First Sega/Sammy Tie-Up: Seven Samurai

Sega Europe today announced it will be distributing Seven Samurai 20XX, a third-person action game developed by Sammy and inspired by Akira Kurosawa's "The Seven Samurai". First details and screens inside.

Sega Europe today announced an agreement with Sammy Europe Ltd, no doubt a direct result of commands from Sega/Sammy HQ in Japan, granting Sega rights to distribute Seven Samurai 20XX for PS2 in PAL territories.

Developed by Sammy Corporation, Seven Samurai 20XX is a third-person 3D action game inspired by Akira Kurosawa's masterpiece "The Seven Samurai". In proper tribute to Kurosawa's classic tale, the game has been supported by Kurosawa Productions and the late director’s son, Hisao Kurosawa, as well as major contributions from renowned artists such as legendary artist/designer Moebius (The Fifth Element) and Academy Award winning composer Ryuichi Sakamoto (The Last Emperor).

Seven Samurai 20XX engages players with an experience that combines intense melee-style samurai combat with an epic story that transports the timeless tale into a future setting.

Make yourself a legend as Natoea, a guide-less samurai who must join with six other samurai to stand against enemy hordes. Using a variety of swordplay styles, guide Natoea by employing numerous single- and double-katana attacks and an arsenal of moves that matures with his mastery of the samurai way.

Naoya Tsurumi, President and COO, SEGA Europe, commented, "We are pleased to be working with Sammy Europe to distribute this title. Seven Samurai 20XX is a welcome addition to our 2004 lineup."

Expect to see many, many more blatant Sega/Sammy tie-ups in the coming months and years. We'll keep a close eye on Seven Samurai and let you know how its shaping up. In the meantime, check out these first screens.

Adam Doree
Director, Kikizo.com