Source: videogamesblogger.com

The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena is a game that will expand on the critically acclaimed original game in the series that released for the Xbox and PC in 2004 as The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay.

The new game not only brings the entire original to next-gen consoles with upgraded graphics, effects and audio, but an entirely new game that’s just as large as the original has been added in addition to numerous gameplay enhancements and features.

Starring Vin Diesel as the titular anti-hero Riddick (who has heightened sensory abilities that allow him to see and hear beyond normal human ranges), you must break out of the galaxy’s most deadly prison in this compelling 1st person action experience. Check out the all new trailer for the game.

Source: videogamesblogger.com

Ghostbusters 3: The Video Game, the video game sequel to the classic movies, has finally been picked up by a publisher; Atari will release the game in 2009.

Ghostbusters was highly anticipated before it’s release as it re-unites all the key players of the previous two Ghostbusters movies, including stars Harold Ramis, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson and Bill Murray who return to reprise their roles as Spenglar, Stantz, Zeddmore and Venkman. Also including the talents of Annie Potts, Brian Doyle Murray and William Antherton in everything from the storyline to the game’s setting, script and voice acting.

However the game was left in limbo when it’s original publisher, Sierra, was killed off by the Activision/Vivendi merger. Now Atari will publish the game “early next summer” to coincide with the first movie’s 25th anniversary!

Atari also picked up another game that was left in limbo, the new Riddick game, The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena, which they will release next Spring.

And not only did they snag up the new Riddick game, they also signed a deal with Universal (who owns the rights to the Riddick franchise) to make further games based on the Riddick character (played by Vin Diesal). Which should make fans of the critically acclaimed first-person shooters very happy. To pay development on both titles (Ghostbusters and Riddick), Atari paid Activision a flat, undisclosed fee.

Sounds like a great move to me by Atari, both games should be big hits both sales-wise and critically, so kudos on Atari for not letting these games slip by unpublished.

Source: videogamesblogger.com

Atari has announced that first person shooter The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena is joining its 2009 line up. 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, PlayStation 3 and PC in spring 2009.

The title features 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 spring 2009.

Previously announced as a remake of hit title The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay (PC, Xbox) with added content, Atari revealed 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.

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. Cheating death through a series of spectacular battles and events, Riddick will fight for his life amid a storm of malevolence and horror. 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.

“It’s very exciting to have Assault on Dark Athena as part of Atari’s 2009 publishing line-up,” said Phil Harrison, President of Infogrames Entertainment, the parent company of Atari. “The 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.”

“The Riddick IP offers a rich universe from which to develop no-holds barred games, and we’ve believed that since the days of the Pitch Black film,” said Bill Kispert, Vice President and General Manager, Interactive, Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group. “Assault 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’t seen before. As we introduce this new Riddick chapter, we are also excited to welcome Atari to the Riddick family.”

“We’re 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. We’re excited about the coming months and talking more in-depth about new features like the addition of Multiplayer!”

“Working with the Riddick franchise for us is an extraordinary experience,” said Johan Kristiansson, CEO, Starbreeze Studios. “We 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.”