Tecmo Announces Tengai Makyou Online, LotR Online

Tecmo held a press conference today in Tokyo, announcing several new MMO titles set to become part of its LieVo online platform. According to company president Yoshimi Yasuda, the makers of Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden have big plans for LieVo. In addition to expanding beyond the PC platform into the arcade and console sectors, Tecmo is eyeing foreign markets as well. The platform's Korean version will go online in March, followed by launches in Southeast Asia and Oceania this summer. During 2007, a total of 13 online games will be available, with five more set to follow until late 2008. The number of partner companies will increase from five to 14 by late 2007.

Red Entertainment will be providing a PC-based MMORPG based on Ouji Hiroi's classic RPG franchise Tengai Makyou (Far East of Eden). Sadly, no details were announced about the newest entry in the long running series, except that series mastermind Hiroi himself will be overseeing the development. Red Entertainment and Tecmo are aiming for a commercial release of Tengai Makyou Online sometime in 2008.

Another title set to appear on LieVo courtesy of Red Entertainment is Love Box Online. Developed by Taiwanese studio Chinese Gamer, the game which is aimed at female gamers who love to communicate has become a hit in Taiwan. There will be no battles, as the game emphasizes a peaceful world and freedom. Playing Love Box Online will be free of charge, as it employs a pay-per-item system. A week-long closed beta testing phase is scheduled to begin on February 5th. From February 5th until February 7th only female users will be allowed to take part in this beta test, though. An open beta test as well as the commercial release are scheduled for March.

The second partner company Tecmo introduced at today's press conference was Sakura Internet, an internet hosting company that also publishes online games. Sakura president Ryou Sasada proceeeded to showed off two Turbine Entertainment-developed games: The already available and Dungeons and Dragons Online: StormreachLord of the Rings Online. After a worldwide release of the PC version this spring, the company wants to bring Lord of the Rings Online to PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 eventually.