Adding an air of Hip Hop authenticity to Crime Life: Gang Wars is the Detroit rap crew D12, which have created original music for the title and whose members lend their voices and likenesses to the game.

“Crimelife: Gang Wars is a modern rendition of the popular side-scrolling brawler games of yesteryear set in the backdrop of gang warfare,” said Jason Enos, Product Manager, Konami Digital Entertainment – America. “Players will need to master a dynamic fighting system in order to conquer the streets. In addition, the music and participation of D12 will truly enhance the game and give it the feel of urban pop culture that we’ve come to recognize from popular films and TV shows.”

Produced by Konami of Europe, Crime Life: Gang Wars boasts a strong narrative that shows the dangers and strains associated with gang membership as seen in such Hollywood movies as New Jack City, Boyz ‘n the Hood and Menace II Society. The player must promote his own criminal standing while protecting his crew from the violence and treachery that permeates the society in which he lives.

Crime Life: Gang Wars stars Tre, the young leader of the Outlawz, once Grand Central City’s most powerful gang. Utilizing free roaming gameplay with mission based objectives, gamers maneuver Tre through the dangerous streets, using his fists and brains to protect his crew and build his reputation. Tre will have to prove himself to be the toughest and smartest man on the streets as he battles for his gang’s supremacy, using hand-to-hand combat, combo-based fighting and powerful special moves. In addition, players also gain access to an arsenal of gang combat weapons, ranging from machetes and knives up to machine guns. All of these elements combine to form an adrenaline packed adventure as players take on a multitude of mission types, ranging from picking up “special” packages to taking on rival gang members.

In addition to music from D12, Crime Life: Gang Wars will include songs from up and coming UK rap artist Doom Man. Also, Jason Flemyng, popular British actor and veteran of hit crime flicks Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch, will lend his voice to the list of in-game characters.

Crime Life: Gang Wars is rated “M” for Mature by the ESRB and will have a SRP of $19.99.