Lost Kingdoms II announced

Activision and From Software have today announced that they're currently working on Lost Kingdoms II for the GameCube. The game is the sequel to Lost Kingdoms , an RPG released in May.

Set some 200 years after the events of Lost Kingdoms, the sequel will see players assuming the role of a brand-new heroine who has the power to summon powerful creatures using guardian creature cards--of which there are more than 200 to collect in the game this time around, including at least 100 that weren't in the original game. As they explore the 26 worlds that make up the realm of Argwyll, players will also be able to transform themselves into a number of fantastic beasts to launch more powerful attacks, overcome obstacles, or solve puzzles.

"Lost Kingdoms II's eye-popping pyrotechnics, explosive real-time battles, and sweeping story line make the game one of the most fun and unique titles ever," said Larry Goldberg, executive vice president, Activision Worldwide Studios. "From Software has taken what was great about the original and upped the ante with more monsters to summon, battles to fight, and worlds to explore."

As was the case with the original game, Lost Kingdoms II will feature a multiplayer versus mode in which players can challenge each other to battles using their card collections in addition to the single-player adventure. This feature was a little disappointing in Lost Kingdoms, but perhaps the addition of the extra cards will improve the game somewhat.

Lost Kingdoms II is currently scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2003. We'll bring you more information on the game as it becomes available.