As promised, here are some more details about Aliens vs. Predator and the new images from the Alien point of view and the Predator point of view. (The Colonial Marine point of view was released earlier.) 

Features and Platforms

• This game is being developed by Rebellion, who did the classic 1999 Aliens vs. Predators game.
• You can play as the Alien, Predator, or Colonial Marine. Each species has its own story-driven single player campaign that interweaves with the other species’ campaign modes. 
• 3-way online multiplayer, so you can pit the species against each other.
• Releasing on X360, PS3 and PC in early 2010.

Storyline

On planet BG-386 a colonist mining group discovers an ancient pyramid containing a dark and horrible secret. Across the stars a race of warriors is alerted to the discovery of their pyramid and a hunting party is dispatched to ensure that it remains sealed at all costs, whilst deep inside the ruined pyramid a malevolent intelligence awakes from centuries of dormancy. 

Colonial Marine point of view

The Marine’s story is an incredible fight against the odds, and the horrors lurking in the dark. Beset on all sides yet armed to the teeth, the Colonial Marine represents humanity’s last stand with the firepower to fight back. 

Alien point of view

As the Alien, players will discover what it’s like to be the most murderous and lethal creature in the universe, with the ability to traverse any surface with awesome agility in order to get close enough to unleash its deadly teeth and claws.

Predator point of view

A master of the hunt, the Predator grants the player a suite of exotic weaponry and equipment with which to stalk its unknowing prey. Earn the greatest honor by ambushing prey up-close and butchering them for a gory trophy kill.

You can find full-size images in our AvP Flickr set.

Below is the press release, which contains some quotes from Rebellion and Fox Licensing.

PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

DETAILS RELEASED ON NEW ALIENS vs. PREDATOR GAME FROM SEGA AND TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX LICENSING & MERCHANDISING 

Play as a Colonial Marine, Alien and Predator in single-player and

incredible 3-way multiplayer. Hunter. Survivor. Prey. Which will you be?

LONDON AND SAN FRANCISCO (May 21, 2009) – SEGA Europe Ltd. and SEGA of America, Inc. today reveal details of the much anticipated FPS action horror game, Aliens vs. Predator™ (working title). It will be the first title to be launched in SEGA’s forthcoming series of Aliens games licensed by Twentieth Century Fox Licensing & Merchandising (Fox Licensing).

Developed at Rebellion by the team responsible for the original 1999 classic, in the all-new Aliens vs. Predator players will have the chance to take the role of the three infamous species; the Colonial Marine, the Predator and the Alien. Each of the three species has its very own distinct story-driven single-player campaign mode that interweaves with the campaigns of the other two species. Aliens vs. Predator will also feature unique 3-way online multiplayer, allowing gamers to pit the three species against each other in the ultimate battle for survival and for the right to be crowned the deadliest species.

On planet BG-386 a colonist mining group discovers an ancient pyramid containing a dark and horrible secret. Across the stars a race of warriors is alerted to the discovery of their pyramid and a hunting party is dispatched to ensure that it remains sealed at all costs, whilst deep inside the ruined pyramid a malevolent intelligence awakes from centuries of dormancy.

The Marine’s story is an incredible fight against the odds, and the horrors lurking in the dark. Beset on all sides yet armed to the teeth, the Colonial Marine represents humanity’s last stand with the firepower to fight back.

As the Alien, players will discover what it’s like to be the most murderous and lethal creature in the universe, with the ability to traverse any surface with awesome agility in order to get close enough to unleash its deadly teeth and claws.

A master of the hunt, the Predator grants the player a suite of exotic weaponry and equipment with which to stalk its unknowing prey. Earn the greatest honour by ambushing prey up-close and butchering them for a gory trophy kill.

“The original Aliens vs. Predator game was a landmark title for Rebellion, and we are both proud and excited to be revisiting the license with SEGA and Fox L&M. Our new technology will enable us to produce a truly terrifying and visceral experience,” said Jason Kingsley, CEO and Creative Director at Rebellion.

“Aliens vs. Predator is a powerful franchise for Fox and provides endless possibilities in the interactive space,” said Gary Rosenfeld, Senior Vice President, New Media for Fox Licensing. “SEGA and Rebellion have created an excellent gaming experience that will help this legacy live on.”

Aliens vs. Predator is set to be released on Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Windows-based PC in early 2010.

