Midway Games
announced that Area 51 is scheduled to ship in 2004 for the
Microsoft Xbox and Sony Playstation 2 platforms.
Area 51 is
described as a “sci-fi meets government cover-up” First-Person
shooter. Area 51 takes place in the US Government facility of
the same name. Players assume the role of Lt. Nick Cross, a
hazardous biological waste specialist. Lt. Cross is sent to
investigate the facility. During his investigation, he discovers
alien creatures and is infected with a biological mutagen. Lt. Cross
must fight to solve the mysteries of Area 51 to save the world.
"The intrigue
and rumors that surround the top-secret facility add a unique
intensity and all-new dimension to this first-person shooter,"
said Helene Sheeler, vice president of marketing, Midway.
Area 51
takes players through eight levels filled with combat, puzzles,
discovery, and adventure.
What could separate this title from other sci-fi First-Person
shooters in the market is the multiplayer options. Area 51 will not
only sport a four-player splitscreen mode, but will also support
online multiplayer on the Xbox and the PlayStation 2.
Further adding to the complete science fiction theme is the creature
design by Stan Winston. While you may not recognize his name, Stan’s
creations are some of the most memorable science fiction creatures
on the silver screen. Past works would include creatures in the
films “Aliens,” “Predator,” “Edward Scissorhands,” and “Jurassic
Park.” His most recent work was in Terminator 3. Stan Winston has
earned four Academy Awards for his efforts. His creature designs in
Area 51 will truly add a major part to this game and possibly
separate it from many other sci-fi shooters out there.
Area 51 Features
-
Extensive Single-Player Campaign – Battle through corridors of
Area 51 and attempt to discover the secrets of the
extraterrestrial menace before it is too late.
-
Story-Driven Epic Adventure – Engage in an epic adventure through
eight massive sections of a secretive complex.
-
Fearsome Weaponry – Equip yourself with more than 15 types of
human and alien weapons and other equipment as you explore dark
corridors.
-
Evolving Gameplay – An infectious mutagen gives Lt. Nick Cross
alien-enhanced physical abilities but is also slowly transforming
him into an alien. Find the cure before it's too late and humanity
is lost.
-
Alien Menace – Battle fierce, horrific creatures designed by Stan
Winston Studios, famed creature designer for such films as
"Aliens", "Jurassic Park" and "Predator".
-
Government Conspiracies – Explore and discover a multitude of
secret items and areas, including the real answers behind such
conspiracy theories.
-
Multiplayer Combat – Compete against your friends via a
four-player split screen and system link through numerous
multiplayer game modes including Death Match.
-
Online Combat – Battle online with your PlayStation 2 or via Xbox
Live where you can easily access the many systems allowing you to
find your friends and set up your own matches