Criminal Origins Condemned to Web

The official Web site for Condemned: Criminal Origins, the upcoming Xbox 360 game from Monolith, is now up and running. Kirkland, Washington-based Monolith previously worked on The Matrix Online and will be releasing the PC shooter F.E.A.R. next week.

A statement from publisher Sega has also revealed that the game will be a launch title for the next-generation console. Condemned joins four games from Activision and five from 2K Games as games that have been announced as launch titles by their publishers, but not confirmed by Microsoft.

The Web site for Condemned is divided in to several chapters, offering examples of what gamers will experience in the game. Visitors to the site will be invited to investigate crime scenes, track down clues, and unravel the mystery of a serial killer on the loose. There are also links to videos, screenshots, and game-related downloads.

In the game, Agent Ethan Thomas is on the trail of a serial killer who has a penchant for mutilated mannequins. The eerie atmosphere of the game, which crosses Seven with a Nine Inch Nails video, isn't all Q-tips and crime-scene photography. The first-person adventure also features aggressive drug addicts that Thomas will fend off with two-by-fours and other blunt weapons.

Condemned: Criminal Origins is rated M for Mature and will be released in November.