When Aksys Games announced their action RPG Magus at E3 2013, they also issued a press release with more information. The biggest news is that Aksys is co-developing the game with Black Tower Studios, “a ‘western studio’ based in Tokyo.” Aksys had previously only been a publisher, with games like BlazBlue and the Zero Escape series to their credit. The game is a wholly original IP being developed in Unreal Engine 3.
The story follows a character named Magus (pronounced “may-jus”), who escapes from imprisonment and torture in the Waterfall Kingdom with the help of a new prisoner named Kinna. Together, they go on a quest to battle the forces that imprisoned Magus and prevent him from becoming the god he was meant to be. The game’s combat revolves around a color-based spellcasting mechanic, where Magus must absorb types of spells from the environment and use red, green, and purple magic to vanquish his foes. Players can specialize in one color or diversify in all the colors. There are spells promised for everything from tornadoes to shapeshifting, so it promises to be a very entertaining romp.
Also, our very own Scott MacDonald relayed the following information from a Magus factsheet at E3 2013:
Ship Date: Q4 2013
Platform: PS3
Genre: Action/Adventure RPG
Players: 1
ESRB: RP
Developer: Black Tower, Aksys Games
MSRP: TBD
Read the full press release below.
Aksys Games Announces Their First Co-Developed Game, Magus
June 11, 2013 Los Angeles, CA – Aksys Games announces Magus (pronounced “may-jus”), an action RPG co-developed with Black Tower using Unreal Engine 3. Immerse yourself in the world of Magus to discover who Magus is, and why he’s been imprisoned.
In a world of fire and water, an unfathomable power waits. Magus has been imprisoned in a tower in the Waterfall Kingdom and tortured for years. His crime is unknown; his history is a mystery. He remains locked up, powerless, until a new prisoner named Kinna arrives and she aids him in his escape. So begins their journey to discover Magus’s true abilities—chroma magic, his innate talent to absorb power from the colors green, red, and purple in the surrounding environment to unleash deadly attacks. Along the way they must face the wrath of the Waterfall Kingdom and battle them to uncover Magus’s ultimate purpose. Why has this mysterious woman decided to help him? And why now, after all this time?
An Epic Quest for Power – Travel to dangerous lands and battle the forces that prevent you from become the god you were meant to be.
Unleash Blistering Attacks – The world possesses red, green, and purple magic. Absorb these colors to unleash powerful magical attacks. Everything from devastating tornados to shapeshifting—Magus’s abilities are sure to please any fantasy fan.
Evolve and Become Unstoppable – Choose between throwing fireballs or manipulating gravity—or both! Hone in on one type of magic to become the master of it or learn them all, and let no one stand in your way.
See the First Look Trailer at E3 2013 – E3 will feature the first sneak peek at this new game co-developed by Aksys Games and Black Tower! We will have open house hours at our meeting space at Concourse Hall #6604 from:
June 12, 2013 – 3pm-6pm
June 13, 2013 – 3pm-5pm
Learn more and keep up-to-date by going to www.whoismagus.com. You can also “Like” us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter!
Magus has not been rated (RP) by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board. For more information, visit www.esrb.org for more information.
About Black Tower
Our goal at Black Tower is to one day unite the world under our rule. Until then, we’ll make some cool games. You’ve been warned.
A “western studio” based in Tokyo, Black Tower creates high quality console, PC, smartphone, and tablet action RPGs. More information about Black Tower may be found on the company’s website, www.blacktower.jp.
About Aksys Games
Founded in 2006 in Torrance, California, Aksys Games Localization, Inc. is a localization studio and visionary video game publisher specializing in the Japanese-to-English translation of games and committed to publishing unique, multicultural, high-quality interactive content for all current-generation platforms with its talented staff. Its lineup of games includes the Record of Agarest War series, Zero Escape: 9 Hours, 9 Persons, 9 Doors (Winning “Best Story/Writing” Awards from IGN and Nintendo Power), Zero Escape: Virtue’s Last Reward, and the acclaimed BlazBlue fighting game series. More information about Aksys Games and its products can be found on the company’s website, www.aksysgames.com.
