Ion Assault

Cologne, Germany, Black Inc. is leading gamers on a highscore chase in outer space: The space shooter Ion Assault can now be downloaded from Xbox LIVE® Arcade. As the first German arcade game on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Ion Assault deploys players into the vastness of space as they battle asteroids and enemy ships on a perilous journey back home.

The Munich developer Coreplay offers arcade fans a spectacular display of action: As the only survivor of an alien assault, the player boards a spaceship and embarks on a dangerous voyage back to Earth. Ion Assault takes pilots on a journey through graphically detailed and differently themed scenarios, each destined to captivate players with their individual enemies, boss characters, and atmospheric soundtrack.

Instead of using conventional weapons, players employ energy particles floating in space to ward off the alien assault. Focused into a single shot, these particles, with physically correct behavior, destroy asteroids and enemy spacecraft. They then spread out through space, ready to be collected once more. This makes for dynamic gameplay that challenges players to search for the highest concentrations of particles throughout the levels. In addition, temporary power-ups – such as a shield or a black hole that sets the particles rotating and destroys enemies – help to prevail in the most dangerous of situations.

An online highscore table allows scorers to compare results with Ion Assault players around the globe. Moreover, daring arcade pilots get to enjoy different multiplayer modes. In cooperative mode, two players share the available energy particles and, if they work together, fire them to one another in order to trap enemies between them. In versus mode, the game works differently: Four players try to protect their space stations from attack, while the fifth sends automated drones to his or her opponents' bases.

Ion Assault is available for download from Xbox LIVE Arcade for 800 Microsoft Points.

Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies and are used under license from Microsoft.

About RTL Interactive Games Publishing:

The Games Publishing division of RTL interactive GmbH (RTL Games GmbH until December 31, 2008) is responsible for the entire computer and console games business of the Media Group RTL Germany. The team designs and publishes video games for different types of gamers and focuses on the mass market of arcade and casual games. Further, individual titles by the Games Publishing Unit appeal to fans of adventure, fantasy and role playing games. Generally, RTL Games is aiming to serve all console platforms as well as PC with its future projects. In the market, the games publisher operates with a consistent three label strategy: Games with a direct connection to television and especially family friendly titles are released by the label Playtainment. The brand RTL Sports encompasses successful sports video games. The label Black Inc. appeals to fans of adventure, fantasy and role playing games, providing high-quality, complex premium titles especially for core gamers. For further information please go to http://www.blackinc-games.com

About Xbox 360

Xbox 360 is a premier video game and entertainment system. It is home to the best and broadest games as well as the largest on-demand library of standard- and high-definition movies and TV shows connected to the television — with music coming this fall. The digital center of the living room, Xbox 360 blends unbeatable content with the largest online social network of 20 million members on Xbox LIVE to create a limitless entertainment experience that can be shared at home or across the globe. With the addition of currently code-named “Project Natal,” Xbox 360 will forever transform social gaming and entertainment with a whole new way to play — no controller required. More information about “Project Natal” and Xbox 360 can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/en-GB/live

About Xbox LIVE

Xbox LIVE is the largest gaming and entertainment network and delivers more entertainment than any device connected to the television, including movies, TV, music and games. Xbox LIVE is also the only entertainment service to provide instant on 1080p streaming HD video from Zune video. With an active community of more than 20 million people across 26 countries, Xbox LIVE lets you play the best games, enjoy the largest on-demand library and, coming soon, listen to millions of songs — all while connecting to friends anytime. An Xbox LIVE Gold membership provides you with exclusive benefits and premium access to entertainment from the top studios and services, all in one place. More information about Xbox LIVE can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/xbox360.

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.