LADYDRAGON.COM - Midway Brings Acclaimed RPG Videogame Shadow Hearts to North America

Tuesday December 11, 2001

Midway Brings Acclaimed RPG Videogame Shadow Hearts to North America

Midway Games Inc. (NYSE:MWY), a software industry publisher and developer, announced today that Shadow Hearts(TM), a fantasy-style RPG videogame, will ship tomorrow in North America for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. Shadow Hearts shipped in Japan on June 28, 2001.

"With its rich character-driven storyline and compelling fantasy-style RPG gameplay, we expect Shadow Hearts to impress and entertain gamers in North America," said Helene Sheeler, vice president of marketing, Midway.

With a mix of turn-based strategy and role-playing game (RPG) elements, Shadow Hearts presents players with a challenging, yet magical quest that features a deep, haunting storyline. The story comes to life with fascinating and complex characters, intense battle sequences and unique gameplay mechanics that give players complete control of the action.

Set in early 20th century China and Europe, the story of Shadow Hearts begins with the rescue of Alice Elliot, a woman believed to hold powers capable of destroying the earth. While being transported by the Japanese Imperial Army to China, an evil magician attempts to kidnap Alice, but his plans are foiled. Following the rescue, Alice must join forces with Yuri -- the son of a Chinese war hero -- to uncover an evil scheme and unravel the many mysteries surrounding Shadow Hearts.

    Players take the role of Yuri, who possesses the power of a Harmonixer -- a person able to morph into different monsters he defeats in battle by absorbing their souls. Guided by a mysterious female voice, Yuri and Alice set out on their quest, meeting and recruiting a variety of characters. Players can take control of any one of the characters including Zhuzhen Liu, an old Chinese mage who was close friends with Yuri's father; Margarete Zelle, an international spy for hire; Keith Valentine, a vampire; and Harry, a young boy who leads a group of orphans.
    Players lead Yuri, Alice and the rest of the team into battle using a unique timing-based battle system called "The Judgment Ring," where the final outcome of a battle is based on the players' speed and accuracy.

    Shadow Hearts Key Features

--	Judgment Ring - Encounter and battle more than 130 different monsters using this exclusive and innovative new system used to determine the winner of a battle
--	Complex Characters - Players meet unique characters with their own personalities and abilities who join Yuri and Alice on their quest
--	Harmonixer - Gain the ability to morph Yuri into 20 various creatures to battle the forces of darkness
--	Engaging - Hours of intense gameplay will take players on an incredible journey across early 20th century Eurasia
--	Special Items - Discover more than 200 special items including weapons, armor and other unique magic items
--	Upgrade - Upgrade weapons and acquire powerful spells that produce spectacular effects
--	Spectacular Cinematics - Experience fantastic and graphically gorgeous cinematics that progress the in-depth storyline

Midway Games Inc. is a developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. Midway videogames are available for play on videogame platforms including the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, Xbox(TM) video game system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube(TM) and Game Boy(R) Advance.