14 DAY TRIAL // With the Deep Red PSP and 8GB Memory Stick Duo PRO announced just yesterday, a new game for the handheld's library was the next thing in line. And that game is Fading Shadows, the latest offering from European developer Ivolgamus. This puzzle-platformer is set to launch in Q1 2008 as a PSP exclusive.
Ivolgamus says that the game even has a "riveting and immersive storyline", which is quite something for a puzzle platformer. More than that, the developer has also confirmed that competitive wireless multiplayer game modes will be available (competitive as in no co-op).
And since there's a storyline tied to it, we might as well share what we've found within the official report: Fading Shadows sees the player faced with the challenge of saving Erwyn, whose death, according to the millennia-old prophecy, will allow evil master Gardal to breach the gates of the Castle of Heaven, the supreme fortress built to protect the world from the forces of darkness. Erywn's soul has been enclosed in a protective orb by his clairvoyant sister, Aira, and the orb must now be returned to the dungeon where Erwyn is captive, using a magical beam of light.
Basically, players are going to control the beam of light and exploit the state?changing abilities of the orb to overcome challenges within a total of 40 single player levels and 10 multiplayer levels. You'll be dragging yourself through swamps, climbing mountains, visiting old castles and exploring deserted cities, ? pretty much everything you'd want to see from a puzzle-platformer, not to mention on a handheld. Players will also change the orb's form into wood, metal or glass to overcome obstacles and return Erwyn to the Castle of Heaven.
Managing Director, Victoria Trofimova, says "Fading Shadows has been an exciting journey for us. We have concentrated on the detail in all areas of development and have received encouraging feedback from SONY at all the development milestones."
Since Ivolgamus say they are so pleased with the progress of Fading Shadows and so confident that the game will provide PSP players with a new gaming experience, we can all trust the developer to deliver another great puzzle game for the PSP in February next year. The game is rated 7+ by PEGI.