Game Republic Teams With Sony, ICO Sequel Takes Shape

Sony Computer Entertainment Japan has briefly announced, using 'teaser' websites, two new PlayStation 2 products, to be properly unveiled at the Tokyo Game Show later this month. In particular, the title Genji has been confirmed, in a message on the developer's own website, as being developed by Game Republic; the new studio formed by ex-Capcom producer Yoshiki Okamoto (Street Fighter series, Time Pilot, 1942). Genji is an action-adventure title, slated for a 2005 release, and is the first announced game from Game Republic, which was formed last year following the flamboyant Okamoto's departure from Capcom, after 20 years at the company. At the same time, the sequel to the cult PS2 adventure game ICO, entitled Wanda and the Giant Statue, has finally been announced. The title, developed by an internal Sony Japan studio, has been rumored under development for some time under the name NICO.