games

Snoop Dogg to team up with 'Tekken' Tag

East meets west as Godfather of fighting games and Doggfather of hip-hop create original song, new in-game stage.

Namco Bandai has joined with iconic hip-hop star Snoop Dogg to create original content for ''Tekken' Tag Tournement 2', the next installment in the award-winning fighting game franchise coming this September for PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Snoop Dogg puts his inimitable gangster touch on ''Tekken' Tag Tournement 2' with an original song created exclusively for the game, titled 'Knocc 'Em Down'. The Doggfather will also make a special appearance in the game as a non-playable character in The Snoop Dogg Stage as a special pre-order bonus to be made available in addition to previously announced pre-order DLC that bolsters the largest roster in 'Tekken' history.

 "We are big fans of Snoop Dogg and are proud to welcome him to the 'Tekken' franchise," said Katsuhiro Harada, 'Tekken' Project Director at Namco Bandai Games Inc. "The content we created with Snoop Dogg and the song he made for the game allow 'Tekken' fans to experience the legendary hip-hop star in a unique way and blend both Eastern and Western cultures like never before."

"I've been a fan of 'Tekken' since the 90's so I'm excited to have made 'Knocc 'Em Down' for the game's soundtrack. The game's got a special stage featuring yours truly sittin' high above and watching the action take place," says Hip-Hop icon Snoop Dogg. "All you 'Tekken Tag Tournement 2' fans better get ready to experience kickin' ass on Tha Boss Dogg's stage with my new song 'Knocc 'Em Down' banging in the background. What more could you ask for?"

With his new song 'Knocc 'Em Down', Snoop Dogg prepares players for the next battle in 'Tekken Tag Tournement 2's legendary King of Iron Fist tournament. Featured in the game and on the original soundtrack, 'Knocc 'Em Down' blends Snoop's smooth style with the lethal power of 'Tekken'. The music video releasing in the next week will feature Snoop squaring off against the 'Tekken' community's most highly respected competitive fighters and model Adrianne Curry, herself a fighting game aficionado.

"Namco Bandai Games is making it a priority to bring fighting game fans a truly original experience in 'Tekken Tag Tournement 2'," said Carlson Choi, Vice President of Marketing, Namco Bandai Games America Inc. "This is our first time partnering with Snoop Dogg and we couldn't be happier with the results. He brings something completely unique to the 'Tekken' franchise.

Gamers looking to connect with their favorite rapper can pre-order 'Tekken Tag Tournement 2' to gain access to The Snoop Dogg Stage, which continues a tradition of iconic stage backgrounds in 'Tekken' games with the Doggfather making an appearance along with a bevvy of beautiful women. The stage will be free as part of pre-order bonuses at ShopTo and Zavvi in the UK. On top of this, those who pre-order at ShopTo (X360 or PS3) also gain early access to the first DLC characters, Michelle Chang and Angel. Whereas players who pre-order through Zavvi will get fighters Kunimitsu and Ancient Ogre.

'Tekken Tag Tournement 2' improves upon the tag based combat of the original, with the latest installment introducing one-on-one fighting and solo fighter vs. tag-team battles. These new modes introduce a new style of play in the 'Tekken' series and provide an easier point of access to new players, while keeping the game fresh for long time fans of the franchise.

'Tekken Tag Tournement 2' will be available worldwide for the PlayStation 3 system and Xbox 360 the week of 10 September 2012.