Capcom, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced the release of Darkwatch for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and the Xbox video game system from Microsoft. Developed by High Moon Studios, Inc., Darkwatch is an immersive FPS (first person shooter) that blends the lawless action of the Wild West with the thrilling horror of vampire movies. Darkwatch is now available at retailers across North America and carries an "M" rating for mature audiences by the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board).

Darkwatch is a mysterious secret society that has protected humanity from evil since the dawn of civilization. Their newest and most deadly agent is Jericho Cross, an outlaw gunslinger pulled into their ranks after an unfortunate close encounter with a vampire lord. As the one responsible for unleashing the vampire and his minions on the West, Jericho must use his new vampire powers to hunt him down to prevent the American Frontier from being overrun by the undead, and to save his own soul from eternal damnation.

"Capcom is set to turn the first person shooter genre on fire as Darkwatch is released upon the masses," said Todd Thorson, director of marketing, Capcom Entertainment. "Featuring blood thirsty vampires, the old wild west, stunning visuals and spot on gameplay, Darkwatch will be an experience that gamers can't wait to sink there teeth into."

"This is the ultimate milestone for every game development company," said Rick Olafsson, CFO and COO, High Moon Studios, Inc. "Today is when our video game, one that has been years in the making, leaves the hands of its creators hopefully to affect the hearts and minds of many gamers. With all of the elements of a high-caliber, memorable entertainment experience in place, and with the great support Capcom has given the title, we believe Darkwatch will establish itself as a successful franchise."

Darkwatch promises a cinematic video game experience with remarkable game play variety in a FPS. With Jericho’s supernatural abilities, mysteriously advanced weaponry, shattering melee attacks unique to each weapon, armed vehicles and a deadly demon steed, players lay waste across a Wild West infested by Vampires and other supernatural creatures. Darkwatch introduces a dynamic reputation and experience system where the choices the player makes lead to different paths and supernatural vampire abilities. The experience is further enhanced with location-specific damage, letting players tear apart the undead, and innovative use of Havok physics for dynamic objects that can be improvised as weapons.