Topic: Vivendi Universal's E3 Lineup

[WindyMan]

My word, that is a lot of games.

Vivendi Universal Games Showcases Industry-Leading Franchises And Multi-Platform Product Line-Up at 2003 Electronic Entertainment Expo

Portfolio Includes PC, Console, Handheld and Online Games Based on Best-Selling Franchises, Hot Entertainment Licenses and Entirely New Brands

LOS ANGELES, May 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Vivendi Universal Games (VU Games) today announced its product line-up for the 2003 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), a blockbuster roster of more than 30 PC, console and online-based titles covering a broad range of interactive content. Among the highly anticipated products are games based on theatrical and television licenses, including The Hulk, Dr. Seuss' The Cat In The Hat, The Fast and the Furious, The Simpsons and Buffy The Vampire Slayer; brand new intellectual properties such as Metal Arms and Men of Valor; and new installments to such venerable franchises as Crash Bandicoot, Hunter: The Reckoning, J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of The Rings and StarCraft. VU Games will also showcase products that will be distributed on behalf of strategic partners, including Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance II from Interplay, Dark Age of Camelot: Trials of Atlantis from Mythic Entertainment and Outlaw Volleyball from Simon & Schuster Interactive.

"The breadth and depth of our publishing portfolio are clearly represented in our E3 line-up, and we are very proud of the high caliber of our brands and products," said Luc Vanhal, President and COO, North America for VU Games. "Our cross-platform support is illustrated by our well-balanced mix of PC titles and video games for PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube and Game Boy Advance -- several of which will offer online multi-player capabilities. Additionally, many of our products shown at E3 will be available later this year in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, which further underscores our commitment to bringing gamers around the world great interactive content on multiple platforms."

VU Games' products will be on display at the company's booth (#1200) and meeting rooms located in the South Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center.

THEATRICAL PROPERTIES

Dr. Seuss'® The Cat in the Hat(TM)

Inspired by the upcoming Universal Pictures/DreamWorks Pictures/Imagine Entertainment presentation of Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat, the interactive game will allow fans to step into the role of the mischievous Cat and interact with characters from the film like Thing 1, Thing 2 and the Fish, as well as encounter opponents created specifically for the game. Unique gameplay abilities, including the Umbrella Glide, the Hat-Shield Bounce and the Bubble Goo Gadget, help players to navigate through thirteen wild levels in a wacky Seussian world. Developed by Magenta Software for console and Digital Eclipse Software for the handheld and PC, Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat interactive game will make its multi-platform debut in the fourth quarter 2003.

The Hulk(TM)

Based on Universal Pictures' highly anticipated film version of one of Marvel Comics' most memorable and popular Super Hero(TM) series, The Hulk video game will be released on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube(TM) and the PC. With a brand new storyline set after the events of the film, The Hulk video game will deliver gamers an incredible experience beyond the movie. The game combines visuals from the original comic book illustrations with the film's remarkable digitally created graphics and environments, along with new imagery created exclusively for the game. Players can master two types of gameplay as either Bruce Banner or The Hulk as they battle lead characters from the film, familiar enemies from the Marvel Universe(TM) or new villains created specifically for the game. With fully destructible and interactive environments, players can virtually manipulate, destroy or use anything as a weapon. With his superhuman power fueled by rage, The Hulk can smash through any physical obstacle and annihilate his foes with over 45 devastating attacks. The game is scheduled to ship to retailers in late-May 2003. In addition to being showcased at the Vivendi Universal Games booth, The Hulk will also be featured in the Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo booths at E3. All trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

TELEVISION PROPERTIES

Buffy The Vampire Slayer®: Chaos Bleeds

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Chaos Bleeds, developed by Eurocom Entertainment Software, is a third-person fighting adventure game based on the successful cult television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Just like the show, the adventure takes place at ground zero for all things vampire -- Sunnydale, California. Developed with the show's sanctioned writers as a 'lost episode' from season five, Chaos Bleeds involves an unraveling tale in which a dimensional bleed has been enabled by Pure Evil to consume humanity once and for all. It's up to Buffy and her friends to stop it all from happening ... again. Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Chaos Bleed will be available for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft and Nintendo GameCube(TM) in late August of 2003.

The Simpsons(TM) Hit & Run

The Simpsons Hit & Run, developed by Radical Entertainment, is the hilarious mission-based driving game that features all-new out-of-the-car gameplay and the signature humor of The Simpsons set in the interactive world of Springfield. Hit & Run combines a brand new story written by award-winning The Simpsons writers and voiceovers by the original show cast for full brand authenticity. The Simpsons Hit & Run will be available in early September of 2003 for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft and Nintendo GameCube(TM).

