\u2013 31 October 2008 \u2013 Atari, one of the world\u2019s most recognized video game publishers, today announced that first person shooter The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena is joining its 2009 publishing and distribution line up.\u00a0 In conjunction with Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group, Tigon Studios and acclaimed developer Starbreeze Studios, Atari is bringing the franchise to the new generation of consoles for the first time packed with thrilling new adventures. The highly anticipated title is scheduled for launch on the Xbox 360\u00ae video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION\u00ae3 computer entertainment system and Windows\u00ae PC in autumn 2009.<\/p>\n
Previously announced as a remake of hit title The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay with added content, Atari can today reveal that The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena contains a brand new full-length campaign. This exciting announcement promises a title which will include the original game re-imagined for a whole new audience, an entirely new chapter in the Riddick saga and, for the first time, intense online multiplayer combat, making The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena a must-have experience for any fan of intense action gaming.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s very exciting to have Assault on Dark Athena as part of Atari\u2019s 2009 publishing line-up,\u201d said Phil Harrison, President of Infogrames Entertainment, the parent company of Atari.\u00a0 \u201cThe first game in the series was a landmark in action gaming and the outstanding team at Starbreeze are creating a feature-packed follow-up which will delight fans and new players alike.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Riddick IP offers a rich universe from which to develop no-holds barred games, and we\u2019ve believed that since the days of the Pitch Black film,\u201d said Bill Kispert, Vice President and General Manager, Interactive, Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group. \u201cAssault on Dark Athena extends the franchise fiction; adds to the mythology with new storylines, characters and locations while remaining true to the original material; and gives fans an experience they haven\u2019t seen before. As we introduce this new Riddick chapter, we are also excited to welcome Atari to the Riddick family.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re thrilled about this remake and expansion of Escape from Butcher Bay.” said Ian Stevens, Head of Game Production, Tigon Studios. “Assault on Dark Athena tells a new story in The Chronicles of Riddick, while at the same time sharing our original vision with a larger audience.\u00a0 We\u2019re excited about the coming months and talking more in-depth about new features like the addition of Multiplayer!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWorking with the Riddick franchise for us is an extraordinary experience,\u201d said Johan Kristiansson, CEO, Starbreeze Studios. \u201cWe are deeply enthusiastic about the partnership with Atari that will bring this rich game experience to a new generation of consoles. With this release we’ve pushed the limits of the Starbreeze engine, delivering an extensive game package designed to thrill gamers worldwide. We can’t wait for it to hit the shelves.\u201d<\/p>\n
In The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena the player takes the role of Riddick, as played by Vin Diesel, using stealth and action to overcome the merciless crew of the predatory Merc-ship Dark Athena which awaits its prey in the dark reaches of space.\u00a0 Cheating death through a series of spectacular battles and events, Riddick will fight for his life amid a storm of malevolence and horror.\u00a0 The Chronicles of Riddick series of games takes the player deeper into the universe of Universal Pictures’ films The Chronicles of Riddick and cult classic Pitch Black, which first introduced Vin Diesel as enigmatic anti-hero Riddick.<\/p>\n
Featuring a brand new exhilarating adventure, a high-definition re-imagining of the classic Escape from Butcher Bay campaign and new multiplayer options, The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena will thrill fans when it launches in autumn 2009.<\/p>\n
For more information about Atari\u2019s entire product line up, visit www.atari.com.au<\/a> and log onto the Atari Trade Site for all box shots, demos, trailers, and online screenshots.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \u2013 31 October 2008 \u2013 Atari, one of the world\u2019s most recognized video game publishers, today announced that first person shooter The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena is joining its 2009 publishing and distribution line up.\u00a0 In conjunction with Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group, Tigon Studios and acclaimed developer Starbreeze Studios, Atari is<\/p>\n