Atari reveals details behind special project Kya: Dark Lineage

Answering the demand for information behind the concealed project known as Kya: Dark Lineage, Atari today revealed the first public details of the game. Developed by Infogrames' Eden Studios and scheduled for release this fall exclusively on the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, Kya: Dark Lineage is an adventure-action game whose beauty, depth and immersion could potentially make it the benchmark by which all others are judged.

"We believe that Kya: Dark Lineage is one of those rare, genre-defining products and as such have invested the necessary time and resources to successfully launch the property in the interactive entertainment arena," said John Hurlbut, senior vice president, U.S. marketing and General Manager of the company's Beverly studio. "Kya: Dark Lineage promises an engaging and magical experience whose beauty, brilliance and appeal will transcend established consumer demographics, and result in a product of global appeal."

"From the start, Kya has been meticulously developed from the ground up both in terms of character and story development, right down to the proprietary game engine," said Stephane Baudet, chief executive officer of Eden Studios. "Kya promises to be a game of epic magnitude and we are committed to delivering unprecedented gameplay to all fans of this genre."

Plunged into a mysterious world, Kya is on a quest to find her lost brother and a way back home. Along her journey of discovery, she encounters the Natives, a peaceful tribe, oppressed by the Wolfens, the menacing army of the evil Brazul. Kya must lead the rebellion of the Nativs for their freedom, and the only way is to master magical powers to liberate the Wolfens from their mystical imprisonment and restore their Native identity.

Powered by a proprietary game engine that delivers high-resolution models and textures, smooth-blended animation and utilizes spectacular physics, Kya allows players a liberating sense of movement and freedom as they travel across nine massive and open worlds. Through 34 quests and side missions, Kya must increase the power and ability of her new-found mystical powers to unlock secret areas and fight off enemies.

Among the powers available is the ability to ride the wind currents of her new land and slide down waterfalls and mountains to reach previously unattainable areas. But Brazul is out to stop her and Kya will need to match wits and skills against the formidable evil warlord. In the end, Kya may ultimately discover why she was chosen to become a part of this extraordinary world.

Developed by Infogrames' own Eden Studios, Kya: Dark Lineage will be available this fall for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system for a suggested retail price of $39.95.

For additional information on this product as well as the company's complete lineup of products, please visit the Atari suite, Petree #4003 during the Electronic Entertainment Expo May 14-16, 2003, or visit www.us.infogrames.com.