Topics

[So an Asian company is going to base games of an American show that's based off of an Asian premise? Wow, that's trippy.]

26

TalkBack / RE:Xiaolin Showdown Licensed!

« on: July 26, 2005, 03:22:17 PM »

So an Asian company is going to base games of an American show that's based off of an Asian premise? Wow, that's trippy.

WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT AWARDS KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT VIDEO GAME RIGHTS FOR XIAOLIN SHOWDOWN    

Video Games Will Be Based on Top-Rated Warner Bros. Animation Series    

LOS ANGELES – July 26, 2005 - Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. has entered a multi-year license agreement with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment to develop and publish games based on the Warner Bros. Animation hit kids’ television series Xiaolin Showdown for multiple video game systems.    

Currently in its second season on Kids’ WB! , Xiaolin Showdown is consistently rated among the top 10 television programs with boys 9-14 years old. Xiaolin Showdown is also a growing phenomenon internationally as it currently airs in Brazil , Hong Kong , Italy , New Zealand , Mexico , and parts of Central and South America .    

“Warner Bros.’ Xiaolin Showdown has exhibited tremendous momentum since its launch in North America in 2003, and the program has all of the elements to make an exciting video game,” said Kazumi Kitaue, Chairman and CEO of Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc . “As the property mixes fantasy and adventure with action and comedy, it also fits extremely well with Konami’s strong catalog of anime and mass market franchises.”    

“The increasingly popular, action packed Xiaolin Showdown is an ideal property to bring into the interactive space,” said Jason Hall, Senior Vice President of Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “The game will feature new, hilarious adventures based on the show, allowing fans and gamers to interact with and play as their favorite characters.”    

Xiaolin Showdown is a mystical Kung Fu action-adventure comedy that follows Omi, a Kung Fu monk who leads three young dragons-in-training on globetrotting adventures. Their mission is to search and protect the Shen Gong Wu - mystical power objects - from a band of villains led by Evil Boy Genius.

[Mario reportedly drunk.]

27

TalkBack / RE: Nintendo DS Sales Spiked

« on: July 01, 2005, 12:08:23 PM »

Mario reportedly drunk.

July 1, 2005    

         

Did You Know?  Electric Blue Nintendo DS Bundle Sparks Sales    

Major retailers are reporting sales of Nintendo DS(TM) units have increased   86 percent over the weekly average.  The spike can be attributed to a special   bundle featuring the new Electric Blue version of Nintendo DS that comes with   a copy of the top-selling DS game, Super Mario(R) 64 DS.  Since the launch of   Nintendo DS in November, more than 1 million copies of Super Mario 64 DS have   sold, making it the most popular DS game available.    

The Electric Blue DS debuted on June 6 and the special bundle offer runs at   select retailers through July 31.  Although the bundle focuses on Electric   Blue editions of Nintendo DS, retailers also will honor the bundle with the   Titanium color Nintendo DS.    

Strong DS sales are anticipated through the end of the year, buoyed by   Nintendogs(TM), which launches on Aug. 22.  The pet simulation lets DS owners   raise and train a lifelike puppy chosen from one of 18 popular breeds.

[500,000 units have been shipped. 500,000 units of EVIL!]

28

TalkBack / RE: RE4 Reaches Half-Million Milestone

« on: June 06, 2005, 07:25:36 AM »

500,000 units have been shipped. 500,000 units of EVIL!

CAPCOM ®’S RESIDENT EVIL ®  4 SURPASSES RETAIL MILESTONE    

Latest Entry in Capcom’s Flagship Series Exceeds 500,000 Units in Sales    

SUNNYVALE, Calif. - June 6, 2005 — Capcom’s Resident Evil® 4 , the critically acclaimed survival horror masterpiece for the Nintendo GameCube™, has sold more than half a million units since its debut on January 11.  According to The NPD Group’s sales tracking report, the game claimed the number one position for its launch month of January this year and sales have continued to hold strong.  The NPD Group’s most recent report, which monitors sales data through April 2005, confirms that the game has surpassed the 500,000 mark through its successful cumulative sales in the U.S. and Canada.  In addition, the report reinforces the strength of the Resident Evil series on the GameCube with Resident Evil® , Resident Evil 4 , and Resident Evil® Ø (Zero) holding the positions as the top three “M” rated titles for the system with combined sales of more than 1.5 million units in the U.S. and Canada.    

