Microsoft today announced that Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness will hit the 360′s Xbox Live Arcade service this coming Wednesday.

A collaborative effort between Penny Arcade and developer Hothead Games, the first installment in the webcomic-based 3D action-adventure series features customizable characters and a dynamic turn-based combat system.

Players will assume the role of crime-cracking duo Gabe and Tycho while uncovering the mysteries surrounding a sinister universe known as New Arcadia. The title will set you back 1600 Microsoft Points ($20) when it launches on Wednesday.

“Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One” Launches on Xbox LIVE Arcade This Wednesday!

Discover the mysteries of New Arcadia with Gabe and Tycho in “Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One,” available on Xbox LIVE Arcade this Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. GMT (1:00 a.m. PDT).

The first episodic RPG-Adventure game to grace Xbox LIVE Arcade, “Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One” is the result of a collaboration between Hothead Games and Penny Arcade. The first episode sends players to a deranged 1920s comic-book-meets-pulp-horror universe called New Arcadia. Armed with unconventional weaponry, players join forces with Gabe and Tycho of the Startling Developments Detective Agency to make war on bizarre enemies and solve the mysteries hidden deep in the sinister heart of New Arcadia.

“Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One” offers players the ability to design their own customizable character, a dynamic turn-based combat system and the ability to transfer your customized character’s stats and inventories to future episodes, or start fresh with each episode. Fans of Penny Arcade will appreciate the authenticity of the game, which features distinctive artwork and characters designed by Mike “Gabe” Krahulik and a story and dialogue written by Jerry “Tycho” Holkins.

Developed by Hothead Games, “Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One” will be available worldwide (with the exception of Korea) for 1600 Microsoft Points and is rated “M” for Mature by the ESRB for all platforms. For more details on “Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One” please visit:

* http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/p/pennyarcadexboxlivearcade/

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