Publisher Atlus and developer Ace Team have announced Zeno Clash II, a co-op sequel to 2009’s first-person brawler, due for PlayStation Network, Xbox LIVE Arcade, and PC in early 2013.
The sequel is “bigger, bolder, and better in every way,” and sees the open-world of Zenozoik “rendered with breathtaking splendor,” becoming “alive like never before.” Players take on the role of Ghat, who will encounter “inspiring new sights, jaw-dropping new creature designs, and wildly creative new weapons and items.”
New features for the first-person fighting game include an improvement to the “Lock-On” function, giving players “pinpoint control” as to where each hit lands. New RPG elements will allow players to upgrade their strength, defense, and other attributes. And of course, the game now features drop-in / drop-on online co-op multiplayer, allowing Ghat’s sister Rimat to join in taking out enemies.
“The world of Zenozoik is one of wild dreams and wilder nightmares,” stated Andres Bordeu, co-founder of Ace Team. “This is part of the reason we are working on Zeno Clash II, to give players the opportunity to explore Zenozoik with a friend via online cooperative multiplayer, turning those moments of wonder and awe into a shared adventure. We will make certain that going back and forth between solo and cooperative play preserves the consistency and impact of the narrative experience, while still allowing friends easily drop in and out of the game’s fulfilling exploration and visceral melee combat.”
Watch the E3 teaser trailer for Zeno Clash II below. View the first set of screenshots at the gallery.
