Darkwatch is the first video game property licensed by California Costume Collections, a maker and distributor of high-end costumes and wardrobe accessories. Darkwatch costumes and accessories are available in adult and child sizes at major party retailers including Party City and Spencer Gifts.

“Darkwatch is an original property with a rich universe that, as we have seen, instantly resonates with pop culture savants,” said Chris Ulm, chief design officer, High Moon Studios. “We love the fact that we can now let fans of the game reconnect with that universe by becoming Jericho Cross, as well as introduce a new audience to the unique look and feel that set it apart as a video game property. In a sense, everybody should feel good about the prospect of having thousands of Darkwatch agents roaming the streets on Halloween night.”

When High Moon’s debut title Darkwatch released worldwide for game consoles in 2005, the game received acclaim for its visually stylistic blend of vampire-horror and Western genres, winning several art direction and visual design awards. The game’s milieu depicts a twisted take on the Wild West, one where vampires and the undead are locked in warfare with gunslinger agents of an ancient secret society known as the Darkwatch. The unique art style in Darkwatch is most evident in the locations and props that signify the presence of the timeless and technologically advanced Darkwatch society. The costume line from California Costume Collections recreates the clothing, armor, weapons and other battle accessories used by the most elite Darkwatch agent, vampire-gunslinger Jericho Cross.

"We were drawn to Darkwatch by its graphic imagery,” said Scott Emmerman, vice president of sales and licensing, California Costume Collections, Inc. “All of the unique elements of the property that made it a successful game, from its horror Western setting and exceptional art style to vampire-hunting gunslingers, make it perfect as a costume line. As a Western-themed costume, it also has universal appeal. We very quickly pinpointed Darkwatch as a property that we wanted, and we expect it to be one of our hottest costumes for this Halloween.”

The Darkwatch costume line includes the Jericho Cross costume package in three adult and two child sizes, with Hat, Eye Patch, full-length Western Duster, Cowl Hood, Vest, Badge, Belt and Boot Tops. Accessories include the Darkwatch Redeemer Revolver, Armored Gloves and Armor Knee Pads. In addition to Party City and Spencer Gifts, Darkwatch costumes and accessories will be available in time for Halloween 2006 at Party America, Halloween Express, Halloween Scene, Halloween Adventure and BuySeasons.com. Those feeling lucky can enter a chance to win a complete Jericho costume package courtesy of High Moon.

For contest rules and entry, please visit High Moon’s web site at www.highmoonstudios.com.