Toy Headquarters is jumping onboard early with SpongeBob and Avatar.
THQ Announces Its 2006 Nickelodeon Video Game Lineup Based on Top-Rated
Kids' TV Shows and Theatrical Releases
THQ to Bring Popular Nickelodeon Properties, Avatar and SpongeBob
SquarePants, to Nintendo Revolution this Fall
AGOURA HILLS, Calif., April 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- THQ Inc.
(NASDAQ:THQI) today announced its 2006 video game lineup based on
Nickelodeon's top brands for kids. The announcement follows the success of
THQ's Nickelodeon-branded games, which have shipped more than 40 million
units worldwide to date. Games based on Nickelodeon's highly rated
television series "SpongeBob SquarePants(TM)," "Avatar: The Last
Airbender(TM)," "Danny Phantom(TM)" and "Unfabulous," as well as a new
installment of Nicktoons, are anticipated to ship across multiple game
systems in 2006. THQ is also scheduled to release Barnyard based upon
Paramount Pictures'/Nickelodeon Movies' upcoming summer theatrical release.
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"THQ's Nickelodeon video game portfolio continues to dominate the kids video
game space with nearly 17 million units of SpongeBob-branded games shipped
worldwide. Last year's SpongeBob SquarePants: Lights, Camera, PANTS! and
Nicktoons Unite! were two of the top video games for kids in 2005," said
Kelly Flock, executive vice president of worldwide publishing, THQ. "This
year's lineup includes games based upon some of the best loved Nickelodeon
shows, as well as several exciting new television and theatrical properties.
Nickelodeon fans and kids of all ages can expect to see new features,
gameplay and adventures that are sure to provide hours of quality
entertainment and loads of fun."
"We look forward to continuing our very successful alliance with THQ in the
interactive entertainment market," said Stephen Youngwood, executive vice
president, Nickelodeon Digital Media. "This year's lineup gives kids the
opportunity to have fun with all their favorite Nickelodeon characters, as
well as several of our newest shows and movies."
The 2006 THQ/Nickelodeon video game lineup includes:
* SpongeBob SquarePants(TM): Creature from the Krusty Krab -- In a unique
and creative twist, SpongeBob SquarePants explores the peculiar world of
Bikini Bottom as it transforms through a series of various unique visual
styles. Continuing to reign as a top gaming and TV property, SpongeBob
SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab offers fans brand new
gameplay mechanics through nine visually bizarre levels. Expected for
PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo GameCube(R),
Nintendo Revolution, Game Boy(R) Advance, Nintendo DS(TM) and Windows PC
this fall.
* Avatar: The Last Airbender(TM) -- Based on Nickelodeon's hottest new
show, fans will play as Aang, Katara, Sokka and Haru as they grow into
an unstoppable team utilizing the kung fu inspired bending arts through
the Avatar universe. Players will explore the four Avatar nations in
beautifully detailed environments and battle new enemies. Expected for
PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube, Xbox(R) video game and entertainment
system from Microsoft, Nintendo Revolution, Game Boy Advance, PSP(TM)
(PlayStation(R)Portable) system, Nintendo DS and Windows PC this fall.
* Nicktoons (working title) -- The most popular Nickelodeon characters
combine their unique weapons and powers to battle the newest, enemies
threatening to destroy a mysterious Nicktoons paradise island. Players
will assume the role of up to 10 playable characters from the most
popular shows including "SpongeBob SquarePants," "Danny Phantom," "The
Fairly OddParents" and "Jimmy Neutron." Expected for PlayStation 2,
Nintendo GameCube, Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS this fall. This
title has not yet been concept approved by Sony Computer Entertainment
America.
* Barnyard -- Enter the world of Nickelodeon's newest adventure and bring
the Barnyard movie to life. Players will be able to interact with all
of their favorite characters from the movie while trying to prove they
have what it takes to be the biggest party animal of them all. The film
is written, produced and directed by acclaimed comedy writer/producer
Steve Oedekerk ("Bruce Almighty," "Ace Ventura," "The Nutty Professor,"
"Kung Pow") and Nickelodeon Movies, producers of the Oscar(R) nominated
"Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius." The Barnyard video game is expected to be
available on July 25 for the PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube, Game Boy
Advance and Windows PC this fall.
* Unfabulous -- Based on Nickelodeon's popular live-action TV show
starring Emma Roberts, Unfabulous will allow players to assume the role
of Addie Singer as she navigates the hectic halls of Rocky Road Middle
School and avoids becoming popularity roadkill. Players will move
through various levels based on events from the show and encounter
Addie's friends, family and secret crushes. Expected for Game Boy
Advance this fall.
* Danny Phantom Urban Jungle -- Based on an upcoming on-air special of the
same name, Danny Phantom goes on a brand new adventure. A new, powerful
eco-ghost turns Amity Park into a real urban jungle, and fans must play
as Danny Phantom to learn an all new freeze power to defeat his evil
nemesis. Expected for Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance this fall.
The 2006 lineup of THQ/Nickelodeon video games is being developed by THQ's
Studio System, which includes 14 owned studios and more than 25 of the best
independent development teams. THQ's Blue Tongue Entertainment is
developing Barnyard and Nicktoons, while THQ's Studio Australia is
developing Avatar: The Last Airbender. Independent studio, Blitz Games, is
developing SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab. In
addition, hand held versions of THQ's entire 2006 Nickelodeon lineup are in
development by a number of independent developers including Altron, Natsume,
Halfbrick Studios, Wayforward and Tose.
For more information about THQ and Nickelodeon products, as well as THQ's
other video games, please visit www.thq.com or www.nick/videogames.com.