OREANDA-NEWS. February 24, 2011. KONAMI's Fast-Paced Side-Scrolling Shooter Debut's as the First Title to Kick-Off Microsoft's House Party Program.

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today announced Hard Corps: Uprising is now available for download on Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Along with the game, two new downloadable characters will be available for purchase at launch as players will have the opportunity to play as Harley Daniels and Sayuri. Harley Daniels is extra tough, starting with 4 health bars instead of 3, while Sayuri provides players with quicker movement and a deadly Samurai blade attack. Developed by ARC System Works, Hard Corps: Uprising brings an exciting new look to a traditionally retro genre, all the while keeping with the frenetic gameplay that defines the shooter category.

Hard Corps: Uprising follows the soldier Bahamut as he begins to rise in strength and write his legend. Multiple game modes allow seasoned pros to show off their skills and enable genre neophytes to reach victory. Rising Mode affords new players the opportunity to earn points by overcoming enemies while under the protection of the life gauge system. This new system allows them to team up with advanced players cooperatively on or offline without the threat of sudden death. Superior players will feel right at home in Arcade Mode, modeled after the classic run-and-gun aesthetic. Playing solo or co-op, players will have to prove their expertise by finding numerous achievements and avoiding sudden death. Players all over the world can also link up via Online Co-Op Mode to view rankings, achievements and leader boards. Hard Corps: Uprising features challenging new levels, numerous power-up patterns and epic bosses. In addition, Rising mode features a multitude of power-ups and skills, and additional content, such as characters, wallpapers and avatar outfits, will be available for download. With the addition of breathtaking animations throughout the game, gamers will be immersed in the fast-paced thrills and exciting action that has always defined the 2D run-and-gun genre.

Hard Corps: Uprising is now available for 1200 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360. Downloadable characters Harley Daniels and Sayuri will be 200 Microsoft Points each and will also be available for download today. For more information, please visit www.konami.com/download.