 - ends -

 About SEGA Europe Ltd:

SEGA Europe Ltd is the European Distribution arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA Corporation, and a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home. The company develops and distributes interactive entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. SEGA Europe’s web site is located at www.sega-europe.com.

 About SEGA of America Inc.:

SEGA® of America, Inc. is the American arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA Corporation, a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home.  The company develops, publishes and distributes interactive entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.  SEGA of America’s Web site is located at www.sega.com.

 About Twentieth Century Fox Licensing & Merchandising

A recognized industry leader, Twentieth Century Fox Licensing and Merchandising licenses and markets properties worldwide behalf of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, Twentieth Television and Fox Broadcasting Company, as well as third party lines. The division is aligned with Twentieth Century Fox Television, one of the top suppliers of primetime entertainment programming to the broadcast networks.

 About Rebellion®:

The UK-based computer games super-developer was established in 1992 by brothers Jason and Chris Kingsley. Their first major success was Aliens Vs. Predator^TM, creating game innovations years ahead of their time. As their name suggests, their approach to game production is focused primarily on cross-platform innovation and product quality.

 Their purchase of the UK sci-fi comic 2000 AD in 2000 and subsequent motion picture productions has provided valuable in-sight and experience in creating its unique product portfolio.

In 2005, Sniper Elite™ was released with Namco and MC2, securing critical acclaim, global sales success and winning the TIGA Award for ‘Best PC/Console Game 2005’. Lauded as ‘The Gran Turismo of war games’ by the gaming press, it has built upon the collection of Rebellion^® owned IPs, which includes World War Zero^® and the 2000 AD character Rogue Trooper^®.

In the summer of 2006, Rebellion^® purchased the Core Design studios, responsible for the Lara Croft – Tomb Raider series and Strangelite studios in Liverpool. These acquisitions established the company as one of the biggest and most innovative studios within the European development community.

From July to December 2006, Rebellion^® won ‘Most Improved Developer’ at the Develop Industry Excellence Awards, was nominated for two BAFTA awards for Best Character and Best Screenplay  for Rogue Trooper^® and won the TIGA Awards for ‘Best Developer’ and ‘Best Hand-held and console game’ for Miami Vice: The Game.

2007 was Rebellion’s 15^th anniversary and saw the company acquire the Awesome Studio from Ignition in March increasing its staff to 280 personnel. 2007 saw the release of the global hits; The Simpsons Game with EA on PlayStation^®2 & PSP & Nintendo Wii, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix with EA on PlayStation^®PSP, Star Wars: Renegade Squadron with LucasArts on PlayStation^®PSP, Aliens Vs. Predator: Requiem with Sierra on PlayStation^®PSP and finally Rebellion’s own brand Free Running^® with Reef Entertainment on PlayStation^®2 & PSP.

2008 saw a move to purpose built Studio facilities in Oxford, and several Next-Gen project announcements. 

The Develop 100 2008 rankings saw Rebellion rise to No.16, making the studio the No.1 Independent Developer in Europe.

 

# # #

In about an hour, we’ll be releasing some more screen shots and information about the game. For now, enjoy this sneak peek screenshot from the Colonial Marine point of view in the game. Click through to get a bigger size on Flickr.

We’ve just announced Daisy Fuentes Pilates, the first Pilates workout program for the Wii™.  Set at a lush tropical resort and hosted by Daisy Fuentes, longtime Pilates icon and star of the entertainment industry, the title supports the Wii Balance Board™. Created in partnership with Interactive Game Group, Daisy Fuentes Pilates features customizable workouts, fitness tracking  real-time coaching and interactive feedback.

Daisy Fuentes Pilates, the first self-titled Pilates endeavor, goes beyond the one-way, static workouts of traditional DVDs using the Wii’s controls to monitor movements and offer instant feedback, ensuring proper body motion so players get the most from every Pilates session. Players stay on track following the integrated, on-screen “timing bar” as well as the real-time feedback from Daisy Fuentes herself, whose voice guides the exercises. Players will be able to choose between English and Spanish.

“This is a great way to get Pilates training that fits your schedule and lifestyle,” said Daisy Fuentes.  ”You can start out as an absolute beginner then move into intermediate and advanced levels–all at your own pace, in the comfort of your own home, and with responsive feedback that helps ensure you’re mastering core skills correctly before you advance.”

Daisy Fuentes Pilates will be released in North America in late Summer 2009. For more screenshots, go to our Flickr set.

