San Jose, Ca., (April 7, 2004) – Leading video games publisher and developer Namco Hometek Inc. announced today that the company is creating a third-person action adventure game based on its popular character Nina Williams from the best-selling 3-D fighting franchise, TEKKEN®.  Developed by Namco Limited, DEATH BY DEGREES is scheduled for release on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system in late 2004.
 
“We are pleased to announce DEATH BY DEGREES,” said Rod Nakamoto, Executive Vice President of Research and Development at Namco Hometek Inc. “We took one of gamers’ favorite TEKKEN characters out of the confines of the fighting ring and gave her character the depth and incredible fighting agility you would expect of a sexy former assassin.”
 
Namco extends its popular TEKKEN franchise by focusing on the voluptuous operative, Nina Williams, as she confronts demons from her dark past in order to carry out a perilous mission. Dispatched to investigate the whereabouts of a stolen high-tech weapon, Nina must infiltrate a shadowy organization and reveal a conspiracy on a global scale.
 
·      360-DEGREE COMBAT.  Surrounded?  An intuitive control system offers hundreds of possible attacks in all directions using both analog sticks.  The game offers cutting edge action, featuring fighting techniques at speeds similar to that seen in action films.
 
·      CRITICAL STRIKE ATTACK.  Use an on-screen “X-ray scan” to target the weak points of an enemy’s body such as bones and internal organs to inflict massive damage.
 
·      EMPLOY STEALTH AND ESPIONAGE.  Sneak up behind enemies, use evasion maneuvers, and put unsuspecting guards out with sleeper holds.
 
·      SPECIAL TEKKEN MOVES.  Fans will recognize Nina’s Tekken moves including Evil Mist, attacks, throws and submission techniques.
 
·      INCREDIBLE GAMEPLAY VARIETY.  Master a nearly unlimited combination range of acrobatics, throws, grappling techniques, hand-to-hand weapons (including katanas and tonfa), and firearms.
 
·      A CINEMATIC ADVENTURE.  A richly detailed story unfolds with an hour of real-time and pre-rendered movies.  
 
 
DEATH BY DEGREES blends a unique mixture of combat and adventure. Beautifully rendered environments set the stage for game play, including combat in a weapons research facility, a cryptic prison and a level onboard a luxury cruise ship.  An intriguing storyline with challenging scenarios, recognizable characters and interesting character development will allow players of all skill levels to grasp DEATH BY DEGREES game play mechanics and participate in over-the-top, fast-paced action combat.

Reported By: Jared Black