lists, making for additional long-term motivation.

Thanks to the SACRED 2 auto-update feature, the holiday update will be automatically installed when the game is launched. You can also download the patch via a specially created landing page.

The ASCARON team is looking forward to feedback from the community and wishes everyone happy holidays and a wonderful year 2009.

To download the software, please visit: http://update.sacred2.com.

"We feel that consumers should have a right to choose, and this innovative system offers the perfect purchasing option for gamers," said Heiko tom Felde, Managing Director of ASCARON. "It's a great system for family and friends, allowing everyone the opportunity to try out the game and play together, then making a purchase decision."

Nifty, isn't it? Even if you're short on cash, you can always just stay up playing it for the full 24 hours. Sharing is caring, ladies and gentlemen. Makes me wanna hug somebody.

Sacred 2: Fallen Angel Introduces a Unique New "Try Before You Buy" Option

Innovative option allows consumers to share copies of the game with friends and family

November 7, 2008, Cary, NC – Looking to give consumers the most flexibility with their purchases of the Windows PC version of Sacred 2: Fallen Angel, cdv Software Entertainment USA and Ascaron Entertainment are pleased to announce the inclusion of an innovative "Try Before You Buy" system for their upcoming RPG game.

Using this innovative new feature, downloaded or purchased copies of the full game can be shared with friends and family, with these shared copies acting as full-featured demos for the duration of one calendar day. During the demo period the game is completely unlocked for single-player and LAN multiplayer modes. After the demo install expires the consumer has the option of purchasing the full game online, or simply uninstalling it. This, for example, allows consumers who purchased the full game in stores or via digital distribution channels, to share their game with friends, with those subsequent installs acting as time-limited “try before you buy” versions that allow gamers to enjoy almost all features found in the full game.

"We feel that consumers should have a right to choose, and this innovative system offers the perfect purchasing option for gamers," said Heiko tom Felde, Managing Director of ASCARON. "It's a great system for family and friends, allowing everyone the opportunity to try out the game and play together, then making a purchase decision."

“This innovative digital rights management solution raises the bar on how consumers can sample games before they buy them,” added Mario Kroll, Director of Marketing and PR for cdv Software Entertainment USA. “Rather than showcasing only a limited character or content selection, as most traditional demos do, gamers can share and enjoy the full game experience, trying out the features that most appeal to them, and getting a true sense of the full game.”

For more information about Sacred 2: Fallen Angel, please visit http://www.cdvus.com

Sacred 2: Fallen Angel is an Action-RPG with a rich story that takes place in a giant, open-ended and seamless world. This world contains hundreds of dungeons, treacherous opponents and a variety of challenging quests. Intelligent enemies, steadily adapting in number and difficulty based on player progress, challenge players in heroic single- and multiplayer battles.

Sacred 2: Fallen Angel provides numerous unique items that can be gathered in this mystical world. A deep reward system further enables advancements in character, individual attributes and character-specific fighting styles, each designed to keep players returning to the world of Sacred 2: Fallen Angel to discover what is around the next bend. Drop-in styled cooperative multiplayer gameplay ensures players will enjoy the game alone or seamlessly with friends at any time. Five unique multiplayer modes round out the experience and offer a refreshing, first-class gaming experience in Sacred 2: Fallen Angel.

There is a real air of YEAAAH! about this trailer for Ascaron's action prequel Sacred 2: Fallen Angel - as if they hired a 15 year old KISS fan to direct and kept him well stocked with energy drinks and popping candy.

A BARBARIAN GUY! Riding on the back of a TROLL! A CYBORG ANUBIS! With a frickin' LASER BEAM for an ARM! ARCHERY SUPERMODEL! YEAAAAAAAAH!

It all looks rather Mis-en-Cutscene, but there might be a few flashes of gameplay in there somewhere. If you squint. Looks like fun, all the same.

"We have committed ourselves to offering gamers nothing but top quality. In order to be able to further optimize the online components of the console versions, and ensure a simultaneous release world-wide, we have chosen to aim for this release date for the console versions," says Heiko tom Felde, CEO of ASCARON.

The PC version is still on track for a November 11th release. Having gotten my hands on the game back at Games Convention in August, I'd say it'll definitely be worth the wait.

SACRED 2 – Fallen Angel: Console versions due for release in 2009

ASCARON, one of the leading manufacturers and developers of games software, and Deep Silver, the games label of Koch Media, a leading producer and distributor of digital entertainment products, today announced the release date for the console versions of Sacred 2 – Fallen Angel. Sacred 2 – Fallen Angel is being developed for PLAYSTATION®3 and the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®, and will be released in the first quarter of 2009.

"We have committed ourselves to offering gamers nothing but top quality. In order to be able to further optimize the online components of the console versions, and ensure a simultaneous release world-wide, we have chosen to aim for this release date for the console versions," says Heiko tom Felde, CEO of ASCARON.

Sacred 2 – Fallen Angel offers Action RPG fans an elaborate new development with numerous new features and extensions of the popular game mechanics. In Sacred 2 – Fallen Angel, the player gradually discovers a huge, freely explorable world with tons of details and top-notch graphics. Sacred 2 – Fallen Angel captivates players with a thrilling storyline that may be experienced in two completely different ways (light and shadow campaigns).

The world of Ancaria has no level limits and can be explored without loading times. Through its great attention to detail and high-quality graphics, Sacred 2 – Fallen Angel will enchant gamers around the globe.

Temple Guardians are cyborg-like beings with a variety of mechanical tricks up their sleeves. The Inquisitor is a decidedly nastier piece of work - your basic evil high priest type, with a penchant for sadistic execution-style killings.