Developed by tri-Ace who has enjoyed critical acclaim for Star Ocean, Resonance of Fate is SEGAs newest RPG for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION® 3 computer entertainment system. Resonance of Fate will be released in North America in Spring 2010.

This Summer, Virtual Tennis 2009 comes to the Nintendo Wii. Virtua Tennis 2009 features Wiimotion plus which allows for more accuracy, stance control, improved shot direction, and one to one control with no delay.

Check out the latest trailer for Let’s Tap, featuring Rhythm Tap! Tap along with varying pressure in time to the music to achieve high scores. There are several music options (the original Japanese soundtrack) including the Let’s Tap theme heard in this trailer. If you’re into a “future tapping game”, this one is for you!

Just announced – quite literally – a few seconds ago, SEGA of America and SEGA of Europe have revealed that Resonance of Fate, known as End of Eternity in Japan, will be making its way to the west in Spring 2010!

The game’s developers, Tri-Ace, are a name you should be familiar with if you know anything about your JRPGs. This is actually the first time in history they’ve fully partnered up with a publisher other than Enix/Square-Enix, and their past roster of games – like Star Ocean and Valkyrie Profile – are a very good benchmark for the quality of games their team pumps out.

What’s the story behind Resonance of Fate? Curious fans will have to wait just a bit longer (or read Famitsu) to get into the real meat of it – but until then, we’ll let you entertain your imagination with a few screenshots to couple with the announcement.

The game will be releasing for both Xbox 360 and Playstation 3, so all you next-gen console owners are set. You can also check out the full set of initial screenshots here on our Flickr page.

How do you guys think the game looks so far? Are you fans of any past Tri-Ace titles?

We’ve got some great stuff up for grabs in our Free Stuff Friday giveaway tomorrow (May 15th, 2009)! Everyone is eligible to win any prize this week. I’ve got all the details on our prizes below, and if you need a starter (or a refresher) about how to enter the contest via Twitter, that information is at the bottom of the post.

On the Block This Week

Item 1: Happy Tree Friends “Do It Yourself” shirt

This is a yellow American Apparel shirt. The label says XL, but it appears best suited for a large child or small adult.

Congrats to @computim, who won this item!

Item 2: Viking: The Battle for Asgard Mug

This is a mug/stein with the Viking and SEGA logos on it. Press the tail of the lid at the edge of the handle to open the top.

Congrats to @lgladdy, who won this item!

Item 3: The Conduit Shirt

This shirt has the All Seeing Eye on the front. “The Conduit”, along with the SEGA and High Voltage Software logos are on the back. The size of the shirt is unmarked, but we think it’s a large.

Congrats to @lothusmarque, who won this item!

Item 4: Sonic X Space Fighters Knuckles Figurine — New In Box

This is new in the box, and in great condition.

Congrats to @NazcatheMad, who won this item!

Item 5: Happy Tree Friends “Shifty” Shirt

This shirt is olive green and a size XL.

Congrats to @larryoji, who won this item.

How it Works

1. You must be following us on Twitter to be eligible. (If you don’t have a Twitter account, you can create one by going to http://www.twitter.com and click the green “get started — join!” button in the center of the page.)
2. At random times on Friday, we will announce the prize we are giving away. The first person to send us a direct message (DM) via Twitter will win the prize. (@ replies do not count as entries!)
3. All followers are eligible to win all prizes, unless a restriction is noted. Restrictions are usually due to the prize being region-locked. For example, US games that won’t work on UK gaming systems.  There may also be age restrictions due to the rating of the game.
4. We will announce the winner on our Twitter feed once eligibility is confirmed.

Make Sure We’re Following You on Twitter

If you are currently following us on Twitter, please be sure that we are following you as well. You can do this by making sure that SEGA is in your “followers” list, or by going to DoesFollow and typing SEGA in the first blank, your Twitter username in the second, and pressing the “check” button. You can reverse this to be sure that you are following us. If you are following us, but we’re not following  you, please send a message to @SEGA and we will follow you. This is important, because only people we follow can send us direct messages (DMs), and DMs are the only way to enter the giveaways.

How to Send Direct Messages on Twitter

There are a few ways to send us a Direct Message on Twitter. The easiest way is to go to our Twitter page and select “message” under the “Actions” heading in the side bar. If you do not see “message”, this means that we are not following you. Please send a message to @sega to let us know, and we will follow you. When you click “message” you will be taken to a window where you can type a message and press send.

