Dungeon Siege III North American Details, Dungeon Siege I and II Coming to Steam

To expand upon today’s earlier press release out of Europe, we now have a second press release issued by Square Enix that sheds some light on what we should expect from Dungeon Siege III’s release here in North America. Not only do we get a confirmation on the May 31st release date, but we also learn about some new pre-order bonuses – including word that Steam will be offering free copies of the as-of-yet unannounced digital releases of Dungeon Siege 1 and 2:

Return to the Kingdom of Ehb! DUNGEON SIEGE III to Launch May 31, 2011

Square Enix Reveals Preorder Incentives for Reincarnation of Classic Action-RPG Franchise

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 3, 2011 Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in North America, announced today that DUNGEON SIEGE® III will be available at North American retailers on May 31, 2011. Developed by Obsidian Entertainmentâ„¢, Inc., the all-new incarnation of the classic action-RPG franchise will make its debut on high-definition home video game consoles alongside its familiar place on PC Windows-based machines. This May, players will experience the much-awaited next chapter in the DUNGEON SIEGE lore on the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows PC.

In DUNGEON SIEGE III, players assume the role of one of four heroes, fighting for the sake of their fallen comrades and to restore the land of Ehb. Conflict is constant in this action-RPG and decisions have lasting consequences, allowing players to alter the storyline. Choose to do battle as a lone hero or fight for honor in the co-op mode with up to three friends. Thanks to the robust AI, DUNGEON SIEGE III’s co-op multiplayer mode allows players to seamlessly drop in and out of battle without interrupting the action or impacting the campaign.

In addition, Square Enix is offering exclusive incentives for players who preorder DUNGEON SIEGE III at the following retail outlets:

PREORDER PROGRAMS

GameStop

Receive two exclusive in-game items by preordering at GameStop

‘¢ Burning Band of Scorch

This exclusive preorder in-game ring increases the raw damage of a player’s attacks and sets all foes ablaze with any weapon.

‘¢ Talisman of the Grand Mage

This exclusive preorder in-game necklace reduces incoming damage on the player and grants the ability to lash out with a mystical attack that injures enemies in close-range combat.
    
Steam

‘¢ Relive the classic DUNGEON SIEGE I and DUNGEON SIEGE II games as a gift with purchase through Steam    

Players who prepurchase DUNGEON SIEGE III will get three games for the price of one, as Valve will offer single-player versions of both DUNGEON SIEGE I and DUNGEON SIEGE II as free downloads for PC platforms.

Amazon.com
    
Receive a limited preorder exclusive in-game ring

‘¢ Bite of the Arakun

Grants the player the ability to poison enemies with lingering injury or soften their defenses, leaving them vulnerable for follow-up attacks.

Best Buy

Another exclusive preorder in-game amulet    

‘¢ Sacred Heart of the Legion

Increases a player’s health and pushes close combat assailants back each time the bearer is struck in battle.

Walmart

‘¢ Mini-comic and strategy guide

Pick up the DUNGEON SIEGE mini-comic from Dark Horse Comics and a free mini-strategy guide from Prima Games with a preorder at Walmart.

“DUNGEON SIEGE has returned and it’s better than ever.  We [Square Enix] have partnered with Obsidian to bring this critically acclaimed classic franchise back in an all new, re-imagined form,” said Ami Blaire, vice president of marketing at Square Enix, Inc. “With its heart-pounding action, epic lore and an endless variety of quests, DUNGEON SIEGE III is a must-have for any video game collection.”

Prepare to honor thy legion and reclaim the kingdom of Ehb in the ultimate DUNGEON SIEGE experience on May 31, 2011. For more information and to preorder now, visit: www.dungeonsiege.com.

About DUNGEON SIEGE III

Story

Torn asunder, the delicate balance of power between the kingdom of Ehb’s factions has fallen apart. As one of the few remaining members of the disgraced protectors of the land, the 10th Legion, it is up to you to rebuild the once great Legion and prevent Ehb from descending into darkness. Joined by a group of unique companions, you will travel through the striking land of Ehb defeating all manner of villains and beasts through a combination of heroic abilities, screen-shaking magic and pure cunning.

DUNGEON SIEGE III seamlessly blends intuitive action gameplay, a robust RPG system featuring a large selection of abilities, an extensive multiplayer component and the depth of story Square Enix and Obsidian Entertainment are known for creating.

Features

‘¢ Experience DUNGEON SIEGE on high-def consoles for the first time.
‘¢ Adventure solo or with friends in drop-in, drop-out co-op multiplayer.
‘¢ Uncover a deep story that only Square Enix and Obsidian Entertainment can deliver.
‘¢ Choose one of four highly customizable heroes with a wide range of abilities.
‘¢ Recruit companions with unique personalities, abilities and views on the world around them.
‘¢ Make weighty decisions that impact alliances, enemies and ultimately the storyline of the game.

DUNGEON SIEGE III is not yet rated. Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website at www.esrb.org for more information about ratings. For more information about DUNGEON SIEGE III, please visit the official website at: www.dungeonsiege.com.

About Square Enix, Inc.

Square Enix, Inc. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content throughout the Americas as part of the Square Enix Group. The Square Enix Group operates a global network of leading development studios and boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property, including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 97 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 54 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 35 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix, Inc. is a U.S.-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

More information on Square Enix, Inc. can be found at http://www.square-enix.com/na.

About Obsidian Entertainment, Inc.

Obsidian Entertainment is an entertainment software development company passionately dedicated to making high quality role playing games for Windows PC and console systems. Obsidian was founded in 2003 by five game development veterans who’ve produced, programmed and/or designed award-winning role playing games for a variety of platforms over the last 15 years: Feargus Urquhart, Chris Parker, Darren Monahan, Chris Avellone and Chris Jones. Obsidian Entertainment’s Web site can be found at www.obsidian.net.