Last year, we acknowledged Human Head Studios as Company of the Year, for its reputation in offering quality PC titles and its success with the PC hit, Rune. Returning to circa 2001, Human Head Studios has set out once again to hit the mark of excellence with its upcoming release of Rune: Viking Warlord, a game which plans to offer the same great taste, and be totally fufilling to avid action types.

Players will take on the role of Ragnar, a Viking warrior from a time long past. As a hero handpicked by the gods to defend humanity, you are charged with the task of doling out justice on the bloodstained edge of your massive battle-axe. Your ultimate goal is to stop the shadowy war masters of the netherworld from bringing about Ragnarok, the day legends say will be when man, god and giant will wage a brutal war and destroy the world.

Most would be quick to acknowledge that with any PC port to the console platform would in essence deliver the same bells and whistles, thus leaving little room for new interest. In this case, Rune: Viking Warlord offers more than the cookie cutter thrills and chills as Human Head Studios addressed a number of players concerns witnessed in the PC adaption. The PS2 edition features a variety of new elements, presenting all new levels to explore, improved gameplay, difficulty settings, in addition to new weapons. Keep your guard up at all times, as you'll discover all new dangers in the form of flame-clawed Helhounds, Frost Giants of the Nordic mountains, and skeletons of the dead, reanimated to stop Ragnar in his quest. The game can be likened to a "Director's Cut", addressing previous quips and featuring all new challenges for veteran and newcomers alike.

Viking Warlord contains an engrossing, epic storyline that delves deep into Viking mythology as players navigate their way through over 40 distinct environments. Additionally, players will discover a substantial degree of interaction within the world of Ragnar, including the ability to use torches to burn objects and enemies or illuminate the path around you; gain weapons from your vanquished foes, smash through walls and obstacles that stand in your way, and even attack your enemies with their own severed limbs.

Additional features of Rune: Viking Warlord include:

• Build Ragnar's bloodlust and go berserk to unleash a massive flurry of blows.

• Choose from 15 unique axes, hammers and swords to hack, bash and slice your enemies. Everything from the classic Viking sword to huge dwarven axes will be at your disposal. Draw upon the power of the screenstones that grant each weapon its own unique power of the gods to vanquish your foes.

• Ragnar himself features over 7,000 frames of animation for unparalleled control over movement and combat.

• The unique and cunning AI allows enemies to throw weapons, block with shields, destroy obstacles and gang up to oppose Ragnar in his quest.

• Split-screen multiplay allows you to play against your friends as more than 20 different Viking gladiators as you square off in grandiose arenas and ancient stone coliseums.

PS2 owners searching for yet another exciting addition to their current library are recommeneded to give Rune: Viking Warlord a closer look when its released in stores later this month.

· · · Bahn