Based on the popular Resident Evil series, which has sold more than 26 million units worldwide and is Capcom’s highest selling series, Resident Evil 4 sees the return of a familiar hero on a mission of the highest level.  Resident Evil 4 carries an “M” rating for mature audiences by the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) and will also be released for the PlayStation  2 computer entertainment system later this year.    

“With Resident Evil 4 , the series and the entire survival horror genre have been advanced to a whole new level,” said Todd Thorson, director of marketing, Capcom Entertainment.  “It’s been rewarding to see that the incredible response the game has received from fans and critics has been mirrored by a phenomenal retail performance.”

[Compete to win the Poke-prize!]

29

TalkBack / (No subject)

« on: March 15, 2005, 09:21:16 AM »

Compete to win the Poke-prize!

POKÉMON EMERALD PUTS PLAYERS ON THE PATH TO THE EMERALD  CITY

Test of Knowledge, Pre-Sell Program Herald Challenging New Pokémon Adventure

REDMOND , Wash., March 15, 2005 – Do you know whether Zigzagoon is an appropriate choice to defeat Regirock in a head-to-head Pokémon® battle? If so, you're the kind of person that Nintendo is looking for. The brains of North American Pokémon fans will be put to the test as thousands compete to see who knows the most about the ever-popular Pokémon phenomenon.

To celebrate the upcoming launch of the new Pokémon® Emerald video game for Game Boy® Advance SP, the Pokémon Emerald Frontier Battle Brain contest invites Pokémon experts in the United States and Canada to test their knowledge against their fellow Pokémon geniuses. The top 14 Pokémon competitors will travel to Seattle (the Emerald City) to engage in an all-out, winner-take-all competition to win the trip of a lifetime: a trip for two to the Pokémon Park in Nagoya, Japan. Visitors to the Pokémon Emerald Frontier Battle Brain contest site also can enter for a chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip to Seattle to watch the final battle at the famous Space Needle.

"Pokémon fans are proud of their collections, and proud of their knowledge," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "They don't just play the games, they live them. Now they can pre-order a copy of Pokémon Emerald and we'll give them VIP access to information that will help them hone their skills. We'll welcome the best and brightest to the Emerald City, where they can put their Pokémon learning to good use to win great prizes."

Pokémon Emerald , Rated E for Everyone, will be available on May 1. Starting March 20, when buyers place a deposit for Pokémon Emerald at a participating retailer, they will immediately receive their Battle Gear:

    * A VIP card that gives the user online access to an exclusive Web site with unique content
    * A special collector's tin case with enough room to hold important supplies like a Game Boy Advance SP and a Pokémon Emerald game pak
    * An official Frontier Battle Pass, a guide to the new, more challenging Battle Frontier of Pokémon Emerald

In addition to the pre-sell program, the Pokémon Emerald Frontier Battle Brain Contest will test fans' knowledge of all things Pokémon. The United States and Canada will be divided into seven competitive "Frontiers." Fans can find what regional Frontier they can compete in and enter online at www.pokemon-games.com starting today. The contest will run in the following four stages:

    * First Round: An online quiz will require entrants to identify the name and type of 30 Pokémon randomly selected from a pool of all Hoenn Pokémon. Prizes include a Pokémon Emerald wallpaper download, and the eight entrants from each region who identify the most Pokémon in the fastest times will move on to the next round.
    * Second Round: During this online round, participants will be presented with the image of a Pokémon. They must select a Pokémon type to counter that Pokémon. Participants must know the different types of Pokémon and their strengths. Prizes include Pokémon Box storage systems for the Nintendo GameCube™, and the four entrants from each region who provide the most correct responses in the fastest times will move on to the next round.
    * Third Round: This online round will be in the same format as the second round. The top two winners from each region who provide the most correct responses in the fastest times will win a trip to Seattle to compete in the final round.
    * Final Round: The 14 finalists will compete in the Pokémon Emerald Frontier Battle Brain Contest at Seattle's Space Needle. The champion wins a trip for two to the Pokémon Park in Nagoya, Japan.

[Rave twice as hard, once on the GBA, and once on the GameCube.]

30

TalkBack / RE: Konami Ships Two Rave Master Games

« on: March 08, 2005, 06:43:42 PM »

Rave twice as hard, once on the GBA, and once on the GameCube.

