Dead to Rights pushed to 2010?

Dead to Rights fans have been waiting four years for a new installment in the third-person shooter series, and at least some of them will have to wait a little longer still. Namco Bandai Partners updated its UK release schedule today and in the process gave Dead to Rights: Retribution for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 a 2010 launch window.

While a Namco Bandai Games America representative had not returned GameSpot's request for confirmation as of press time, British gamers may have some company on the sidelines. Originally announced for a 2009 release, Dead to Rights: Retribution on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 is being listed by North American retailers with 2010 shipping dates attached.

GameStop is accepting Retribution preorders for either platform with a March 1, 2010, release date. Amazon.com is the slightest bit more optimistic, pegging both versions as coming out February 28, 2010. CD Universe is the most conservative of the bunch, advertising the game with a March 24, 2010, date attached.

Whenever it releases, Dead to Rights: Retribution will attempt to distinguish itself by hybridizing the third-person shooter and beat-'em-up genres. At range, players will be able to put dedicated cop Jack Slate's marksman prowess to the test, using cover, blind fire, and human shields to down his foes. Up close, players will have access to branching hand-to-hand combos, counterattacks, and disarming techniques. Players will also be able to take control of the Hooch to Slate's Turner, Shadow, in certain situations throughout the course of the game.

For more on the game, check out GameSpot's previous coverage of Dead to Rights: Retribution.