Namco Bandai Partners today announced that it will distribute keenly awaited next generation city builder title from Monte Cristo Games, Cities XL, in UK, Nordic Countries, Iberica, Italy, Australia and New Zealand, with distribution in other European countries previously secured by Monte Cristo.  Bringing a wealth of innovations within compelling single player and online multiplayer experiences, Cities XL is scheduled for release this coming October 2009.

Aiming to re-define the perennially popular city builder video game genre, Cities XL offers an experience that pushes the limits of scale, realism and sophistication both in solo play and with the vast connected online community in the game’s massively persistent multiplayer Planet mode.

Online or offline, Cities XL lets gamers develop cities on realistic 3D maps using a painstakingly crafted collection of unique structures and monuments based on European, Asian and American architectural styles.  The numerous maps feature a variety of environments including mountains, hills, canyons, beaches and islands, all set in different climate zones ranging from tropical to desert, Mediterranean to temperate. 

To get their city anywhere near the top ten best places to live list, players will need to cleverly combine and manage the resources, industries, social services, leisure activities, special events and employment opportunities in their cities.  Whether it’s staffing the local fire department with heroes, building a new mega-highway, handling troublesome agricultural waste, or building a shiny new play park for the kids, there’s always a new and interesting challenge round the next corner to test the skills and grit of wannabe mayors and managers.

Solo mode offers players 25 maps, approximately 500 buildings, a complex and diverse citizen structure, rich enterprise selection, complex yet accessible resource simulation, an ambitious traffic system, unique real-time construction tools, and an avatar studio with web-based profile pages.

The massively persistent online Planet mode, offers players the chance to enjoy and manage their multiplayer experience both in-game and via the internet.  Interactive features include trading resources with other players, cooperative working to build Mega Stuctures, web-based city management from any computer in the world, the ability to visit cities created by other players, the chance to create and participate in online events with other players, and regular additional content including new buildings and gameplay functionality.