The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct release date announced, pre-orders available

Activision's The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct, a new FPS based on AMC's rendition of Robert Kirkman's comic book series, has been confirmed for a U.S. release on March 26, 2013. Just yesterday it was revealed the game would be coming to the Wii U alongside the previously announced Xbox 360, PS3, and PC versions; however, at the time only the UK's release was dated. As expected, though, the game will release several days earlier stateside.

The announcement was made via a brief video featuring Norman Reedus and Michael Rooker, who play brothers Daryl Dixon and Merle Dixon in AMC's hit show The Walking Dead, respectively. In the game, you assume the role of Reedus' character, the crossbow-wielding Daryl Dixon, alongside his overbearing brother Merle. Together you must brave the haunting, unforgiving Georgia countryside on your way to Atlanta where you hope to find safety.

Unfortunately, the brief announcement video shows no gameplay footage. Last week, leaked gameplay footage was harshly criticized by fans of the series for its poor graphics and generic gameplay. Activision assured fans that the footage was of an early build of the game, edited by a fan. Hopefully a new trailer, which Activision says is "coming soon" will clear things up a bit.

Pre-orders for the game are now opened up at GameStop.