NEW INSTALLMENTS TO ORIGINAL PROPERTIES AND FRANCHISES

Crash Nitro Kart(TM)

Crash hits the track in his most fast-paced adventure yet -- Crash Nitro Kart! Kidnapped by the ruthless Emperor Velo and forced to race in his galactic coliseum, Crash must race his way to victory in order to save the Earth from destruction ... but it won't be easy, as he must compete against foes both old and new before a final showdown with Velo himself! Mixing luscious next-gen graphics and incredible gameplay with the playability and fun of classic kart-racing titles, Crash Nitro Kart is scheduled for release fourth quarter 2003 for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube(TM) and the Game Boy® Advance.

Spyro(TM): Attack of the Rhynocs(TM)

In this platform action/adventure game, Spyro and his friends have inadvertently torn a hole in the fabric of space between the Rhynoc and Dragon Realms. At the command of the elusive Ripto, droves of Rhynocs are now pouring into the Dragon Realms. Spyro must help close the hole quickly before the portal and Ripto's ego grow too large and the two realms fuse together permanently. Spyro: Attack of the Rhynocs is scheduled for release on the Game Boy® Advance in fourth quarter 2003.

StarCraft®: Ghost(TM)

StarCraft: Ghost is a tactical-action console game set in Blizzard's epic StarCraft universe. In StarCraft: Ghost, players take the role of Nova, a lethal Ghost operative skillfully trained in the arts of espionage and tactical combat. Twenty years of ruthless physical conditioning and techno-psychological instruction have made Nova a being of terrifying potential. With the help of a determined group of allies, players follow a series of story-driven missions, engaging in a deadly mix of planetary battles and dangerous solo operations. To complete their mission objectives, players must execute intelligent tactical decisions while mastering an advanced arsenal of sophisticated weaponry. StarCraft: Ghost is currently under development and is scheduled for a worldwide release on multiple console systems.

J.R.R. TOLKIEN RELEASES

The Hobbit(TM)

The Hobbit is a third-person action-adventure game set in the world of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth. In the game, players take the persona of Bilbo Baggins, an unassuming Hobbit who has been unwittingly thrust into an epic adventure. In the game, players explore the magical world of Middle-earth where they'll need to jump gaping chasms, climb treacherous mountains, solve mind-bending puzzles and battle hordes of enemies just to survive. They'll also meet enchanting Elves, battle-ready Dwarves, a powerful Wizard, massive Trolls, bloodthirsty Goblins, and more as they traverse from the peaceful lands of the Shire to the harrowing forests of Mirkwood. The Hobbit will be released this Fall on all major platforms, including PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube(TM), Game Boy® Advance and the PC.

NEW BRANDS

Judge Dredd(TM): Dredd Vs. Death

Judge Dredd: Dredd Vs. Death is an intense first-person shooter set in the post-apocalyptic megalopolis of Mega-City One. This 22nd century melting pot is home to 400 million citizens, every one a potential criminal, and the only thing preventing the city from descending into complete anarchy is the group of elite law enforcers known as the Judges. The player takes the role of Judge Dredd as he patrols the overcrowded streets of the city, arresting lawbreakers and dealing with the breakdown of law and order, as vampires, the undead and the Dark Judges are let loose onto an unsuspecting population. Judge Dredd: Dredd Vs. Death is being developed for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Xbox® video game system, Nintendo GameCube(TM) and PC, and is planned for release in the second-half of 2003. Judge Dredd: Dredd Vs. Death is not yet concept approved by Sony Computer Entertainment America.

Metal Arms(TM): Glitch In The System

Metal Arms: Glitch In The System is a third-person shooter that combines fast-paced action, several varied gameplay types and hilarious undertones, all set on a distant planet inhabited exclusively by robots. As the adventure unfolds, players will explore fascinating regions of this robot planet, drive a vast array of vehicles, gain powerful weapon upgrades, and defeat enemies to ensure the survival of the Droid race. The game's humorous tone and unique robotic look ensure a truly original game. Metal Arms: Glitch In The System will be available in the fourth quarter of 2003 for the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft and Nintendo GameCube(TM).

Due to the enourmous size of the original press release, all non-Nintendo games have been omitted.  To see Universal's entire E3 line-up, you can view the entire press release here.