his free-roaming, beat-em-up action game features a dynamic, engaging story line that delves into modern urban culture and puts gamers in the shoes of a small-time gang member as he fights his way for control of the city. Adding an air of Hip Hop authenticity to Crime Life: Gang Wars is the Detroit rap crew D12, which will be creating original music for the title and whose members will lend their voices and likenesses to the game.

“The scope of Crime Life: Gang Wars will be vast, so we wanted to make sure that all of the elements were in place for an epic and engaging action game,” said Jason Enos, product manager, Konami Digital Entertainment – America. “Players will need to master the fighting system to conquer the streets. In addition, the music and the 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, and promotes a strong sense of morality via game elements inspired by classic gang movies, such as New Jack City, Boyz ‘n the Hood and Menace II Society. The player must protect his own people from exploitation and abuse, and defend his crew from the violence and treachery that permeates the society he lives in.

Crime Life: Gang Wars stars Tre, the young leader of the Outlawz, once Grand Central City’s most powerful gang. Gamers maneuver Tre through the dangerous streets, using his fists and brains to protect his crew and build his reputation. Reputation is all that matters in Grand Central City, and to succeed Tre will have to prove himself to be the toughest fighter and smartest leader as he battles for his gang’s supremacy. With a morally infused storyline, every decision made by the gamer in Crime Life will have consequences and an impact on the outcome of the game.

In addition to bespoke 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.