You may also select the “direct messages” tab from your Twitter homepage, and select SEGA from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. Again, if you don’t see our name there, it’s probably because we’re not following you. Let us know, and we’ll follow you.

There are also many Twitter clients that you can use instead of using the website. These include TweetDeck, Twitteriffic, Tweetie, and Twhirl. Each of these programs works differently, so you’ll want to figure out how to send a direct message on the program you use. If you want to send us a test message, we’ll let you know if we received it or not.

In addition to spending my time promoting games I dearly loved in my youth, my actual job here at SEGA is as a GM for Phantasy Star Universe. While duties of a GM include updating our message boards and keeping the banhammer polished, we do occasionally get to actually play the game. I actually adore the Phantasy Star series, and enjoyed the game quite a bit before ever becoming a GM, but official duties tend to take precedence over getting to run casual missions and level new characters.

For those unfamiliar with the Phantasy Star Universe story, the game plays out the conflict between the GUARDIANS of the Gurhal system, and the vile SEED-form, a kind of hivemind alien infection that takes over the 3 planets where the game takes place. The game has been out for several years now, and the story continues to unfold–both in story missions and in special events.

The current special event is called Shred the Darkness: the event dovetails with the story from Phantasy Star Portable, and features a variety of missions that further the Phantasy Star story: SEED-form monsters are attacking crucial installations around the Gurhal system and players must defend them; this is paired with a unique story mission that evolves and opens up new paths as the event progresses. This is tied with a kill counter tracking player progress–the more monsters players kill during the event missions, the more rewards they unlock.

So even though I get less time to play than I’d really like, I’ve made it a point to play more during the Shred the Darkness event. This is Phantasy Star Universe at it’s best — a lot of people running missions together, grinding out kills and lavishing in great drops and generally having a bang-up time of it.

The missions are relatively short, and even challenging if you’re not playing with a maxed-out character. There have been terrific crowds for the event, making it easy to get a group together, and the missions offer a pretty good rewards:work ratio.

Mostly, I was happy to get a chance to wade into the fray & run missions with players, on both PC/PS2 and XBox 360. In addition to the single-player story mission, there’s currently three team missions available, including a nifty “defense” mission where players have to keep wave after wave of SEED-infected monsters out of a designated area.

The community has almost reached the 100,000,000–that’s 100 million–kills milestone for the event. Also, during the last stage of the event, there’s the “GUARDIANS Boost Road“, a special set of bonuses gained for running the Shred the Darkness missions.

Also: now would be a great time to follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/phantasystar

And: become a fan on Facebook (and see more Shred the Darkness event pics)!

Lastly: There’s a lot more images up from the event, both on our Facebook page (above) and our Flicker page!

-Ed

Earlier this morning SEGA PR put out a press release about seven new SEGA Classics coming to XBLA. They are:

• Gunstar Heroes (Also coming on PSN)
• Altered Beast
• Comix Zone
• Phantasy Star 2
• Shinobi (Arcade)
  
• Sonic the Hedgehog 3
• Sonic and Knuckles

At first look, you’ll probably think to yourself “Well, I already have most of these in the Ultimate Genesis collection, so what’s the real difference here?”

The first, and what may well be the most popular, is something we received a ton of feedback and comments on since the Ultimate Genesis Collection arrived:

The Sonic and Knuckles download, which will be arriving late this summer, will work directly with Sonic 2 and Sonic 3, so if you have those downloaded already from XBLA, you can immediately start playing the games with the lock-on settings once Sonic and Knuckles releases.

(Spoilers: people like their  Hyper Sonic, Hyper Knuckles, and Super Tails – and we do too!)

“Revolutionary new Lock-on Technology” - Not so new anymore, but still pretty awesome.

Besides being able to pick up all 14 emeralds in a single playthrough, many of the games will also feature Network Play. This will exclude the obvious single-player games like Phantasy Star II, Shinobi, and Comix Zone, but should prove very interesting for the rest of the titles. All the details about Network Play specifics and how it will work in each game will be coming in the future, so keep your eyes and ears out!

For now, we’re going to celebrate by busting out some old-school blast processing. This news also rekindled a memory of one of my favorite Sonic and Knuckles commercials, which I think you should all check out:

“…So we sold the whole thing to SEGA.”

By far one of my favorite lines in all the old 90′s commercials.

Of the games and the news about online play, what are you guys most looking forward to? Are you a Sonic Lock-on fan, or more excited by online play in some of the other games?