The crew have been transformed into wood and are frozen in place as they died, some quite obviously attacking each other. The healer is most interested though in a jar of magical herbs that contain great magical powers and where they have come from. Rhama correctly identifies that at some point the ship has been repaired and the work is that of the master shipbuilder Calverly, it is to his island home that the trail must be followed. Rhama, his crew, and Areliano's daughter, Faith, set off in pursuit towards Calverly's island. Galleon: Islands of Mystery generally shines through and fans of the Tomb Raider series will be happily surprised, as this is truly a next gen Tomb Raider in the disguise of a friendly Pirate.

The characters are naturally more fleshed out and obviously lacking a certain feature that with out doubt added the sales of the Tomb Raider series, the animation is more fluid and natural, as you would expect from next generation consoles. Galleon: Islands of Mystery is set in a timeless age where treacherous sea voyages, eye poping magic and all within a swashbuckling adventure through a mysterious world which is alive with invincible warriors and features breathtaking battles throughout. As Captain Rhama, players embark on a quest players embark on a quest that takes them from the bustling port of Akbah to islands populated with giant monsters, evil slave lords and, of course, damsels in distress in an action-packed adventure of intrigue, magic, love, obsession and revenge. As he races against time, Rhama must locate an ancient artifact capable of unlimited power and unimaginable destruction -- and do all he can to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands! Galleon's richly crafted story unfolds through hours of endless action & Exploration, challenges and discovery that takes console action-adventure to the next level.

Players of all skills will find a rewarding experience as Rhama performs unbelievable moves, like back-flipping off a ledge and landing on a dime, climbing up practically any surface and fighting like a Shao-lin martial arts master. As players progress they will encounter several unique characters who will join the crew, each bringing different skills and advantages. Rhama's greatest advantage will come from the ability to call on the strengths of two female characters who join him. Faith, idealistic and young, is a student of the healing arts and possesses mystical knowledge and powers. Mihoko is a great warrior with unmatched fighting abilities. The game is certainly shaping up to be a classic adventure and fans of the genre are not going to be disappointed, with a schedule for an early 2002 release this has become one to watch out for.

Game Features

• Brought to you by Toby Gard, the creator and lead designer of Lara Croft® and the original Tomb Raider®.

• Richly crafted, immersive story unfolds through hours of action, exploration and challenges.

• Traverse a beautiful, completely original world spanning six massive island locations, with expansive indoor and outdoor environments to explore.

• Gorgeous stylized art, fluid animations and intuitive controls provide a rewarding experience for all skill levels.

• Perform super cool moves like back-flipping off a ledge and landing on a dime, climbing up almost any surface and fighting like a Shao-lin master.

• Use the abilities of your crew members to conquer challenges including the mystical knowledge and powers of Faith and the martial arts prowess of Mihoko.

CHARACTER STUDY:

• Rhama Sabrier: Rhama used to be employed to protect merchant ships from being attacked as they sailed from one trading port to another. His reputation for seeing off pirates and generally being a personal bodyguard to rich merchants is second to none. Once he had made enough money to buy himself his own ship, the Endeavour, he set off to open up trade routes through the discovery of new islands and cultures. He was the first man to chart out some of the more obscure parts of the great western sea, discovering several islands on the way. Rhama is well respected throughout the Western Seas and is considered one of the most knowledgeable men of the seas surrounding. Unfortunately he has also earned himself more than his fair share of enemies too. His days with the merchantmen, fending off pirates and slavers, put him on the lists of the more unsavoury types to run the Western Seas. Rhama is driven by an internal desire. He is seeking something. He doesn't quite know what it is, but he is sure he'll know it when he sees it.

• Faith: Faith is the daughter of Areliano. Idealistic and quite young, she has her father's beliefs, but has a far fierier disposition. She does believe that saving is better than destroying, but she can be overwhelmed by her anger. Faith shares her father's gift for the healing arts. She hopes to follow in his footsteps.

• Mihoko: Mihoko is a great warrior who comes from far across the Western Seas. She was brought to the islands by circumstances beyond her control. Her fighting abilities are amazing borderlining on the supernatural. She hopes to find her way home again, but she cannot standby and watch injustice and evil run rampant even though it may delay her return.

• Areliano: Obsessed with re-discovering the powers of the ancients, Areliano's only purpose for this is his wish to become a better healer. He has no selfish wishes, he is more like a scientist, dabbling with the scraps of ancient knowledge he has picked up in an attempt to make the world a better place. Faith shares his attitudes and he is very pleased by this. Areliano sees Jabez as a wayward son, he knows that Jabez is not altruistic in the same way he is, but has always hoped that he could shape him to become less self-serving.

• Areliano founded Akbah in his search for the knowledge of the ancients. It has since become a centre of commerce with people coming from the far reaches of the Western Seas seeking out Areliano's healing powers.

• Bosun: At some point in his past Bosun forged a strong allegiance to Rhama. His familiarity with Rhama points to a long-standing and solid friendship. Bosun trusts Rhama implicitly. He looks after the general running of the Endeavour and deals with the rest of the crew on Rhama's behalf. In a way he is the voice and face of the ship itself.

• Jabez: Calm, cool and scheming. He has a very high self-regard, and a driving motivation to obtain power. Although he is quite smooth and charming, it is just a facade that he uses to get his own way. Jabez is extremely talented in the mystic arts and Areliano hopes to be able to make Jabez more altruistic. He has much potential that could be squandered if it continues on in the direction Areliano sees him headed.