Konami livin' the Crime Life

After a less-than-stellar initial outing into games, Detroit-based rap group D12 is getting a second shot with Crime Life: Gang Wars, now shipping from Konami for the Xbox. In addition to lending their voices and likenesses to the game, D12 also recorded original music for Crime Life.

Described as a free-roaming beat-'em-up action brawler, Crime Life casts players as a two-bit gangland thug who ascends the criminal ladder to create his own crooked empire.

"Crime Life: Gang Wars is a modern rendition of the popular side-scrolling brawler games of yesteryear, set in the backdrop of gang warfare," said Jason Enos, product manager for Konami Digital Entertainment America. "Players will need to master a dynamic fighting system in order to conquer the streets," he continued.

Crime Life: Gang Wars is rated M for Mature and retails for $19.99. A PC version is expected in stores next week.