TOKYO--Today Konami took down the teaser page and opened the official Web site to Suikoden IV. The game is scheduled for release on the PlayStation 2 later this summer and will retail for 6,980 yen ($66).

　　At the current time, only three sections of the site are open. Visitors can check out an introduction to the game, download wallpapers, and view the English version of the official trailer. Other sections scheduled to open are a registration page for the Suikoden IV newsletter, information on preorder bonuses, gift giveaways, and another promotional trailer. A game-sampler and preorder section will open on April 20, while other sections are marked as "coming soon." The site also features streaming video, including clips of Suikoden IV and developer interviews.

　　What is known so far about Suikoden IV is that its story revolves around the rune of punishment, one of the 27 runes in the Suikoden series. This particular rune is bestowed with magic powers but has one drawback: Every time it's used, it drains the life of its host. When said host is dead, it randomly picks another. The game is set in an archipelago to the south of Toran, the continent last seen in the original Suikoden, and ship travel will be a major means of transportation in the game. The game will feature one main character, as opposed to the trinity system used previously. However, as with every Suikoden game, you'll find more than 100 other characters to interact with and to recruit for your party (if you play your cards right).

　　The update from Suikoden IV gives some additional information on 11 of the new characters in the game:

　　Main character (name and age unknown): A youth who grew up as an orphaned servant for a feudal lord. He is a squire for the Knights of the Sea. He acquires the rune of punishment during one of his journeys.

　　Snow Fingerfoot (age 19): The heir apparent of the Fingerfoot clan, which governs the region of Gaien. Together with the main character, whom he looks after like a big brother, Snow is a Knights of the Sea squire.

　　Glen Cott (age 53): Commander of the Knights of the Sea and the instructor of its trainees, including the main character and Snow. Glen is known to be strict and responsible.

　　Catalina (age 30): Chief commander of the Knights of the Sea, Catalina is a calm lady with strong magical powers.

　　Cheepuu (age 19): A young merchant who's from the catlike Nekobold race, Cheepuu likes cheese and to bask in the sun. Traveling around the world and being always committed to what he's doing, he hopes to become a great merchant in the future.

　　Tal (age 21): A Knights of the Sea squire, Tal is muscular, but he isn't strong psychologically. He likes to fish as his hobby.

　　Kenneth (age 18): A Knights of the Sea squire, Kenneth is a light and agile warrior, and he tends to stay cool at most times. Kenneth seems to have grown up as an orphan similarly to the main character.

　　Jewel (age 16): A young girl who is a Knights of the Sea squire, the physical Jewel seems to have a romantic interest toward Snow.

　　Paula (age 17): A young female elf Knights of the Sea squire, the reticent Paula gives a cold impression to people. She also seems to like eating fruit.

　　Troy (age 31): A serious warrior dressed in black, who believes in his sense of justice.

　　Colton (age 59): An old man who works as Troy's right-hand man, Colton sees Troy as a surrogate son.