505 Games today announced Blackwater, which they say is “an immersive First Person eXperience” destined exclusively for Kinect. Produced by Pantierra and developed by Zombie Studios, Blackwater reportedly takes its title from the former name of the private security company founded in 1997 by Erik Prince, a former Navy SEAL, to provide training support to military and law enforcement agencies.
505 Games state Blackwater reinvents the modern combat shooter genre by giving players the ability to completely control the gameplay experience using a traditional controller or Kinect for Xbox 360’s controller-free abilities, introducing an unprecedented level of immersion to the FPS genre.
“This game and its immersive Kinect-based approach will give players the chance to experience what it is like to be on a Blackwater team on a mission without being dropped into a real combat situation,” said Prince.
“The Blackwater team is comprised of an amazing group of individuals and we’re proud to work with them to create a video game that showcases their talent and courage,” said Ian Howe, President, 505 Games. “Being able to get the controller out of player’s hands with Kinect and have them on the ground and immersed in the experience will give them a glimpse of what it takes to be a member of an elite fighting force.”
Overview
Based on a fictional story, the game was developed in conjunction with former members of the Blackwater team to ensure accuracy of moves, gestures and gameplay. The game also features a selection of officially licensed weapons for your soldier to choose from.
Blackwater is an intense, cinematic shooter experience unlike anything you’ve ever played before. Lead a team of Blackwater Operators protecting a fictional North African town, battling dangerous warlords and fighting back two opposing militia forces. Using the motion-sensing Kinect controller players can do everything from moving their character to aiming and firing a weapon as you work your way through pressure-filled missions. The game is also playable with a standard controller.
Blackwater is scheduled to release in autumn 2011. The game is developed under a trademark license agreement. ESRB rating for this game is pending.
