Darkwatch takes a bite out of retail

Cowboy-vampire Jericho Cross is set to terrorize retailers across North America today, as Capcom has announced that the gothic, Western first-person shooter Darkwatch has shipped for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox.

Developed by High Moon Studios, Darkwatch follows the outlaw gunslinger Cross, who unwittingly emancipates the son of Satan (oops!) while on his quest to cleanse the Wild West of undead. Meanwhile, Cross hopes to redeem his own soul in the process.

Darkwatch is the first product from High Moon Studios since it broke from its former parent company Sammy in March.

Rick Olafsson, High Moon Studios CFO and COO was very grateful of his project's new publisher, and he hopes the product "will establish itself as a successful franchise."

Both versions of the game have features exclusive to their respective consoles, with the Xbox version supporting Xbox Live play for up to 16 players, and the PS2 edition offering an exclusive War Train level, two-player split-screen cooperative play through the entire story campaign, and splitter grenades.

Darkwatch is rated M for Mature and retails for $49.99. For more on High Moon Studios' debut effort, check out GameSpot's full review.