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Area 51

Platform(s): GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox
Genre: Action
Publisher: Midway
Developer: Midway

About Judy

As WP's managing editor, I edit review and preview articles, attempt to keep up with the frantic pace of Rainier's news posts, and keep our reviewers on deadline, which is akin to herding cats. When I have a moment to myself and don't have my nose in a book, I like to play action/RPG, adventure and platforming games.

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'Area 51' Officially Coming to PC

by Judy on Feb. 16, 2005 @ 8:21 a.m. PST

Featuring online play for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox Live, Area 51 is set in the U.S. government's most top-secret and secure facility located in the Nevada desert. Players take on the role of Lt. Nick Cross, a hazardous biological waste specialist sent to investigate. During his investigation, Lt. Cross stumbles across alien creatures and becomes infected with a biological mutagen that eventually transforms him into something not quite human. To save the earth and himself, Lt. Cross must fight to solve the enigma of Area 51.

"Midway is committed to expanding the breadth of its product line to encompass the PC games sector," said Steve Allison, chief marketing officer, Midway. "Simultaneously introducing all three SKUs will enable us to effectively maximize our marketing efforts and create a high-level of consumer awareness at launch."

Cast in the lead role is David Duchovny, star of the ultimate conspiracy-theory television show, The X-Files, who lends his instantly recognizable voice to AREA 51's lead character, Specialist Ethan Cole, a special forces soldier specializing in hazardous materials investigations. Powers Boothe, who currently appears in the HBO mini-series Deadwood, provides the voice of Major Bridges, while shock rocker Marilyn Manson delivers an unforgettable performance as Edgar, the gray alien.

AREA 51 boasts a rich online experience of up to 16 players for the PC, PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system and the Xbox(R) video game system. Players' online experiences will be enhanced with game modes such as Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, and Humans vs. Alien Mutant Team Deathmatch.

The U.S. Army has received a distress signal from Area 51 where a viral outbreak has just shut down the research facility and the automated quarantine procedures have locked all scientific and military personnel inside. A small Special Forces unit including Specialist Ethan Cole of the HAZMAT (hazardous materials) Division is sent to investigate.

As Cole, players delve into the massive levels within the confines of Area 51, only to discover a deadly mutagenic side effect of the virus that controls the minds of those infected, as well as an ancient alien colony buried beneath the facility. Players will uncover the truth behind chilling conspiracies as they come across the remnants of the extraterrestrial crash at Roswell, alien autopsies, and the faked lunar landing. Cole must solve the enigma of Area 51 before the viral mutagen is released and irrevocably mutates all life on Earth.


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