Artificial mashes out Monster Madness

Ever throw a party when the parents were out of town only to have it crashed by hordes of bloodthirsty monsters? Artificial Studios' newly announced Monster Madness will let gamers experience that scenario, at least virtually. The third-person, top-down shooter is on schedule for release in the first quarter of 2006 on the PC and Xbox 360.

In the game, four slackers take on fiery imps, undead samurai, requisite zombies, and voluptuous vampires after a monstrous invasion disrupts their plans for the weekend. The game supports four-player cooperative gaming, with each playable character possessing unique skills and maneuvers.

Armed with shotguns, pistols, and baseball bats, the four characters will battle through five environments, including shopping malls, suburban streets, and the local high school. Gamers will also be able to drive vehicles and equip the rides with weapons.

Artificial Studios was formed in 2002 by Tim Johnson and Jeremy Stieglitz. The company developed the Reality Engine, which is currently being used in Monster Madness, Team Tarsier's Metronome, and others.