Winter Voices, Episode 2 Released

I'm not sure why they refer to "Those Who Have No Name" as the game's first episode in this press release (as "Avalanche" was already labeled as episode 1 back in October), but either way, there's definitely some more Winter Voices ready to be enjoyed. Hit up the new images, then read on:
Prepare for Maddening Mind Games in Winter Voices, Episode One

Independent Developer Beyondthepillars offers (Those who have no name,) Taking Role-Playing Games Beyond the Conventional on Mac and PC

PARIS - Nov. 23, 2010 Plunge into the mind's eye of a tragic heroine in the first episode of Winter Voices, the narrative-driven, episodic, singleplayer role-playing game from independent game developer Beyondthepillars. Players can download the first episode, (Those who have no name,) now for Mac and PC at the Winter Voices website, and the PC version only at digital distribution leader Steam for $4.99. Gamers who embark on the wondrous, psychological adventure of Winter Voices must embrace a new form of role-playing, leading the heroine past her own personal demons come to life.

(Prepare for serious introspection as you dive into Winter Voices,) said Guy Levi-Bochi, CEO of Beyondthepillars. (This is a game for anyone who wants to truly immerse themselves in a fantastic, dark world through creative narrative. Players must navigate a strange and harsh environment with the power of their minds as their lone protection against the elements. Only this winter is not one of Mother Nature's doing, but one of the mind and these harsh conditions may just be illusion, guilt and madness...)

Players will confront these terrors by choosing one of three female character classes and helping their heroine persevere her difficult journey. It is a challenging and snowy ordeal, bringing her face-to-face with strangers and travelers as she leaves behind the familiar faces of her home village. To progress, players need to guide her beyond the fears plaguing her journey, including the physical embodiment of her worst enemy: her own dark consciousness.

Players build their mind defenses in Winter Voices through an extensive talent tree of 120 skills. The mind must do many things to survive, including:

'¢ Embrace the Void: Nothingness overcomes your psyche and provides temporary resistance to pain
'¢ Acceptance of Fate: Sometimes there is no escape from taking damage. Accepting this fate imbues your psyche with momentary invulnerability
'¢ Love Thyself: To survive a traumatic encounter in Winter Voices, it takes more than just courage. Indulge in yourself to overcome your enemies
'¢ I Don't Want to Believe: If you don't believe something is hurting you, the pain will lessen. Bolster your character's base resistance to pain with denial

Winter Voices recently introduced its unique (defense of the mind) gameplay mechanics in a prologue episode, (Avalanche,) which is also available by download. Gamers who dive into the dark world can now enjoy the prologue and Episode 1, (Those who have no name.) Beyondthepillars will continue releasing new episodes in the seven-part series every few weeks, at www.wintervoices.com, as well as on Steam. Each episode will be available for $4.99.

About Beyondthepillars:
Based in Paris, and established in 2008, Beyondthepillars SAS is a next-generation game development studio and online publishing team challenging the boundaries of gameplay and online gaming technology. This independent, Parisian start-up is currently devising an innovative, multi-faceted, full-web, cloud-powered massively multiplayer online game aimed to attract novice players and long-time explorers of persistent worlds. Beyondthepillars attaches great importance in cultural, artistic and historical references, which resulted in the ethical, intelligent Winter Voices episodic role-playing series for Mac and PC.
Sound interesting? Steam's profile page is a great place to start spending your money.