Orphen: Scion of Sorcery, known in Japan as Sorcerous Stabber Orphen (魔術士オーフェン, Majutsushi Ōfen), is an action role-playing video game for the PlayStation 2. The game was developed by SHADE Inc. co-published by Kadokawa Shoten and ESP in Japan, and released abroad by Activision. Its lore is based on the light novel series Sorcerous Stabber Orphen by Yoshinobu Akita. The name 'Orphen' is officially derived from the word 'orphan', but also has a resemblance to Ancient Greek Orpheus, who has surprising connections to ancient Japan and ancient India.[citation needed] The game was a launch title for the PlayStation 2 in North America and Europe.