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 Sharper than any sword, Codemasters’ Ultimate Blade of Darkness is set to 
strike exclusively on Xbox. Developed by RebelAct Studios, Codemasters has 
scheduled the title for release in winter 2002.  The next-generation installment 
of the savagely famous PC game Blade of Darkness, this mature-rated hack and 
slasher is set in a magical world of heroes and quests and is certain to amaze 
fans of fantasy combat. 
Ultimate Blade of Darkness will score high-impact hit points with some of the 
bloodiest combat scenes in Xbox gaming. With fluid, responsive and dynamic mêlée 
combat there’s a massive arsenal of weaponry available and practically any 
in-game object can be used to keep the dark hordes from savaging the player’s 
character.  Broadswords, spears, battle-axes, arrows, even skeletal remains or 
an opponent’s severed limb can be used to decimate the forces of darkness. 
A myriad of monsters, demons and unearthly creatures await in any of the four 
player-selectable adventurers. Ultimate Blade of Darkness reintroduces the 
heroes of the original Blade – Tukaram (a mighty muscle-bound warrior), Sargon 
(a Knight trained in strategic combat), Naglfar (an axe loving Dwarf) and Zoe 
(an adventuress fighter and trader). 
Each character has a unique first level that draws them into a seemingly 
straightforward quest before sweeping them into a fantastic adventure that 
escalates into something darker and more mysterious than first imagined. The 
RPG-esque style of play allows the player to develop their character’s 
experience and skills, gain bigger weapons and better tools through success. 
For a game designed and destined to be a classic in the mature game market, 
Codemasters will market Ultimate Blade of Darkness conscientiously and ensure 
potential consumers are aware of the game’s content. Materials will promote the 
title as suitable for a mature audience only and warn that the game features 
graphic scenes of animated violence. 
“Ultimate Blade of Darkness will be a blizzard of frenetic combat, haunting 
atmospherics, intriguing puzzles and incredible lighting effect technology,” 
said Jonathan Smith, Codemasters’ internal producer for the game.  “With its 
origins in Blade of Darkness, the leap to Xbox was a natural evolution.” 
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