Episode 1 of side-scrolling action RPG Heroine Anthem Zero hits PS4 on 28th February

Hi everyone! I’m Tavez Huang from WindThunder Studios, and the Producer of Heroine Anthem Zero Episode 1. I’m excited to announce that our side-scrolling adventure will be released and available as a download only on PlayStation Store on 28th February!

This is the first time the 16-year old series will appear on consoles, and we’re honored to have this chance to present our story to a whole new audience.

Heroine Anthem Zero is a side-scrolling platformer that includes RPG elements to tell a very story-driven narrative. Episode 1 is the first installment in a episodic series, offering around 12 hours of gameplay.

The Story of Heroine Anthem Zero

The story takes place in a beautiful but harsh fantasy world where Men, Faeries and other creatures having been abandoned by gods. Humanity survives, co-existing with various creatures and monsters.

For the tribes of Men in this world, protecting the World Tree Terasyr is both their duty, and the reason for their existence. As legend tells, Terasyr is the origin of all life, and to this day the Engora dynasty still protects this World Tree that stands tall in the clouds.

The seven tribes of men are spread from seven rivers to the ends of the world.

They take pride in living at the origin of life, believing that they protect the centre of the world, generation after generation fighting against the nine-headed dragon driven to the ends of the earth. Our protagonist Wanin Sarem is a young Forest Keeper, part of the Uzato tribe who are tasked with protecting forests on the border.

The world of Heroine Anthem Zero

In creating a fantasy world that players will feel connected to, we crafted the basic foundation of the world – creating myths and legends mimicking oral storytelling traditions of indigenous cultures. For the denizens of this world, these stories are not only historical events, but a blessing (or possibly a curse) that makes up their identity. These myths not only tell of the past, but some foretell of the future.

Visually, the Heroine Anthem series have always had a distinct art-style. The art direction of the game is something we take very seriously, from the architecture of the world, to the garments that different tribes wear, to the design of the boss creatures.

The costumes of the characters, from the major characters to NPCs, all reflect the culture they are from, and tell in themselves a story. Norse mythology has always been a source of inspiration for this series, and visually you can see many areas that have been influenced.

Boss creature and other beasts

Humans are not alone on this world, sharing the land with other humanoid races like Faeries and the Darui — and some not so human. Ranging from magnificent beasts deemed to be divine, to furry animals to grotesque primordial creatures, they are the result of a world constantly stricken with strife and abandon by higher powers.

Rentolus is one such example – coming from a race of holy beasts found in White Feather Mountain, the Uzato tribe believes it has sacred powers, evident as White Feather Mountain is the only place immune to the evil encroaching into other mountains in the Longhorn Woods area. As a partner in fighting evil, Uzato Forest Keepers had begun calling them the White Feather Forest Keepers.

Other smaller creatures also roam the land. The Horned Wolf is mainly found deep in the forest, very protective of their own territory. Recently the Horned Wolves have begun encroaching into the village, and reports have seen crimson coloured wolves in the Longhorn Woods.

In addition to the mythology, stunning visuals and memorable creatures, the soundtrack of the game is also an important part of Heroine Anthem Zero. Created by a collaborative team of musicians from Japan and Taiwan, the music utilises rare instruments especially selected to convey the atmosphere of a world of fantasy.

The first Heroine Anthem game was released 16 years ago in 2002, and it is a special opportunity for a series to be given new life 16 years later. The team at WindThunder Studios is excited at this first console release, and we hope you’ll enjoy your adventure in the world of Heroine Anthem Zero!

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