Battlestations: Midway 'Iowa Mission Pack' Live, Sequel Coming

Like games and patches, even mission packs get delayed nowdays. Eidos was supposed to release this "Iowa Mission Pack" for Battlestations: Midway almost a month ago, but alas, those cursed "technical issues" prevented them from pleasing their (Xbox 360) fans in due time. This week, however, those who kept on waiting found out that it was worth it, because the pack is now available on Xbox Live cheaper than previously announced, at just 400 Microsoft Points ($5), instead of 600. And with all its content intact.

The Iowa Mission Pack contains a new multiplayer map ("The Battle of the Sibuyan") and a new single-player mission ("The Raid on Truk"), along with five new vehicles: P-38 Lightning, Nakijima J1N1 Gekko, USS Iowa (BB-61), IJN Shimakaze, and the Japanese Type A mini-sub. A brief description for each of them can be found on Pro-G, and here's a bit about the two new maps from their report:

"The Battle of the Sibuyan Sea is a new multiplayer experience which sees players commanding either the US Fleet featuring the USS Iowa and USS Enterprise or Japan's finest fleet, Kurita, featuring the super battleships Yamato and the ill-fated Musashi.

The Raid on Truk is a new single-player battle based on Operation Hailstone, a massive naval air and surface attack launched by the United States Navy against the Japanese naval and air base at Truk. Players command the US Fleet in a four phase battle starting with a P-38 air strike and leading to the command of the USS Enterprise and her screening force."

For some reason, *cough*, the Iowa pack is not available in Japan. Maybe they'll at least get the multiplayer map, if the single-player mission doesn't bode well with their patriotism.

Most importantly, though, the latest financial communique issued by Eidos / SCi Games reveals plans for a Battlestations: Midway sequel, announcing that they "are continuing to build this franchise and have a sequel in development". Oh, and Just Cause 2 was also re-confirmed, if there was still any doubt in your mind.

And finally, speaking of extra content, the first Bullet Witch downloadable content is now up for the taking on Xbox Live Marketplace:

"The first set of new downloadable content includes a free brand new White Witch costume for the game's stunning heroine Alicia and a Bullet Witch Xbox 360 Theme pack. In addition, for 20 points each, players can download one brand new mission "Dynamite Beauty" and two enhanced versions of the "Clad in Streaming Black" mission featuring "Great Spells" unlocked and a heightened level of difficulty respectively."

... more new missions and free costumes (Mummy, Schoolgirl, Secretary and Pixie) to follow over the coming weeks.

(N.B. Archive text, links removed)