PDZ to get demo, new content

by: Chuck - posted: 4/24/2006 10:33:00 AM

Microsoft announced today that they will soon release a demo of Perfect Dark Zero, their sci-fi FPS game along with a host of updates for the game.  Included in the free updates are some new AI routines.  The PR also pre-announces some new premium (i.e. stuff you have to pay for) which look to include some new multiplayer maps.

Free trial version and exciting new downloadable content coming soon

In her ever-evolving battle against the evil dataDyne Corporation, Joanna Dark's mission is far from over. Microsoft Game Studios and Rare today announced that a free playable demo and new downloadable content for "Perfect Dark Zero" will be available via Xbox Live Marketplace, providing new challenges for existing gamers and an opportunity for new fans to join the fight against dataDyne.

The "Perfect Dark Zero" demo will soon be available for free via Xbox Live Marketplace and grants gamers access to an exclusive preview of one of the best-selling Xbox 360 launch titles. Leap into the world of Joanna Dark by playing through the Outpost in solo mode, with a friend via split screen co-op, or cooperatively over Xbox Live. Next, challenge friends, strangers and AI bot enemies alike on the brand new multiplayer map: Plaza. Additionally, several updates will soon be made available for current owners of the game that will automatically load upon signing on to Xbox Live.

Included in the free auto-updates are eight new bot personalities, making these artificially intelligent enemies even more treacherous. Some of the new bots even get personal: judge bots instinctively attack the player with the most kills, while bully bots attack the player with the least. Venge bots are constantly out for blood, targeting the last person that killed them. The infamous DarkOps Bots are being added, as well, and will be available in all multiplayer scenarios.

In addition to the demo and auto-updates, Xbox Live Marketplace will soon feature new premium downloadable content for "Perfect Dark Zero," including four new multiplayer maps .

Set in the year 2020 – years before the original hit game – Perfect Dark Zero is the origin story of the legendary Joanna Dark, a perfect agent and ultimate weapon. Equip Joanna with definitive state-of-the-art weaponry, gadgets, and vehicles in the Xbox 360-exclusive prequel to the international award-winning and multimillion-selling first-person shooter "Perfect Dark". For more information about "Perfect Dark Zero," visit the official site "safe house" at http://www.perfectdarkzero.com/.

United Kingdom-based Rare, one of the world's leading video game developers, was founded in 1985 by Chris and Tim Stamper. Rare has been the mastermind behind some of the most popular video games in history, including such global multimillion sellers as GoldenEye 007 and Perfect Dark.  

Microsoft Game Studios is a leading worldwide publisher and developer of games for the Xbox® and Xbox 360™ video game systems, the Windows® operating system and online platforms. Comprising a network of top developers, Microsoft Game Studios is committed to creating innovative and diverse games for Windows (http://www.microsoft.com/games ), including such franchises as "Age of Empires®," "Flight Simulator" and "Zoo Tycoon®;" Xbox and Xbox 360 (http://www.xbox.com ), including such games as the upcoming "Gears of War" and franchises such as "Halo®," "Fable®," "Project Gotham Racing®" and "Forza Motorsport™"; and MSN® Games ( http://www.games.msn.com), the official games channel for the MSN network and home to such hits as "Bejeweled" and "Hexic®."