"Crackdown 2" – justice returns with a vengeance

After 10 years on the brink of turmoil, the time has come for the Agency to restore peace in Pacific City, rid the streets of crime and eliminate a deadly virus threatening the population.

Putting you into the thick of the action, the highly anticipated summer blockbuster, “Crackdown 2,” is now available in New Zealand.

Developed by Ruffian Games and published by Microsoft Game Studios exclusively for Xbox 360, “Crackdown 2” is available for a recommended retail price of $99.95* and is rated “R16”.

The sequel to the award winning “Crackdown,” “Crackdown 2” builds exponentially upon the sizzling, action-packed gameplay of its predecessor, including the all new four-player co-op and 16-player multiplayer modes. With formidable new enemies called the Cell and the Freaks standing in the way of the Agency’s goal to restore order, players return as genetically enhanced Agents in “Crackdown 2” to once again bring peace to Pacific City – by any means necessary in one of the most explosive and interactive open worlds for fans to explore and experiment with.

In addition, fans are invited to take the action even further in the popular Facebook game, “Chuck’s Ducks 2,” which is tied to the gameplay in “Crackdown 2.” By participating in the carnival-inspired game, players and their friends can earn and activate an exclusive, daily supply of explosive sticky duck bombs, called Quackers, for use in the multiplayer mode in “Crackdown 2.” Joining is easy:

• Log on to www.chucksducks2.com to tie the game to your Facebook account
• Play the interactive game, earn points and compare your score with friends
• Keep the points or gift them to your friends
• Click on the Yes/No button at the bottom of the game and sign in with your Windows LIVE ID. This will link your Gamertag in the game
• Activate the Quackers when you play in the multiplayer mode of the retail version of “Crackdown 2”

If you’re interested in getting a taste of Agency life before you purchase “Crackdown 2,” sign in to your Xbox LIVE Gold account** to access the public demo today, which was downloaded more than one million times in its first week! The demo introduces players to the single player campaign, four-player co-op with friends and an inventive sandbox style that lets you play how you want, when you want. You’ll get a taste of power thanks to the demo’s accelerated levelling and if you’re a fan of Achievements, the ones you earn in the “Crackdown 2” demo will be counted and deferred when you purchase and play the retail game.

Visit xbox.co.nz/crackdown2 for more information on “Crackdown 2.”