That's him up there - you can tell he is evil because of the hoodie. He probably smokes and listens to R&B too loud on the bus.

Full gallery after the jump.

They'll also be showing off a range of family-friendly DS titles, including their Let's Play line (Let's Play Teacher, Let's Play Vet...Let's Play Doctor, perhaps?), along with two pet sims from Game Life - Horse Life and Baby Life. Okay, so a baby isn't technically a pet. They'd just be much more enjoyable if you treated them as such. "Honey, did you let the baby out?" See? Much more entertaining. Hit the jump for more details on Deep Silver's line up!

Deep Silver & Partners at the Games Convention 2008

Larger exhibition spaces in the exhibition hall and the Business Center

Deep Silver & Partners are presenting a broad range of different games for every taste at the Leipzig Games Convention 2008. From long-awaited action RPGs to thrilling adventures, from the fantastic Japanese RPGs to dark RPG first-person shooters, from educational handheld games for a young audience to challenging strategy games – Deep Silver and its Partners will offer all of this to the visitors of the Games Convention 2008.

On each day of the convention, there will be live presentations with the game developers, trailers and video shows as well as numerous other surprises that will take place at Deep Silver's exhibition booth, on an area of over 440 sqm (approx. 4736 sq.ft), which is even larger than in the previous year.

Visitors can experience the following titles at the Deep Silver booth in Hall 3, Booth A02:

Cursed Mountain: For Wii™ only: The survival horror game that takes place in the Himalayas gives the ultimate thrill. The presentation at the Deep Silver booth will give visitors a chill – guaranteed! (Action adventure; Wii) Publisher: Deep Silver

Secret Files 2 – Puritas Cordis: The second part of the Secret Files series (Adventure; PC) Publisher: Deep Silver

Risen: The developers of the Piranha Bytes team will be on stage in several presentations to answer questions about their new RPG hit. Publisher: Deep Silver

Sacred 2 - Fallen Angel: The sequel to the most successful German role-playing game of all time (Action RPG; PC, PS3, Xbox 360) Publisher: Ascaron Entertainment / Deep Silver

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky: A unique blend of action-packed first-person shooting and complex role-playing against the backdrop of the contaminated zone surrounding the Chernobyl power plant (FPS; PC) Publisher: GSC Game World / Deep Silver

X³: Terran Conflict is a brand new, stand-alone game set in the universe of X³. It is the culmination of the X trilogy, with a grand finale that takes us all the way back to Earth's own solar system. (space strategy; PC) Publisher: Deep Silver

Deep Silver will be presenting exciting new games for young gamers at a separate booth in the children's area, Hall 2, Booth K12:

Let's Play range: Titles such as Let's Play Teacher, Let's Play Vet, and Let's Play Fashion Designer (Nintendo DS) Publisher: Deep Silver

Horse Life 2: The sequel in the horse simulation series, exceptional in both visuals and game-play (Nintendo DS) Publisher: Game Life / Deep Silver

Baby Life: In Baby Life the player takes care of its own, unique baby. As a parent your task is to help the baby grow from 9 months until it is 15 months old. (Nintendo DS) Publisher: Game Life / Deep Silver

More information and current news on Deep Silver and its partners is available from the website http:/live.deepsilver.com.

An extension of the development process was necessary in order to ensure that we realize all the development plans and ship both PC and Xbox 360 versions with the best possible quality and stability.

Release Date Update [Ascaron]

SACRED 2 - Fallen Angel: Spectacular Multiplayer Arena at the Games Convention

Potsdam, August 2 2007 Ascaron, one of the leading German computer game developers, is delighted to reveal details about its booth at this year's Games Convention. Starting on Thursday, August 23 2007 visitors will experience a worldwide exclusive test of the multiplayer aspect of SACRED 2 - Fallen Angel.

As of now, interested gamers may book time slots for this event.

A spectacular, 1,600 ft² SACRED 2 - Fallen Angel arena guarantees excitement in an authentic medieval atmosphere. Throughout the event our booth staff - community moderators and developers in medieval costumes - will be directly available for any questions or requests gamers may have.

In each match 16 players in four separate networks will compete against each other simultaneously to find the best PVE and PVP players of the GC 2007. More than 3,000 visitors and journalists will have a chance to test their mettle at this year's Games Convention.
After fighting tough battles for pieces of armor and gaining as many strength points as possible, players have to collect important bonus points in the final PVP part, which they may lose again if their character is knocked out.

A ranking system will determine each day's and the overall champions, who can look forward to exclusive prizes.

Before competing in the long awaited battles for Ancaria, competitors will be treated to extensive training in a dedicated briefing room, Then players claim their seats to the sound of fanfares and finally raise their swords.

"It is essential for us to make sure all visitors feel they are a part of SACRED 2 - Fallen Angel. We don't only focus on the look of our booth: we want to spend time with each of our visitors and acquaint them with the game before they actually start testing it. Our booth with its focus on a comprehensive player briefing and its staff of community members and developers is really something special, and we look forward to welcoming our visitors!" says Heiko tom Felde, Director of Publishing at Ascaron.

Now visitors may book a free time slot on our web site www.sacred2.com.

Every pre-registered competitor is already a winner, because apart from their time slot they will also get a strictly limited special GC T-shirt, a copy of the original SACRED, a 5 Euro Wirecard voucher plus a SACRED novel (while stocks last).

The SACRED 2 - Fallen Angel arena is located in Hall 4 / Booth F31.

The art style is extremely reminiscent of Tim Burton's work on Nightmare Before Christmas and The Corpse Bride, which I think is a perfectly fine thing. If you are going to go dark and funny, there are worse people you can pay homage to. A Vampyre Story is slated for a fourth quarter 2007 PC release. Michael Fahey