Atari Reveals Kya: Dark Lineage

Infogrames' previously 'secret' Atari project has been revealed for PS2. Details inside...

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 winter exclusively on PS2, Kya: Dark Lineage is an adventure-action game, and the developers are claiming that "the game's beauty, depth and immersion could potentially make it the benchmark by which all others are judged."

Infogrames' European Marketing Director, Pascale Vermeerbergen, had this to say: "Kya: Dark Lineage is a beautifully detailed product with unique gameplay aspects. The creative blend of highly-aesthetic environments coupled with a variety of character based scenarios makes this a unique experience.

The developers explained that 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. They are promising a game of "epic magnitude".

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 Nativs, 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 Nativ identity.

Powered by a proprietary game engine that delivers high-resolution models and textures, smooth-blended animation and utilises 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.

We'll keep you updated on everything we learn about Kya, including the likely hands-on showing at E3 next month.

John Gold
Staff Writer, Kikizo Games