Throughout 2008, Capcom was at the forefront of digital download titles and this is set to continue into 2009 and beyond. Its first downloadable game of the year Flock! is scheduled for release this February and will be available for the Xbox LIVE Arcade, PlayStation Network and PC platforms. Flock! sees players take control of a UFO that is tasked with herding animals to its mothership through a variety of interactive levels. With over 50 levels in single player and online co-op mode and a simple yet powerful level editor to extend the experience, Flock!’s unique theme, clever humour and easy pick up and play controls will ensure a new twist on the puzzle genre.
On February 20th the revolutionary Street Fighter series makes a very welcome return with Street Fighter IV releases on the Xbox 360 and PS3. The release date of the PC version will be confirmed shortly. The series which has amassed combined global sales of over 25 million units aims to put the fun back into the fighting genre and reignite the passion of the Street Fighter II era. Everything that made the legendary Street Fighter II a global hit is back in Street Fighter IV with the addition of new characters, including fighters added just for the console version of the game, special moves, locations and gameplay elements, providing challenges for even the most seasoned Street Fighter pro.
Infecting gamers and completing Capcom’s list of releases for February is Dead Rising Chop Till You Drop, scheduled for release for the Nintendo Wii on the 27th of the month. Based on the Xbox 360™ title, which to date has sold over one million copies, the humour and challenge that made the original such a hit with gamers still remain, while many core elements have been totally redesigned for the Wii platform and audience, taking zombie bashing to a whole new level. With the added functionality of the Wii remote, players will be able to shake off zombie attacks and swing and throw dozens of makeshift weapons, from chainsaws to baseball bats in order to survive.
Based on the Nickelodeon property Neopets and also scheduled for release on February 27th Neopets Puzzle Adventure will extend Neopets’ virtual experience for fans when it is released for the Nintendo Wii, NDS and PC. Neopets is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 stickiest sites and is currently the largest and fastest growing online youth community. With an exciting storyline featuring over 150 quests and three mythical lands to explore, Neopets Puzzle Adventure is the ultimate virtual-pet puzzle adventure game appealing to puzzle enthusiasts, casual gamers and fans of the Nickelodeon property.
Gamers around the globe have already written Friday 13th March 2009 on their calendars in blood red ink in order to mark the release of Resident Evil 5. This new title sees one of the industry’s most successful franchises brings the next generation of fear to the Xbox 360 and PS3. With the debut of co-op play and the introduction of other innovations to the series, Resident Evil 5 promises to set a new standard in action gaming.
Also scheduled for release in March is MotoGP for the Nintendo Wii. Due to hit retail to coincide with the pre-season activity for the 2009 MotoGP season, the title turns the Wii remote into a set of virtual handlebars as players compete across the three race classes in single races, a full championship or a series of challenge stages. Different handling models and AI rider characteristics allow ease of entry for riders of all skills whether a seasoned bike racing fan or new to the genre.
Completing this impressive line up is Bionic Commando, the first true sequel to the retro classic with an injection of next gen power. The title will be initially available for gamers on Xbox 360 and PS3with the PC version following shortly afterwards. Bionic Commando harnesses the power of the latest generation of hardware to fully exploit the swing mechanic that made the original title so unique. Using the powers of the Bionic Arm to swing between towering skyscrapers, punch cars, pummel opponents and grab distant enemies, players can gain a tactical advantage to progress through the compelling single player campaign and take on all comers in its multiplayer modes.