Movie tie-in Starship Troopers: Invasion game set to shoot up iOS in July

The bugs are back.

With an new Hollywood animated movie reboot of Starship Troopers due in the summer, it's time for tie-in game for iOS and Android too.

Currently in production at new Hollywood-IP-to-games outfit Spectre Media, the game will be set just prior to the film.

"We'll be providing additional context, so that when you see the film, you'll know exactly what's been going on," says Spectre's Lance Martin.

"If you love the Starship Troopers franchise and you love doing your part for the Federation killing bugs, this game is the perfect storm."

The setting has you dropped onto an asteroid where a human base has been over run by the bugs. Of course, your role as an elite space marine is to take back the base, killing every stinking bug as you go.

Developed in the Unity engine, the game is taking advantage of the art assets from the film to speed up production, as well as ensure it meshes aesthetically.

Gameplay-wise, it will be a third person shooter, with the pace shifting between running through wider exploration locations to tighter combat-oriented areas, in which the camera will tighten for a more over the shoulder, cover shooting Gears of War style.

As well as the plot and setting, the other major focus of your progression through the game will revolve around the customise of your player, in terms of mech suit accessories, weapons, power ups and items.

Business model hasn't been decided on yet, but Martin says in-app purchases will be the main driver, with the price being 99c at most.

Launching on iOS in late July, prior to the film's release in the US in August, Starship Troopers: Invasion will also come to Android and browsers later in 2012.