Today, SEGA announced that the first package of downloadable content for Aliens vs. Predator would be made available on March 18th for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC. The "Swarm Map Pack," as it's called, will feature four new maps for a variety of multiplayer modes, expanding on Deathmatch, Predator Hunt, Infestation, Species Deathmatch, Mixed Species Deathmatch, Domination, and Survivor. Of them all, Survivor is the one that most desperately needed to be expanded, being light at launch with just two (two!) levels, neither of which were all that interesting. Now, the addition of Outpost and Hive should give those still holding their breaths for Aliens: Colonial Marines a chance to rest for a moment. ...and now that moment is over.

The other two maps are Docks and Machine, both of which are detailed in the press release below. Still missing is a map for any mode based on the Nightclub from the game's singleplayer. Once that's in, I'll be ready to lay down some hardcore dollarage. As of now, there's still no price point, but expect it to be in the $5-$10 range, if SEGA actually expects anyone to buy it.

First DLC Swarms To Aliens vs. Predator™

Swarm Map Pack Available On March 18th

San Francisco (March 8^th 2010) – SEGA of America today announced that the first downloadable content for Aliens vs. Predator will be available on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from  Microsoft®, PlayStation® Store for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and STEAM for PC. Featuring 4 new maps for different multiplayer modes, previously only available in the Special Editions, this downloadable content will challenge all 3 species for the fight of their existence.

Two new Multiplayer maps for six different online modes (Deathmatch, Predator Hunt, Infestation, Species Deathmatch, Mixed Species Deathmatch and Domination) :

• Docks: The caustic alkali waters of BG-386 put an end to Weyland-Yutani’s planned shipping activities. But this dockyard soon became an historic battleground.
• Machine:  As well as processing exotic ores, the BG-386 Refinery provided electrical power to the colonists at Freya’s Prospect. The lights may still be on, but nobody’s home. Yet.

Two new Survivor maps in which up to four Marines battle to stay alive against increasing swarms of Aliens:

• Outpost: The site of the original Weyland-Yutani colony on BG-386 was abandoned, and soon reclaimed by the planet’s voracious jungle plant life. It is now the perfect hunting ground for all manner of wildlife.
• Hive: Deep in the heart of the Freya’s Prospect Refinery lays the Xenomorph Hive. Beware all who enter here.