Centipede: Infestation invades 3DS and Wii this fall
This is one of those times when we'd normally bemoan the "re-imagining" of classic games, but Atari's freshly announced rebirth of legendary trackball-based shooter Centipede, for 3DS and Wii, has us holding onto hope because of its developer. Due this fall, the title has been placed into the (capable) hands of WayForward Technologies, which has brought us the likes of Contra 4 and A Boy and His Blob.
Granted, Centipede: Infestation is definitely more of a reinterpretation of the original than either of those titles. It's evolved into a story-driven action game with dual-stick shooter mechanics, casting players as a orphaned boy in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. He's joined by a female partner character who possesses the ability to make plants grow -- exactly how that ability will translate into gameplay hasn't been fully revealed. Two-player co-op is planned on console and handheld, with the latter supporting local wireless play and StreetPass functionality.
Based on the first gameplay footage released by Atari and WayForward's track record, we're unusually optimistic about this one. Check it out for yourself after the break.
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ARCADE CLASSIC CENTIPEDE® MAKES Wii DEBUT WITH CENTIPEDE: INFESTATION
The Infestation Begins Fall 2011 on the Nintendo 3DS™ and Wii™ Systems
Los Angeles, CA - April 19, 2011 - Twelve years after a nuclear war, the world has turned into an uninhabitable wasteland with mutant insects and humanity holding onto survival in outposts hidden from the poisonous air and killer Centipedes. This Fall, Nintendo fans can become humanity's only hope for survival as Atari®, one of the world's most recognized publishers and producers of interactive entertainment, and developer WayForward re-imagine the legendary video game franchise Centipede for a new generation of gamers with Centipede: Infestation.
"Centipede: Infestation modernizes one our most popular brands for Nintendo's youthful audience," said Jim Wilson, President and CEO of Atari S.A. "This game and other games to follow, further define Atari's strategy to build upon our library of celebrated IP and reimagine them for next generation game platforms."
Centipede: Infestation is a post-apocalyptic action experience that features run-n-gun shooting style gameplay with tower defense-style objects, paying homage to the original Centipede while bringing the brand into the 21st century. Players assume the role of an orphaned teenager hero named Max as he trudges through the wasteland, fighting off giant bugs. During Max's travels he encounters a young teen named Maisy who possesses a collection of seeds that hold the secret to bringing plant life back to the wasteland. Max and Maisy join forces to grow these gardens and protect the last natural resources on earth.
Players will be swarmed by mutated spiders, beetles, grubs, caterpillars, moths, and boss insects across the game's expansive world of seven environments and 40 stages. To defeat these mutant species and restore mankind, players will have to use an array of weaponry -- Lightning Orb Gun, Nuke Cannon, Freezethrower, Mine Launcher, and more – as well as power-ups to fight through the invasions.
Like the toadstool of the original Centipede game, each insect has a unique defensive object that it can leave behind, as a 'special' variation.. These defensive objects are short-lived combat tools that distract, attack, or block insect assaults during battle.
Additionally, the game allows players to team up with friends to fight off even more bugs with 2 player co-op multiplayer features. Nintendo 3DS players will be able to take advantage of unique StreetPass™ features that enable them to uniquely share content between passing Nintendo 3DS users. Centipede: Infestation for Nintendo 3DS will also feature gooey 3D visuals and ad-hoc multiplayer for 2 player co-op.
For more information, please log onto www.atari.com.
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About ATARI, SA
Atari group is a global creator, producer and publisher of interactive entertainment. Atari's brands and content are available across all key traditional and digital distribution touch points, including browser-based and social online platforms, PC, consoles from Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony, and advanced smart phones (i.e. iPhone, Android and RIM devices).
Divisions of Atari, SA include Cryptic Studios, Eden Studios, Atari Interactive, Inc. and Atari, Inc. Atari benefits from the strength of its worldwide brand and its extensive catalogue of contemporary classic game franchises (Asteroids®, Centipede®, Missile Command®, Lunar Lander®), original owned franchises (Test Drive®, Backyard Sports®, Deer Hunter®), MMO games from Cryptic Studios (Star Trek™ Online, Champions™) and third party franchises (Ghostbusters®, Rollercoaster Tycoon®, Dungeons and Dragons®). Atari also leverages the power of its franchises to deliver movies and merchandise to consumers around the world.
For more information please visit: www.atari.com
© 2011 Atari Europe SASU. All rights reserved.
Atari, Centipede and Centipede: Infestation word marks and logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks owned by Atari Interactive, Inc.
Centipede: Infestation © 2011 Atari Interactive, Inc. All rights reserved. WayForward and its logo are trademarks of Wayforward Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
