Namco Hometek Inc. announced today it will be continuing the epic Arc The Lad series this May with the next installment named Arc the Lad: End of Darkness which will be available exclusively for PS2. The game features, for the first time in the series, a real-time action-style battle system allowing players to perform real-time combat combos, equip items and cast magic. It will also offer an improved upgrade and guild system, all the while a deep storyline unfolds that brings the return of 24 favorite characters in the series, each with his or her own unique weaponry and skills. Players can also take their favorite single-player character online in intense match mode battles with up to 8 players (playing 4-on-4), or in a team-based coop mode where teams of 4 proceed through the missions, search for rare items by defeating enemies in dungeons, and chat live. Press 'read more' for details and first screenshots.