Codemasters Online Gaming And TOKYOPOP
Team Up To Bring Archlord™  The Graphic Novel

Codemasters Online Gaming Announce Partnership With Major Manga Publisher TOKYOPOP

Los Angeles (Feb 13, 2007) – As the race to become the all-powerful ArchLord continues, Codemasters Online Gaming is thrilled to announce a partnership with TOKYOPOP, a leading youth orientated entertainment brand and innovator of manga creation. ArchLord™, the graphic novel, is out today February 13, 2007 in North America, with subsequent launches planned throughout European territories.

Secrets, lies and betrayal…
Based exclusively on ArchLord’s lore and set in Chantra’s past, ArchLord™ the graphic novel follows the adventures of Leon, descendant of the legendary Nathan Manas, the founder of human civilization in Chantra and renowned for mastering the power of the legendary Archons.

"The manga is an incredible compliment to the game, delving into the personal lives of characters that exist in the backdrop of the multi-player world,” said TOKYOPOP Editor Luis Reyes. “It examines the mythology of ArchLord in a way that draws game enthusiasts closer to the overall story."

“The partnership with TOKYOPOP and the creation of the ArchLord graphic novel just goes to show that ArchLord’s popularity is growing outside the normal boundaries of the MMO gaming audience,” said Adam McGowan, Product Marketing Manager for Codemasters Online Gaming. “This is a testament to the depth of game play offered and means that ArchLord will continue to capture the imagination of both gamers and manga comic fans in the future”

Out today February 13 2007 in North America, the ArchLord™ graphic novel will be available from most major book stores in the USA for RRP $9.99, with subsequent launches to follow across Europe. For more information visit www.archlordgame.com/TOKYOPOP.

Synopsis

The land of Chantra, where ArchLord is set, is an enigmatic place of magic and mystery teeming with ancient legends.

The most alluring of these ancient legends, was that of the Archons that bestowed unimaginable power upon their bearer. Adventurers from many lands sought out these relics, however two heroes emerged; the human warrior Nathan and the orc magician Walcure. Both set about on their own quests to find the Archons, now fused into infinitely powerful weapons.

Inevitably their paths would cross and as they grew closer to the holy treasures a great friendship was forged. Nathan and Walcure were to eventually find these weapons, infused with power of the Archons, and each took it upon themselves to claim one treasure each: Nathan the sword, and Walcure the staff.

As Nathan returned to his land, he earned a reputation as a righteous warrior and built a great castle in Chantra known to all as Manas. Countless tales of their achievements were told for generations, and over time, these weapons took on legendary names of their own. Nathan’s sword became known as Brumhart, while Walcure’s staff acquired the name Gaiahon.

Betrayed by his closest childhood alley, Ernan, Nathan’s direct descendant Leon must strive to ensure the power of the Archons do not slip into the grasp of those who can’t be trusted.

So begins ArchLord™, the graphic novel…


ABOUT ARCHLORD

ArchLord is a FREE TO PLAY fantasy themed MMORPG that holds a unique competitive premise for gamers: the opportunity to rise to become the game world's supreme ruler. Throughout this epic quest-based role-playing title set in the game world’s Middle Ages, every month one player will gain control of the world and with it the opportunity to wreak havoc as they are crowned supreme ArchLord. Visit the game’s official website online at www.archlordgame.com

· Players can immortalise themselves in history and leave behind their legacy as they set about their heroic struggle for ArchLord supremacy, and with it gain control over powerful monsters, epic bodyguards and even wreak havoc from the skies with their very own mighty ArchLord Dragon mount.
· Players take their pick from 3 powerful races including Humans, Orcs or the enchanting Moon Elves. Learn and master character skills and develop them through a range of engaging quests and combat.
· One the most advanced PVP systems ever seen within any MMO including full blown castle sieges, epic guild on guild battles incorporating hundreds of players and free battle areas where players can challenge their rivals.
· The mystical world of Chantra is fantastically realised with astounding character detail and gorgeous landscapes. Outstanding in game audio recorded by the world famous London Symphony Orchestra only acts to further enhance the gaming experience.

ABOUT TOKYOPOP

TOKYOPOP is hailed as a leading youth-oriented entertainment brand and an innovator of manga creation, with a revolutionary artistic vision that transcends countless platforms. From the introduction of the first-ever extensive manga publishing program in North America, to the development of its manga-originated intellectual properties into film, television and digital entertainment, TOKYOPOP has changed the way teens experience pop culture. The company's global reach has expanded to Europe and Asia, with recent offices opening in the UK and Germany and partnerships in Australia and China, in addition to its original Los Angeles and Tokyo operations. With millions of fans logging onto www.TOKYOPOP.com, reading its books, and watching its DVDs and television programs, TOKYOPOP's award-winning catalogue of licensed and original properties has made the company a visionary in an ever-growing teen entertainment marketplace

ABOUT CODEMASTERS

Codemasters is a leading developer and publisher of best-selling interactive entertainment products for a global audience on current and future gaming platforms and channels. Established in 1986, the company’s dominant brands include ColinMcRae Rally, TOCA Race Driver, LMA Manager, Brian Lara Cricket and Operation Flashpoint. The company is headquartered in Southam, Warwickshire UK and maintains operations in the US, Germany, France, Spain, and Benelux. More information about the company and its products is available online at http://www.codemasters.com