Konami knocks on Death, Jr.'s door

At last year's Game Developers Conference, one of the big stories was a demonstration of Backbone Entertainment's Death, Jr. As the first PSP game announced, one would think a publisher would jump at the chance to sign the third-person action title to its portfolio. Not so.

Nine months later, Death, Jr. finally has a place to rest. Konami today announced that it has picked up Death, Jr. and will distribute the title this spring. Reps for the publisher said they had inked the deal with Backbone six months ago, but only revealed the agreement today. The game is described as having "elements of first-person shooters" and third-person platformers.

Death, Jr. tells the story of the Grim Reaper's teenage son and his misadventures with his group of gruesome friends. On a school trip to the Museum of Supernatural History, the pack of miscreants opens a mysterious box, unleashing the ancient demon Moloch. It's up to the little reaper to undo his mistake and save the world, all in time before his daddy gets home, or it's off to military school in the morning.

Death, Jr. comes armed with his scythe to battle Moloch's minions. He can use it as a simple slashing tool or bust out some combos to take down enemies. He'll also have access to other weapons, such as pistols, lightning guns, and flamethrowers.

The unique story and characters of Death, Jr. have caught the eye of more than just the gaming world. Earlier this year, Sony production company Circle of Confusion announced that it will develop a movie based on Death, Jr., and Image Comics will distribute a Death, Jr. bimonthly comic beginning this April.

For more on Death, Jr., check out our previous coverage.