FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER PLAY BARBIE(tm) AS TWO CHARACTERS IN THE ADVENTURE OF BARBIE(tm) AS THE PRINCESS AND THE PAUPER

Newly released Game Boy(r) Advance title ships to retailers nationwide

LOS ANGELES (September 9, 2004)- Girls join Barbie(tm) as two

characters, Erika(tm) and Princess Anneliese(tm), in Barbie(tm) as the

Princess and the Pauper from Vivendi Universal Games (VU Games), which

is now available in retail stores nationwide. In this action-filled

adventure, girls ages 5 and up help Barbie(tm) and her friends defend

the royal kingdom from the evil villain Preminger(tm).

Barbie(tm) as the Princess and the Pauper is based on Mattel's

entertainment initiative which includes a national television premiere

and a VHS/DVD release this Fall. Erika(tm) and Princess Anneliese(tm)

bring the small screen to the Game Boy(r) Advance and allow girls to

play through exciting mini-games, solve puzzles and defeat the evildoers

who threaten the kingdom with mischief and mayhem.

Along the way girls must also play as the royal cats Serafina(tm) and

Wolfie(tm), and even enjoy two-player fun-available in the game's

fast-paced mini-games. Jump, climb and tunnel through five amazing

locations and more than 20 compelling levels, all while collecting clues

which will lead to the villain and restore peace in the midst of chaos.

Barbie(tm) needs help! Girls must help Erika(tm) and Princess

Anneliese(tm) defeat Preminger(tm) and banish him from the kingdom

forever!

Key product features include:

* Play as Erika(tm), Princess Anneliese(tm) and even their cats,

Wolfie(tm) and Serafina(tm).

* Jump, climb and tunnel your way through five amazing locations -

Royal Orchards, Evergreen Forest, Crystal Mines, the Village and Secret

Hideout.

* Play through more than 20 exciting levels and special challenges.

Use magical songs, a Royal Shield and even the cats' digging and

climbing abilities.

* Solve puzzles and collect clues to catch the villain and save the

kingdom. Find the golden apples in the orchard; catch and release rare

butterflies in the forest, and much more.

* Two-player fun. Play the mini-games alone or with a friend.

Availability and Pricing

Barbie(tm) Princess and the Pauper is currently available on the Game

Boy(r) Advance for a suggested retail price of $29.99, with an ESRB "E"

rating. For sales and ordering information, customers can visit

www.vugames.com .