Resident Evil 5 and Street Fighter IV headline a star-studded Q1 line-up for Capcom, as the firm plans to add new recruits to its European operations.

The line-up also includes 360 and PS3 title Bionic Commando and the Wii edition of Dead Rising.

“It’s definitely going to be a strong quarter for us, maybe our strongest ever,” explained senior marketing manager Michael Pattison, adding that he hopes sales of core games like Capcom’s will buck any potential downturn in consumer spending.

“The industry isn’t immune to what’s happening in the economy. People’s disposal income will be cut and they’re going to be more discerning about their purchases. Core games are perhaps better placed than those targeting a more casual audience, as core gamers will obviously purchase more games than a casual gamer.

“Our hopes for our Q1 line-up are very high indeed. Resident Evil is by all accounts going to be the biggest title in the series to date, reaching the widest user base in its history.”

Capcom also hopes the line-up can attract talent to work at the publisher in 2009: “We’re always looking to bring strong talent on board,” added Pattison. “We’re still looking to expand when the opportunity and time is right. With an ever-stronger line-up in 2009 we’re certainly well positioned to continue to expand.”