KONAMI SHIPS TWO TITLES BASED ON THE POPULAR ANIME PROPERTY RAVE MASTER™

Rave Master™ For Nintendo GameCube™ And Rave Master™: Special Attack Force for Nintendo Game Boy® Advance Arrive At Retail Stores Nationwide

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. - March 8, 2005 - Konami Digital Entertainment - America, a division of Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., today announced that it has shipped two video game titles based on the hit TOKYOPOP® anime property Rave Master™.  Rave Master™: Special Attack Force for the Nintendo Game Boy® Advance and Rave Master™ for the Nintendo GameCube™ are over-the-top fighting games that feature storylines, characters and locations from the popular Rave Master animated TV series and comic books. Rave Master debuted as a comic book in Japan in 1999 and has since spawned the successful television show, 27 graphic novels and multiple video games.  

Rave Master: Special Attack Force is a 2D fighting game in which players take on the role of Haru Glory, an energetic teenage boy who embarks on an epic quest to seek out the magical "Rave Stones" that are needed to put an end to the evil "Shadow Guard." When young Haru is bestowed with the power to wield the legendary sword, he is transformed into the Rave Master. It is up to him and his friends Plue, Elie and other popular Rave Master characters to use their power to restore order to the land. Players must utilize the game's Tension Guage to unleash battle cries, attack combos and special movies and master all of the characters' unique attacks and special combos in order to defeat their enemies.

Featuring stunning 3D fighting action, Rave Master for the GameCube includes 19 characters from the animated series including Haru, Elie, Musica and others. Rave Master's unique Story Edit Mode allows players to create their very own original Rave Master adventure by choosing dialogue, backgrounds and even music. With visual and audio effects that recreate the feel of the Rave Master animated series and multiple attack combos, weapons and unique moves for each character, Rave Master for the GameCube offers hours of fun for fighting game and Rave Master fans.  

Both Rave Master titles blend elements of action and fighting into one complete package, enabling players to experience the story and interact with characters directly from the animated series and comic books. Both games feature compelling single-player story modes and exciting four-person multiplayer modes. With audio and visual effects complimenting the flawless anime art style of the animated TV series, the video games brings the Rave Master property to life in a fully interactive medium.

Rave Master: Special Attack Force and Rave Master are both rated "T" for Teen by the ESRB and are available for the suggested retail price of $29.99. For more information, please visit: www.konami.com/gs.

[Game Xplain offers downloadable videos containing valuable game strategies, providing an alternative to print guides and GameFAQs.]

31

TalkBack / RE:Downloadable Game Guides on the Cheap

« on: February 28, 2005, 02:15:24 PM »

Game Xplain offers downloadable videos containing valuable game strategies, providing an alternative to print guides and GameFAQs.

DOWNLOADABLE VIDEOS TO ENHANCE GAME GUIDE INDUSTRY

Seattle, Washington, 28 February, 2005 - Game Xplain has announced the launch of a new series of low cost, downloadable, game guide videos. These videos demonstrate to the viewer, both visually and audibly, strategies for the most popular video games.

Prior to Game Xplain’s launch, gamers typically purchased expensive guides or tried to make sense of complicated FAQs for help. Game Xplain's narrated videos ensure an accurate and entertaining portrayal of strategies that are priced with the average gamer in mind. Beginning at only 65 cents per download, the videos are viewable immediately upon purchase.

 "Game Xplain strives to redefine the game guide industry," said Andre Segers, founder of Game Xplain,"…and our latest venture - low cost, downloadable videos to provide the clearest strategies available anywhere - advances this objective."

 

About Game Xplain

Game Xplain, founded in 2003 by Andre Segers, is the only gaming website solely dedicated to video strategies. Before transitioning to its new downloadable video format, the company produced DVD game guides that Planet GameCube called “a great product with impressive production values.” With its latest venture, Game Xplain is positioning itself to become the number one destination for video game help and strategies.

http://www.gamexplain.com

[Get your pop on, on yet another system.]

32

TalkBack / RE: DivX and WiFi May be Coming Soon to DS

« on: February 23, 2005, 08:22:32 AM »

Get your pop on, on yet another system.

ATLUS U.S.A. , INC TO RELEASE PUYO POP FEVER FOR THE NINTENDO DS� IN APRIL 2005

SUPER HYPER TURBO EX DX+ a PUZZLE ACTION TO THE EXTREME!

