Gorillaz Release Online Game

• 30th Mar 2010

Parlophone has confirmed the release of “Escape to Plastic Beach” – a multi level, multi format game release that takes fans on the Gorillaz journey to their new headquarters on Plastic Beach. The game also includes an MP3 download of the band's new single ‘Superfast Jellyfish’ taken from their new album ‘Plastic Beach’.

“Escape to Plastic Beach” is the first game of its type merging numerous levels of Flash and Unity formats along with a new single MP3 to create an audio, visual, graphical and gaming experience to expand fans’ experience of an album. Increasing the experience beyond traditional album release – the game features original artwork, voiceovers from the band and numerous other tracks from the new Gorillaz album.

“Escape to Plastic Beach” starts by recreating the events from the ‘Stylo’ music video in a free-to-play, 2D online game that sees Murdoc, singer 2D and Cyborg Noodle on their journey from the mainland to Plastic Beach. It continues underwater with Murdoc’s daring underwater rescue of the band, and then beyond taking players direct to Plastic Beach HQ in a challenging eight level, 3D pay-to-play game. The final chapter of the game also includes an MP3 download of the band’s new single ‘Superfast Jellyfish’ featuring De La Soul and Gruff Rhys from Super Furry Animals.

Gorillaz Bassist, Murdoc stars as the main protagonist in “Escape to Plastic Beach” but will also play the game along with fellow members Cyborg Noodle and 2D – posting scores which fans can view and compete against via a global high score table. Fans who bought the “Experience” edition of the album had an exclusive preview of the 3D gliding game chapter as part of the extra content offered via the CD. Experience buyers will also be able to access the entire game in full, for free via their copy of Plastic Beach. Fans can also save their high scores in the members area of link.

Murdoc Niccals himself says:”Hey! This is fan-tastic. Some top-notch gonk gaming company have made a Gorillaz game that you can play free online. It's all based on Plastic Beach, and it features me, 2D and my cyborg Noodle! What's even better is that if you pay the £1.50 for the last part, you get our new single “Superfast Jellyfish”, and that's got 'Super Furry' Gruff and the De La Soul boys on it! El Caminos, Boogiemen, ghostly pirate ships, underwater chases, mines, fat cops and gun battles all wrapped up in some snazzy new gaming technology and a great new Gorillaz track too…I mean, what more could you want? Come n' play with me and Gorillaz on Plastic Beach and see how far that gets you…”

Online games have already proved powerful viral marketing tools for EMI Music enabling them to reach a target audience that have turned off from traditional radio, TV and press communications. This project is another collaboration with worldwide casual/advergaming experts, Matmi, who have pioneered promotional online tactics with EMI for a number of years.

Chapters One and Two (free-to-play online game).
Out-run and out-gun the cops and then evade the ruthless El Camino as the band makes its way to Plastic Beach. Mixing up retro-2D and 2.5D graphics with footage from the Stylo video, Chapter One puts the fate of the band in your hands.

In Chapter Two, guide Murdoc in an underwater rescue of Cyborg Noodle and 2D, avoiding mines and hostile sea-life over three challenging levels of aquatic action into the waiting submarine.

Chapter Three (pay-to-play online game).
A 3D (Unity) action game in which Murdoc floats and fights above Plastic Beach HQ on his Doom Glider to foil 2D’s repeated escape attempts whilst battling ghost pirate ships. Original artwork and Gorillaz voiceovers plus numerous increasingly difficult and complex levels immerses players in their own personal experience of Plastic Beach.