Sierra Entertainment, a division of
Vivendi Games, announced today that The Chronicles of Riddick will blast
onto Microsoft's Xbox 360, and debut on the PLAYSTATION 3 system, for the
first time. Taking advantage of new hardware technologies, the game will
present a reinvention of Escape from Butcher Bay, delivering 2004's award
winning experience in high definition with stunning enhancements. Also
included is the Dark Athena chapter, an expansion of the original game with
an exciting new story and new gameplay features. Scheduled to ship later in
2007, it is being produced under license from Universal Pictures Digital
Platforms Group, in association with Vin Diesel's Tigon Studios, and is
being developed by Starbreeze Studios, acclaimed developer of the original
edition.
With The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena, players will
not only be challenged to survive Butcher Bay, but will also engage in a
new single-player experience and, for the first time in the Riddick
universe, take action in intense multi-player combat. The game introduces
the ominous Merc-ship Dark Athena, which sits silent like a marauding
spider, awaiting helpless prey in the dark reaches of the galaxy. Players
must face a large, bloodthirsty operation led by the dreaded Captain Revas
and her slaves-turned-controllable combat drones, storm though
death-defying events and fight fierce enemies in a battle of malice and
gore.
First released in 2004, The Chronicles of Riddick game features an
original storyline that provides insight into the mythology of Universal
Pictures' films The Chronicles of Riddick and the cult classic Pitch Black,
which first introduced Vin Diesel as enigmatic anti-hero Riddick. The game
blends action and stealth elements, as players navigate Riddick through the
harsh environments of dank tunnels, dimly lit corridors, and other
hazardous areas filled with guards, savage inmates and deadly creatures
that prowl the darkness.
"The Chronicles of Riddick is a genre defining game that helped shape
the modern first-person shooter," said Al Simone, senior vice president,
global marketing for Sierra Entertainment. "We are proud to not only take
this 'Best in Class' title to the next level for both the Xbox 360 and
PLAYSTATION 3, but to create a new single-player experience and
multi-player campaigns for a truly robust product offering."
"When the original The Chronicles of Riddick game exploded on the
scene, gamers were taken with its fantastic graphics and hard-hitting
gameplay," said Bill Kispert, Vice President and General Manager,
Interactive, Universal Pictures. "We are excited to now introduce new
players to this character and world, while thrilling existing fans with the
surprises and additional features this edition will offer."
"The Riddick universe is incredibly rich source material for creating
on-going stories and games," said Cos Lazouras, Head of Production, Tigon
Studios. "This next chronicle will take us to new, dark corners of that
universe, which when combined with Starbreeze's fantastic next-gen
technology, will deliver the compelling player experience gamers have come
to expect of Riddick."
"We're very happy to be working in the Riddick universe again," said
Ian Stevens, Lead Game Designer, Starbreeze Studios. "Assault on Dark
Athena gives us an opportunity to revisit the original game and share it
with a new audience, as well as offer a continuation of the Butcher Bay
gameplay and storyline. We're also thrilled to be bringing Multiplayer to
the game."
Moving and attacking in darkness is particularly effective for Riddick
as his haunting "eye shine" gives him the ability to see without ambient
light. However, stealth won't serve every situation and players will be
able to take the action up close and personal. As Riddick, players will be
able to sneak up behind enemies and snap necks or fight face to face using
fists, elbows and grapples. Additionally, players will be able to capture
weapons such as shanks, shotguns, or assault rifles and use these to cut a
swath of destruction through anyone who gets in their way.