Irvine , CA, February 23, 2005  - Atlus U.S.A. , Inc., a leading publisher of interactive entertainment, announced today its plans to publish Puyo POP FEVER , the classic action-puzzle game scheduled to ship in April 2005 for the Nintendo DS. Puyo puzzlers rejoice as the fever returns on the Nintendo DS with exclusive features not found on any other system! With its unique Touch Screen control and 8-player simultaneous puzzle action with a single Game Card, this is the definitive version of the classic puzzle game.

Hey Gail have you seen this game!?,� said Bill Alexander, former Project Lead turned puyo-popping junkie at Atlus U.S.A. , Inc. It's Puyo POP FEVER for the DS!

Yah we just licensed it and we're putting it out in the spring.

"Dude, did you know that you can literally play this thing forever!?�

Um yeah, it does have that very cool endless mode, which the last time I checked means forever.

Oh and did you know that you can play up to 8-players with a single Game Card!? Dang! How can you beat that!? If I meet someone at the airport and they have a DS and I have my DS, we could play while we were at the airport because they don't even need their own card and I would just upload the game to them, just like magic! That is soooo cool!

Yah that's what single-card download play means� You alright, Bill?

Hey, Gail can you finish this without me? I gotta show the testers my new puyo techniques..."

Well there you have it folks, we may have lost a Project Lead, but at least you'll be able to get your hands on this incredibly fun puzzle game when it hits stores this spring. And hopefully you'll keep your sanity in the process.

About Puyo POP FEVER

Everything that you loved about Puyo POP is here as you puzzle your way through the ultimate combo creator: Fever Mode! This is where you'll throw as many chains together as possible in order to crush your opponents with unbreakable Nuisance Puyos. When the Giant Puyo appears, change its color and watch those triple and quadruple Puyo combos pop. You can go it alone and go for top score in Endless Mode and the brand new Story Mode, or play with up to 8 players with single-card download play! Do you have the fever!?

Puyo POP FEVER Key Features:

• DS Exclusive! Play up to 8 players with Single-Card download  
• DS Exclusive! Unique touch screen controls!
• Play as any one of 14 crazy characters.
• New puzzle pieces feature triple and quadruple sets.
• Customize your Puyo POP game to your liking!
• Jump right into the action or learn advanced techniques in the training course.

Puyo POP FEVER has a suggested retail price of $29.99 and has been rated E by the ESRB.  

[Game to come packaged with three limited-edition cards.]

33

TalkBack / (No subject)

« on: February 15, 2005, 11:57:46 AM »

Game to come packaged with three limited-edition cards.

KONAMI SHIPS YU-GI-OH! 7 TRIALS TO GLORY: WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT 2005 FOR THE NINTENDO GAME BOY® ADVANCE

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – February 15, 2005 – Konami Digital Entertainment - America, a subsidiary of Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today announced it has shipped Yu-Gi-Oh! 7 Trials to Glory: World Championship Tournament 2005 for the Nintendo Game Boy® Advance to retail stores nationwide.  

The most extensive Yu-Gi-Oh! game ever created for the GBA, Yu-Gi-Oh! 7 Trials to Glory: World Championship Tournament 2005 features a total of 1000 cards (including 200 all-new cards), the ability to create and edit up to 20 different decks for multiple dueling strategies, and dozens of unique characters from the hit animated TV series and comic book. Yu-Gi-Oh! 7 Trials to Glory: World Championship Tournament 2005 lets gamers travel to different areas in Battle City to challenge a variety of characters to duels and participate in tournaments, unlocking and collecting new cards with every victory. As an added bonus for avid card collectors, Yu-Gi-Oh! 7 Trials to Glory: World Championship Tournament 2005 comes packaged with three limited edition Yu-Gi-Oh! cards: Silent Swordsman LV7, Kaibaman and Mind Control (spell card).

Yu-Gi-Oh! 7 Trials to Glory: World Championship Tournament 2005 grants experienced Yu-Gi-Oh! warriors numerous ways to customize their gameplay. Players can adjust the animation speed and the activation timing of trap and spell cards, choose from single duels or match duels and set their own time limits for duels.

Yu-Gi-Oh! 7 Trials to Glory: World Championship Tournament 2005 is rated “E” for Everyone by the ESRB and is available for the suggested retail price of $29.99.

