Unreal gets Webbed, preorder bonus

Midway today announced that the official Web site for Unreal Championship 2: The Liandri Conflict has gone live. The latest shooter from Epic Games' Unreal franchise was built specifically for the Xbox, and it will reach store shelves April 11.

Though the site is still under construction, visitors will learn about the game's 14 playable characters, explosive weapons arsenal, and brand-new gameplay elements. The site features several screenshots as well as links to videos of the game in action.

Midway today also announced a special preorder program for Unreal Championship 2. Gamers who preorder their copies of the shooter will be entitled to instantly receive an Xbox Live-enabled Unreal Championship 2 demo disc and three of 12 collector cards featuring characters from the game, at select retailers, while supplies last.

The Unreal franchise has been one of the most successful first-person shooter franchises in history. The Liandri Conflict strays from the normal FPS formula by incorporating an optional third-person view, letting players both club one another with various staves and perform acrobatic moves.

Last July, Midway and Epic Games agreed to a deal granting Midway the rights to publish the next two Unreal PC titles and Unreal Championship 2: The Liandri Conflict for the Xbox. The deal also allows Midway's classic characters to be included in the game. So far, Mortal Kombat lightning god Raiden has been announced as a guest star.

Unreal Championship 2: The Liandri Conflict is rated "M" for Mature, and it will retail for $49.99. For more information, take a real good look at GameSpot's previous coverage.