Capcom unfurls Commando 3 chute

Tiki Games' top-down shooter Novastrike and a free Guitar Hero III track for God of War II's theme song won't be the only additions to Sony's PlayStation Network today. Capcom has announced that Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3 will also be a part of today's release slate. Defying convention, the Xbox 360 edition of the game will follow the PlayStation 3 downloadable multiplatform release, arriving on Xbox Live Arcade next Wednesday, June 11.

A revival of Capcom's long-dormant Commando series, Wolf of the Battlefield updates the game's classic run-and-gun gameplay with a cooperative shooter focus. Up to four players can band together locally or online to dispose of the nefarious international despot General Ratiev, and selectable soldiers come equipped with their own unique characteristics. GameSpot's previous coverage has a more in-depth look at the dual-analog shoot-'em-up.

As previously announced, Xbox Live Gold subscribers who plop down the 800 Microsoft points ($10) entrance fee for Commando 3 will receive access to Capcom's Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix beta test. Capcom representative John Diamonon offered consoling words on Sony's PlayStation Blog for the lack of a similar beta for PS3 gamers.

"We did everything we could to try to make it happen, but bottom line, we're working hard to make a game that you'll be extremely happy with," said Diamonon. "As an added bonus, we're giving you the opportunity to play Commando a week before the XBLA version releases. Finally, for all the PlayStation Street Fighter fans, we are planning some cool stuff for you, so stay tuned."

While Capcom provided no update as to when the SSFIITHDR beta period would kick off, the game maker said in March that the eight-week period would begin shortly after the launch of Commando 3. The full edition of SSFIITHDR is expected to arrive on both Xbox Live and the PSN later this year.

Backbone Entertainment handled development duties for both SSFIITHDR and Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3.