It didn't take long for Xseed to plant its first product in retail. The publisher, founded last November in Torrance, California, proudly announced today that Wild Arms 4 has shipped to retailers in North America for the PlayStation 2. Xseed's second title, Shadow Hearts: From the New World, hits shelves in March.

Wild Arms 4, which was previously released in Japan, is once again based in the role-playing series' familiar setting of Filgaia. A new cast of characters is led by Jude Maverick, a young man living in the floating, isolated town of Ciel. His peaceful life is interrupted by a band of intruders and their prisoner, a girl named Yulie. After the invaders destroy Ciel, Yulie, Jude, and two others join forces to find out the intruders' true intent.

The new HEX battle system combines turn-based strategy with fast-paced action. Gamers can also perform several action elements (like the double jump), speed up and slow down time, and solve puzzles.

Wild Arms 4 is rated T for Teen and sells for $39.99. For more information on the game, check out GameSpot's recent hands-on or check back later today for a full review.