Vivendi Universal Games has announced that Red Ninja: End of Honor is currently in the works by developer Tranji, a new studio formed by the Japanese developers New Corporation and Opus. The game looks to pack innovative game-play features blending action, adventure, stealth, seduction, and fighting all into a historical Japanese environment. You may be wondering, "What makes Red Ninja so different than all of the other upcoming ninja games, like I-Ninja and Nightshade?" Well, according to Michael Pole, VU Games' Senior Vice President of Product Development:



"Red Ninja: End of Honor will offer authentic ninja game-play and action around ever corner. This epic adventure carries universal themes that every player can relate to -- 'duty versus honor, old versus new.'"



Set in Japan circa the 1500's, Red Ninja: End of Honor takes place at a time where the power struggle is running amuck, and the warlords have been forced to turn to the Ninja in order to hold onto political power. Players will take the role of Kurenai, a female ninja (ahem… Nightshade, anyone?), in a quest to destroy the Black Lizard Clan and avenge her father's death. With her weapon of choice as the Tetsugen (a wire weapon), Kurenai will have to use techniques ranging from stealth to seduction in order to escape past enemies. In the event of a battle, though, an arsenal of weapons will be at her disposal, including blowguns, smoke bombs and rockets explosives. Gaining experience will allow Kurenai to develop as a kunoichi (female warrior), allowing her to avoid and manipulate enemies with more ease.



Red Ninja: End of Honor will be available on the PlayStation 2 (and Xbox) in Fall 2004, and will carry a suggested retail price of $49.99 and an expected ESRB rating of "M" for "Mature." For a first look at the game via screenshots, concept art, videos and more, take a visit to www.redninjagame.com.