First look: Men in Black 2: Alien Escape

Infogrames has today released the first gameplay information on the GameCube version of Men in Black 2: Alien Escape, which is currently in development at Infogrames' Melbourne House. The third-person action game isn't based directly on the recent Men in Black II, but it uses elements from both that movie and the 1997 original.

In the game, players can choose to assume the role of either the young and athletic agent J, who moves more quickly, or the vastly experienced agent K, who has a larger health bar and deals out more damage to enemies. Players will be able to switch between the two characters as they progress through the game, but it's not yet clear whether this option will be available mid-level or only in between missions.

The game's plot sees the Men in Black discovering the wreckage of a space prison hulk that was carrying the galaxy's most dangerous alien gangs before it crashed into the Earth's ocean. Unfortunately, a number of the inmates cannot be accounted for and so it falls to agents J and K to hunt down those that have escaped and bring them in--dead or alive. The levels in the game are divided up into five distinct episodes, and as they progress through the game, players will get to take in such exotic locales as a nuclear power station, the docks, and the streets of Manhattan.

"The Men in Black movies and universe provide the perfect formula for a fast and hilariously action-packed interactive game," said Larry Sparks, vice president of European marketing at Infogrames. "With danger looming around every corner, thunderous explosions, and dramatic plot twists, players will feel like they're taking part in a real action film."

Although the GameCube version of Men in Black II: Alien Escape is scheduled for release in Europe in January 2003, we've been unable to confirm a North American release date at this time. The PS2 version of the game, however, has been available in stores since June.