"Crackdown" Agents to Rearm, Reload With New Downloadable Content on Xbox LIVE

LONDON - May 10, 2007 - Thought Pacific City was well on its way to becoming a wholesome, law-abiding community? Think again, Agent.

Microsoft Game Studios and Realtime Worlds today announced that there is still more crime to be purged and new ways to purge it with the release of both free and premium downloadable content for the critically acclaimed Xbox 360 open-world action title "Crackdown." The content will be available for download from Xbox LIVE® Marketplace today.

With more than 900,000 units of "Crackdown" sold-through in only two months, Microsoft Game Studios and Realtime Worlds are extending the game's unparalleled experience, offering gamers several exciting new features, including vehicles, weapons, game modes and seven highly explosive, new Achievements. In addition, Agents will have free access to improved mission time trials, an option to repopulate gangs and kingpins after they have beaten the game, a vehicle impound garage, and the long-awaited Keys to the City - a comprehensive cheat mode including new "super agent" abilities and the option to create ramps, vehicles and explosives anywhere in Pacific City, at any point in the game.

For 800 Microsoft® Points, Agents can also access the full "Crackdown" armory, which includes three unique vehicles, four new devastating weapons, co-op game types, an Agent "cloaking device" and an added dynamic street-racing mode.

The new and improved street-racing mode brings several white-knuckle races to the streets and everywhere in between. Agents can win by any means necessary - via speed or sabotage.

Vehicle selection is imperative to an Agent's success, and the premium vehicle additions will help gamers dominate their foes. The Agency Buggy, fitted with a turret for the new, ultimate fast-firing projectile chain gun, is the vehicle of choice in rough and tumble off-road races. The low-profile battering ram of the Agency Armored Vehicle is strong enough to knock vehicles out of the way and protect Agents from an onslaught of gunfire, and is fitted with an independently aiming rocket turret. The Agency Racecar is the high-speed car of choice on the long stretches of city pavement.

In addition to a flocking rocket launcher (the MSK Lobber) and the all-powerful MZ360 Mini-Gun, the premium content will feature both proximity mines and the HRX Harpoon gun capable of stopping crime in its path by nailing criminals to nearby cars and walls.

In addition, if a player who has yet to purchase the PDLC content enters into a co-op game with a partner who has, that player will be able to preview the new content for the duration of that game.

For gamers interested in dashboard content, one new "Crackdown" theme will be available for 150 Microsoft Points, as well as four exciting new picture packs at varying prices.

And finally, on May 16, owners of the specially marked packages of "Crackdown" will be able to access the long-awaited "Halo® 3" multiplayer beta from the in-game menu.

So whether it's through the free or premium content, "Crackdown" gamers on Xbox LIVE are bracing themselves to hit the streets of Pacific City once again. Now, get out there, Agent, and kick crime where it hurts.

About Realtime Worlds

Realtime Worlds' key staff has a tremendous history of creating some of the world's most innovative and best-selling video games. The development team was hand-picked by Dave Jones, founder of DMA Design Ltd. and the designer and creator of more than 15 hit titles.

About Microsoft Game Studios

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 "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®."

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

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