Aztaka Released, Demo Available

Indie developer Citérémis sent out a press release this morning announcing the release of Aztaka, a side-scrolling action RPG that apparently slipped under our radar in the past. The screenshots (here and here) and launch trailer actually look really promising, too. The details:
Citérémis Releases Aztaka

Side-scrolling RPG targets players seeking fresh challenges in a new universe

QUEBEC, CANADA, May 21 - Independent game developer Citérémis, Inc. today announced the release of its acclaimed RPG/action game, Aztaka. A free demo and the full game are available for online purchase and DRM-free download at www.aztaka.com. Aztaka is also available on Direct2Drive; additional Web sites will be offering Aztaka in the near future.

Inspired by Aztec legend, Aztaka drops players into the middle of a war between mankind and the gods. Only Huitzilo, who is skilled in the arts of combat and magic, can save his people from the wrath of the Aztec deities.

Aztaka features richly detailed backdrops and fluid character animation, immersing players in a heroic quest to collect the seven Phonograms. Featuring 21 levels packed with mythological creatures, quests and puzzles, Aztaka provides a new universe for RPG/action fans to explore and discover.

(We worked on Aztaka for three years, with the goal of bringing the industry a fresh and unique RPG/action game with quality artwork and sound,) says Jonathan Mercier, executive producer and programmer at Citérémis.

With Aztaka, which combines role-playing elements with side-scrolling gameplay, Citérémis hopes to reach fans that played SNES and NES titles like Battle of Olympus, Zelda II and Metroid in the early days of console gaming. (Our goal from the start was to stir up feelings of nostalgia in those players and to convey to a new generation of players the magic of discovering a challenging and refreshing new world,) Mercier says.

The music in Aztaka features live musicians and a choir as well as a specially designed music and sound system that adapts to Huitzilo's emotional state during gameplay.

(We created a new epic universe based on Aztec legends, and our partners followed our lead by providing artwork and music to match,) says Samuel Mercier, game designer at Citérémis. (Aztaka features massive hand-painted backgrounds, beautifully rendered characters, adaptive music and a stunning sound system from our friends at 3 Peak Audio.)

Visit www.aztaka.com to begin exploring this unique world.

Features

'¢ Manipulate spiritual energy to solve mysteries and vanquish foes
'¢ Customize your character by improving specific abilities and acquiring artifacts
'¢ Embark on optional side-quests to acquire valuable items and gold
'¢ Visit shops to buy and sell potions, rings, piercings and skills
'¢ Master a simple, yet challenging, spell casting system
'¢ Conquer 21 unique and abundantly detailed levels

Minimum system requirements

'¢ Windows XP or Vista
'¢ 256 MB DirectX 9.0c compliant video card with Shader Model 2.0 *
'¢ Intel Pentium 2.0 GHz or equivalent processor
'¢ 2 GB of available system memory
'¢ 2.5 GB of available hard drive space
'¢ DirectX 9.0c compliant sound card

*512 MB recommended

About Citérémis

Citérémis is an independent video game development studio located in Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada. The company creates fun, innovative games with an emphasis on quality and simplicity. Since Jonathan Mercier launched Citérémis in 2005, the company has strived for professionalism in every aspect of its operations while providing an inspiring work environment wrapped around a friendly and cohesive team.