Area 51 unearths date, Treasures promo

Midway today announced the official release date for Area 51 as April 25. The upcoming first-person shooter is being developed by Midway's Austin Studios, and it will be available for the Xbox and PlayStation 2.

Midway Games also announced that gamers who preorder Area 51 will receive a copy of Midway Arcade Treasures 2, a compilation of arcade classics that includes NARC, Gauntlet II, and Mortal Kombat II. To qualify for the offer, gamers must preorder Area 51 from select retailers, including EB Games and GameStop. Those who qualify will receive either the PS2 or Xbox version of the compilation.

In Area 51, gamers will infiltrate the famed restricted zone to discover that the truth is out there, as well discovering a virus that can decimate the entire human population. Armed with human and alien weaponry, players will blast their ways through several levels to uncover the truth behind alien spacecraft crashes and faux lunar landings. The game features voice acting from The X-Files star David Duchovny and rocker Marilyn Manson.

Area 51 will retail for $49.99 and is awaiting an ESRB rating. For more information on the shooter, check out GameSpot's previous coverage.