Namco has announced a new batch of details regarding its upcoming PlayStation 2 RPG Xenosaga Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Boese (Beyond Good and Evil). The Monolith Soft-developed sequel will not only feature the return of Albedo, but also his mech Simeon. Just like previously revealed mechs, Simeon is an E.S. series model powered by an Anima Relic. Furthermore, Episode II will extensively deal with the past of the three remaining U.R.T.Vs, Jr., Gaignun Kukai and Albedo Piazzola. Since his early childhood, the latter had been easily frightened and shy. One day however, Albedo was toying around with a gun and ended up shooting himself to show off his unique regenerative ability to Jr. and the others. A not very impressed Jr. was still able to beat Albedo, who in turn started to harbor feelings of uneasiness, terror and alienation from the other U.R.T.Vs. From this very day on, when he learned he could not die, Albedo slowly but surely started to drift towards madness. Inside the Encephelon, which played a dual role as treatment for Sakura Mizrahi and a training facility for the U.R.T.Vs, Jr. and Sakura met for the first time. After feeling attracted to Sakura, the two made a certain promise. And while years have passed since then, Jr might still be sticking to this very promise.Coming on two DVDs, Xenosaga Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Boese will be available in Japan on June 24th. We have also updated our gallery for the game, with 33 new screen shots and 5 new pieces of artwork worth checking out.
