CAPCOM® SHOWCASES HAUNTING GROUND™ FOR THE PLAYSTATION®2 COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM

Survival Horror Meets Unique Gameplay Variation

LAS VEGAS - February 2, 2005 - Capcom®, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of vide*games, today showcased Haunting Ground for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. This spine-chilling survival horror game is set in a mysterious castle that has become a prison for tw*innocent characters- an orphaned young girl and a white shepherd dog. They must utilize each other’s strengths if they hope t*escape from their horrifying surroundings. Haunting Ground combines a compelling ambiance of terror and solitude with challenging puzzles and a unique gameplay approach. Haunting Ground will carry an “M” rating for mature audiences by the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) and is scheduled for release across North America in May 2005.

In Haunting Ground, players take on the role of Fiona Belli, an 18 year old girl wh*is the sole survivor of a tragic car accident that has claimed both her parents. When she regains consciousness following the accident, she finds herself locked up in an unfamiliar old castle, with n*clear way out. As she makes her way through unsettling surroundings, she encounters an array of strange inhabitants and learns that she has become the heiress of the mysterious castle upon her parents’ death. Fiona als*comes across Debilitas, a deformed and disturbed man wh*chases her relentlessly. Luckily, she meets awhite shepherd dog named Hewie wh*has als*been trapped in the castle. By saving him from the shackles that imprison him, an instant bond is formed.

“This is not your typical survival horror game,” said Todd Thorson, director of marketing, Capcom Entertainment, Inc. “Haunting Ground is a chilling new adventure with a unique twist. Players must utilize the strengths and bond of the character and dog in order t*progress through this intense psychological thriller.”

Though Fiona is a physicallyweak character, she must use her wit and cunning t*unravel the castle’s puzzles and figure out what is happening and why. Hewie will be a vital resource in surviving this ordeal as he has strengths where Fiona does not. As players develop trust and foster their relationship with Hewie, he will be much more willing t*help Fiona progress through the game. He can use his heightened sense of smell t*locate items, utilize his smaller size t*access hard t*reach areas and attack or distract enemies s*Fiona can escape their clutches. The success of this partnership will be crucial if they both hope t*stay alive.

Haunting Ground includes the following features:

*Unique partnership dynamic – In order t*succeed, players must foster the complex connection between Fiona and Hewie which evolves as the game progresses
*Realistic canine model – Hewie was created using motion capture and studying a real dog t*convey true behavior and movements in the game
*Classic commands including attack, come, go, sit, stay and more
*Hewie displays a variety of reactions t*each command
*The stronger the bond between Fiona and Hewie, the more likely he will be t*obey her commands
*Engrossing atmospheric effects - Extra touches heighten fearful situations:
*Control pad mimics Fiona’s pounding heartbeat
*Fiona becomes more difficult t*control the more time is spent near an enemy
*If Fiona is not able t*escape a threatening scenario, the screen becomes grainy, changing t*black and white and eventually sending her int*panic mode
*Only by evading the perils can everything return t*normal
*Music adapts t*gameplay, changing relative t*the enemies’ proximity and threat level t*Fiona
*Enemies can hear and will react t*sounds in the game, s*Fiona must be careful when treading near them
*Likewise, Hewie can hear noises and alert Fiona t*impending danger
*Fully interactive environment - Players must cleverly hide behind objects t*escape from enemies and utilize objects in the vicinity t*solve puzzles
*Cinematics directed by Naot*Takenaka – In order t*provide the right sense of fear and a haunting atmosphere, Takenaka, a Japanese film director and actor, has been enlisted t*manage the in game cut scenes


Capcom is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment. Founded in 1983, the company has created world renowned franchises including Resident Evil, Street Fighter, Mega Man, Breath of Fire, Devil May Cry and the Onimusha series. Headquartered in Osaka, Japan, the company maintains operations in the U.S., United Kingdom, Germany, Toky*and Hong Kong. More information about Capcom and its products can be found at www.capcom.com. 

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Capcom, Mega Man, Resident Evil, Onimusha, Devil May Cry and Breath of Fire are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Capcom Co., Ltd., in the U.S. or other countries. Street Fighter is a registered trademark of Capcom U.S.A., Inc. “PlayStation” and the "PS" Family log*are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All rights reserved. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

 

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