THQ Ships SpongeBob SquarePants(TM): The Yellow Avenger for Nintendo DS(TM)

Beloved Nickelodeon Character Takes Bikini Bottom to the Nintendo DS for the First Time

AGOURA HILLS, Calif., Nov. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- THQ Inc. (Nasdaq: THQI - News) today announced that SpongeBob SquarePants(TM): The Yellow Avenger has shipped for Nintendo DS(TM). Based on the characters of Nickelodeon's chart-topping animated television show SpongeBob SquarePants, the game explores a new dimension of SpongeBob as a superhero and is now available at retail outlets nationwide.

"THQ is thrilled to bring the SpongeBob video game franchise to the Nintendo DS for the first time," said Kelly Flock, executive vice president of worldwide publishing, THQ. "With the show's wide-ranging appeal, the video game offers an opportunity for fans to have an entirely different SpongeBob gaming experience utilizing the special features of the Nintendo DS."

"As SpongeBob continues to be the #1 animated show on all of kids TV, we're excited to offer new gaming adventures in Bikini Bottom on the Nintendo DS platform," said Stephen Youngwood, Senior Vice President, Entertainment Products, Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products. "SpongeBob SquarePants: The Yellow Avenger gives fans of the show a massive world to explore in the palm of their hands."

About SpongeBob SquarePants: The Yellow Avenger

In SpongeBob SquarePants: The Yellow Avenger the wrath of the Dirty Bubble strikes Bikini Bottom as SpongeBob's favorite superheroes, Mermaidman and Barnacleboy are kidnapped. Players assume the role of SpongeBob and harness the power of Mermaidman's superhero belt, gaining powers like Super Strength, Super Speed, Summon Sea Creatures, Raging Whirlpool, and Water Ball to restore order in Bikini Bottom. The game features non-linear gameplay in a dense and richly detailed 3D world, giving players multiple ways to complete the main objective. The Nintendo DS touch screen allows players to have direct interaction with the controls of Mermaidman's belt, easily activating new powers and abilities. Players can also utilize the DS touch screen to interact with the dynamic environment, allowing them to participate in the SpongeBob world like never before.

Tantalus Interactive developed SpongeBob SquarePants: The Yellow Avenger. THQ also recently released, SpongeBob SquarePants(TM): Lights, Camera, PANTS! for PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox® videogame system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube®, Game Boy® Advance, and Windows PC developed by THQ Studio Australia Pty Ltd.

For more information on SpongeBob SquarePants: The Yellow Avenger and the rest of THQ's product line-up, please visit www.thq.com.