Microsoft announces Dungeon Siege II has shipped to stores in North America, following on the news earlier today of the game's first patch:

Microsoft Unleashes Dungeon Siege II on North America

Spectacular Sequel Adds Greater Depth, Richer Story and More Intense Combat to Award-Winning Gameplay

Sharpen your swords and dust off your spellbook, as Microsoft Game Studios announced today that Dungeon Siege II, the expansive sequel to the award-winning action-role-playing game (RPG) Dungeon Siege, is available in stores across North America for a suggested retail price of $49.99. Developed by Gas Powered Games, Dungeon Siege II takes the fast-paced action-RPG that won dozens of awards and improves upon it in every conceivable way. The ambitious sequel transports gamers to the battle-scarred fantasy land of Aranna, where they will lead an elite battle party on an exciting role-playing adventure.

The lines of good and evil have been blurred amidst a civil war that has ravaged Aranna, as the vicious marauder Valdis aims to gain control of the land at whatever cost. In Dungeon Siege II, players will engage in intense real-time party-based combat against challenging and cunning foes, as they experience an intricate storyline that will raise the bar for action-RPGs.

Developed exclusively for Windows XP, Dungeon Siege II promises to delight RPG fans with a cutting-edge 3D engine, an extensive quest system and cooperative multiplayer support. For more information on Dungeon Siege II, visit the official website at http://www.dungeonsiege.com.