Capcom today announced the release of Beat Down: Fists of Vengeance for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and the Xboxâ video game system from Microsoftâ. Set in the seedy underbelly of Las Sombras, players are immersed in an urban setting ruled by a criminal underworld of power, greed and corruption. This intense, urban action game features a twisting storyline filled with betrayal, warring cartels and hard-hitting battles. Players must use their wits and depend on their fists above all else, as they seek vengeance against their enemies. Beat Down: Fists of Vengeance includes multiple modes, diverse gameplay and an open format that offers players a high level of freedom. The game is now available at retailers across North America and carries an "M" rating for mature audiences by the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board).

"Beat Down: Fists of Vengeance is Capcom's new take on the fighting genre and features hard-hitting action in a visceral urban setting," said Todd Thorson, director of marketing, Capcom Entertainment, Inc. "As publishers of Street Fighter, the longest running fighting franchise in the industry, Capcom is certainly an authority in this category. We will use this expertise as we take a new direction in fighting games."

In an area brimming with cartels battling for power and influence, no one comes close to Zanetti's group, the strongest force in Las Sombras. When Zanetti learns of a rival clan's drug deal, he dispatches five of his top mercenaries from his inner circle to intervene. When they arrive on the scene, they find their targets have already been executed and to their surprise, they are ambushed by members of their own cartel. They were set up to appear as traitors who were out to nab the drugs and money for themselves. They had been double crossed, but by who? Was this some scheme by the cartel to exploit them as scapegoats? Did one of the five betray the others? Outnumbered and pursued by both their previous cartel and law enforcement officials, the five are forced to split up and disappear into the shadows of Las Sombras.

Beat Down: Fists of Vengeance puts gamers in the role of one of the five fugitives as they seek revenge against their foes. Betrayal comes at a high price and to survive in Las Sombras, you need power. With enemies everywhere, the only hope is to find the other four and build enough power to strike back. Using a low-key downtown bar as a hideout base, players will wander the town in search of information and add allies to their growing opposition. Taking different jobs around town will add much needed funds to fuel the growth of the posse. By proving themselves in street battles, effectively utilizing negotiation skills and using clever disguises, they will be able to build their influence on the mean streets. Soon no one will stand in the way of cold hard vengeance.