Black Bean and Haemimont Games announce Rising Kingdoms, a fantasy-themed real-time strategy game due for release around the end of this May:

Varese, 16th March, 2005. Black Bean is proud to announce another key publishing deal with Haemimont Games for the incoming Rising Kingdoms for PC. Rising Kingdoms is a Real-Time Strategy set in a fantasy world, which focuses on empire development and dynamic tactical battles. This impressive title stays true to Haemimont's long tradition of RTS and RPG type games that started with Tzar: the Burden of the Crown and Celtic Kings series – Celtic Kings: Rage of War and Nemesis of the Roman Empire a.k.a.Imperivm II.

Set in the beautiful fantasy world of Equiada, home to magical creatures, mighty leaders, and powerful wizards, Rising Kingdoms, offers players the unique combination of both strategy and adventure modes.

In strategy mode the player is able to select 3 major races – treacherous Humans, vicious Foresters and merciless Darklings, and in addition to these three primary races, the player is able to capture, enslave and develop five independent nations – Shades, Nomads, Dragons, Trolls, and Elves. Combined with the player's main race they provide a valuable asset when clashing with their opponents.

In adventure mode the player controls a group of heroes and a small squad of troops uncovering dark secrets and surprising twists as the adventure unfolds. The story spans over several generations portraying powerful ancient artifacts, the rise and fall of mighty leaders and glorious kingdoms, and the birth of new mystic creatures and races.

"As with our previous titles, our continuing search for publishing quality games with strong and deep gameplay elements led us to work with Haemimont Games on Rising Kingdoms, making us very proud to add this title to our portfolio." said Marco Minoli, head of Marketing at Black Bean.

"We're impressed by the energy and effort that Black Bean put behind their releases and look forward to a prolific relationship with them. Our combined forces are focused on bringing a polished and fun title right to the hands of the player" added Kiril Iliev, PR Manager of Haemimont Games

Rising Kingdoms will be available on PC in, English, French, German, Italian and Spanish towards May 2005.