Irvine, CA, June 7, 2005 - Atlus U.S.A., Inc., a leading publisher of interactive entertainment, announced today that it has shipped Samurai Western to retailers nationwide, an action-packed adventure game for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. Developed by Spike, the creators of the original Tenchu and The Way of the Samurai series, Samurai Western is an enhanced version of the Japanese game that was released earlier in the year.  Featuring improved graphics and a multitude of gameplay additions such as a First Person Mode, an "Insane" difficulty level, and "Bushido Sense", Samurai Western will tar and feather all but the most experienced gamers!

About Samurai Western
It's the American West during the 1800's. The days of pioneers and the Gold Rush are ending, and a transcontinental railway is in place. One day, a lone stranger arrives in a tiny, windswept desert town...

His long hair is drawn back in a topknot and he wears strange foreign clothes. A mysterious-looking blade that is neither a knife nor a saber hangs from his belt. This mysterious stranger is certainly no gunman, and he ain't no indian...

His name is Gojiro Kiryu, and he's bringing justice back to the Old West.

Samurai Western Key Features:

• Slash your way through 16 different missions!
• "Bushido Sense" allows you to dodge and deflect bullets with superhuman skill!
• Customize your hero by choosing between 10 different stances each with their own special attacks and powers!
• Over 100 unlockables including over 25 playable characters, 70 accessories and 20 weapons!
• Be a Samurai or a Gunman! Unique 2 player mode allows you to play as both!
• Unleash the power of the samurai in Master Mode and chain hundred-hit combos!

Samurai Western has been rated "M" for Mature by the ESRB and has an MSRP of $39.99. For additional information on the game, visit  www.atlus.com .

Reported By: Jared Black