HOT WHEELS WORLD RACE - FEATURING ORIGINAL THEME SONG BY SMASH MOUTH - NOW AVAILABLE FOR PLAYSTATION 2 AND GAMECUBE

Videogame Commemorates Hot Wheels 35th Anniversary; Integrates Storyline and 35 Vehicles from World Race Video Collection and Fall TV Special

CALABASAS HILLS, Calif. Nov. 5, 2003. THQ Inc. today announced that Hot Wheels World Race is now available for the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system and Nintendo GameCube at retailers throughout North America. The game features "Hot," a high energy theme song written and performed by multi-platinum band Smash Mouth. Hot Wheels World Race for Game Boy Advance and PC are scheduled to ship in mid-November.

"Hot Wheels has continued to evolve and thrive as a true lifestyle brand for 35 years, boasting a strength and longevity nearly unparalleled in the toy space," said Peter Dille, senior vice president, worldwide marketing, THQ. "THQ is thrilled to bring Hot Wheels World Race to a growing mass-market gaming audience in conjunction with Mattel's Hot Wheels 35th anniversary marketing push."

"We're excited to work with THQ to bring gamers of all ages this exciting new interactive Hot Wheels experience based on our line of World Race home videos and DVDs," said Amy Boylan, senior vice president of New Media, Mattel. "Hot Wheels are the coolest cars on earth, and we are pleased to offer gamers of all ages the experience to race and compete with their favorite cars on the major gaming consoles."

In the Hot Wheels World Race videogames, players are thrust into the unique, futuristic Hot Wheels world where life revolves around the most intense stunt race ever imagined - the Highway 35 circuit. Players race against their opponents on extreme tracks featuring split/multi-level courses, obstacles and speeds unlike anything experienced before. Players will be able to pull off wild, gravity-defying stunts, speed through huge loops, drive up walls, find hidden shortcuts or simply race opponents through volcanoes, ice mountains and other treacherous environments. The game lets players choose from 35 authentic Hot Wheels - cars released over the past 35 years. Hot Wheels World Race was developed by Climax, known for MotoGP and MotoGP 2.

The videogames are based on Mattel, Inc.'s World Race line, which includes full-length CGI home videos, collectible mini comic books and a television special, aired on the Cartoon Network.

For more information about Hot Wheels World Race and the rest of THQ's lineup, please visit www.thq.com.