Shaman King: Master of Spirits E3 2004 Preshow Impressions

First announced toward the end of 2003, Shaman King: Master of Spirits is a side-scrolling adventure game based on the Shaman King TV series that made its FoxBox debut last year but was first introduced in Japan back in 1998. The show, for those of you who are unfamiliar with it, follows the story of a junior high student named Yoh Asakura, who, unbeknownst to all but his close friends, is a shaman who has the ability to communicate with ghosts and spirits.

In the game, you'll assume control of Yoh as he attempts to prevent an evil shaman from resurrecting the Guardian of Demons. As you fight your way through the game, you'll be confronted by both stages filled with traps and enemies that will stop at nothing to hinder your progress. Despite being based on a comic and a TV series, the game's storyline is all-new, as are a number of its characters.

"The unique characters, style, and compelling storylines in the Shaman King animated series have given us a rich background to work with for these video games," said Erica Mason, product manager, Konami Digital Entertainment - America. "Shaman King for the PlayStation 2 and Game Boy Advance provides fans with a new and unique way to experience the world of Shaman King."

Shaman King: Master of Spirits is currently scheduled for release in August. We'll bring you more information on the game as soon as it becomes available.