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Ion Assault

XBLA space shooter gets an update.

Cologne, Germany, February 11, 2010 – Black Inc. and developer Coreplay from Munich, Germany, are releasing new gameplay features for the space shooter Ion Assault. An automatic update will add the high score "survival" mode and an alternative control setup to the first German-made arcade game for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®.

The new controls enable the player to handle targeting directly: Using the right stick, the player is now able to align the spaceship immediately, instead of rotating it around its axis as before. This is much easier for fans of similar games, while veterans of Ion Assault can continue to use the classic controls in both the campaign and multiplayer modes.

The newly added survival mode demands faster reactions and more stamina than the campaign. The player is confronted with more and more increasingly dangerous enemies within a certain time limit. When destroyed, enemies drop Score Orbs which not only yield points, but also valuable extra seconds, making them essential for anyone aspiring to beat the high score.

In the new mode, the ion particles the player uses to fire at enemy spacecraft do not have to be collected as they are in the campaign. The particles are automatically bundled from the beginning, and can be fired in a focused beam. The constant ion flow allows the player to concentrate fully on evasion and targeting. Thrill-seekers looking to set a new high score will find the new game mode a fast, intense experience. Moreover, Ion Assault pilots all over the world get to compare their Achievements in the "Survival" rankings. Players can also choose to explore the trial version of the new game mode first.

Visually, the developer Coreplay continues to make the most of Ion Assault's spectacular particle effect system in the survival mode: The particles' colors and the lighting change depending on the enemies who appear, creating a visually dynamic world.

Ion Assault can be downloaded from Xbox LIVE Arcade for 800 Microsoft Points. The update including the new game mode and control setup is installed automatically.

Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

About Ion Assault:

As the sole survivor of an alien assault, the player boards a spaceship and embarks on a dangerous voyage back to Earth. Ion Assault takes the pilot through four scenarios full of lavish graphics, each with its own theme and unique enemies, boss characters, and an atmospheric soundtrack designed to thrill. Instead of conventional weapons, the player uses the energy particles that float freely through space to combat the alien onslaught. Moreover, daring arcade pilots get to enjoy a high score list, and online versus and cooperative multiplayer modes for up to four players. Ion Assault was developed by the game studio Coreplay from Munich, Germany.

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 interactive 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: 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.de

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/de-DE/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.

Media Contact:

Casey Lynch

Reverb Communications

casey@reverbinc.com

209-586-1495x 115

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