To learn more about the Yu-Gi-Oh! games, please visit: http://www.konami.com/gs.

[Keeps first parties' rights open to retain consumer choice.]

34

TalkBack / (No subject)

« on: February 01, 2005, 06:25:30 PM »

Keeps first parties' rights open to retain consumer choice.

Take-Two Awarded Long-Term, Third-Party Exclusives with Major League Baseball Properties, Major League Baseball Players Association and Major League Baseball Advanced Media to Publish Interactive MLB Video Games

 Derek Jeter Named the Official 2K Sports Major League Baseball Spokesperson and Cover Athlete

New York, NY - January 31, 2005 - Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTWO) announced today long-term, third-party exclusive licensing relationships with Major League Baseball Properties (MLBP), the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) and Major League Baseball Advanced Media (MLBAM) which provide Take-Two with sweeping video game rights. Under these exclusives, Take-Two will develop, publish and distribute a broad portfolio of interactive, officially licensed video games that are expected to drive the MLB video game business to new heights.

Additionally, Take-Two announced that Derek Jeter, New York Yankees All-Star shortstop and 2004 Gold Glove recipient, has agreed to a multi-year contract to be spokesperson and cover athlete for the licensed 2K Sports baseball simulation series. "I'm excited to be partnering with an industry leader like Take-Two and I look forward to working together to take the video game experience to the next level for baseball fans," said Derek Jeter.

Take-Two's exclusive, long-term deals, which begin in Spring 2006, enable Take-Two to publish officially licensed Major League Baseball video games on console, PC and handheld platforms. The exclusives include rights to the marks of all 30 Major League Baseball Clubs, MLB players, Major League ballparks and Minor League Baseball Clubs, as well as MLB.com online content, for use in Take-Two's baseball games. Take-Two plans to offer multiple titles based on traditional baseball simulation, arcade and manager-style games, including innovative and specially-timed releases throughout the baseball and holiday seasons. Take-Two's Visual Concepts and Kush Games development studios are creating the baseball titles under Take-Two's recently established 2K Sports publishing label.

These exclusive deals specify Take-Two as the exclusive third-party publisher for officially licensed Major League Baseball video games. Consistent with Take-Two's desire for continued consumer choice, the hardware manufacturers such as Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo will retain the right to enter into development agreements for MLB games specific to their particular platforms. All other third-party publishers and developers are precluded from publishing officially licensed MLB simulation, arcade, and manager style games, either directly or in affiliation with a hardware manufacturer, during the length of the exclusives. Take-Two will be the sole developer, publisher and distributor of licensed simulation, arcade and manager-style Major League Baseball PC games.

"The combination of Take-Two's position as a leading video game publisher and distributor, and our experience with Visual Concepts in creating high quality games, makes this an ideal partnership for Major League Baseball," said Howard Smith, Senior Vice President, Licensing, Major League Baseball Properties. "Take-Two's plans to introduce more game titles and to distribute them throughout the year, including the key holiday-selling season, will provide baseball fans with exciting and compelling interactive entertainment year-round."

"The baseball video game market has been underdeveloped and 2K Sports has the product plan and talent to change that in next generation video game hardware," said John Olshan, the MLBPA's Category Director for Interactive Games. "For the first time, we will be positioned to take advantage of the entire baseball, hot stove and holiday seasons with an outstanding partner who is committed to giving baseball video games the product development, marketing and distribution required to bring sales in line with the immense popularity of Major League Baseball."

"We look forward to using our technology and online interface to enhance the interactive experience for baseball fans and further extend the reach and increase the exposure to Major League Baseball with the countless hours Americans spend playing video games," said Noah Garden, Senior Vice President of e-Commerce for MLBAM.

"We are extremely honored that Major League Baseball recognizes the accomplishments of Take-Two and Visual Concepts and shares our vision for the future of interactive sports games," said Steve Glickstein, Take-Two Vice President of Publishing. "We are also very happy to announce the long-term relationship with Derek Jeter, one of the greatest baseball players of our generation. We look forward to working with Derek to help us fully leverage baseball's status as one of the country's largest spectator sports and its prominence as America's pastime."

Greg Thomas, President of Visual Concepts, makers of the critically acclaimed 2K Sports line of games, added, "This is an exciting opportunity for us to take the interactive baseball market to a completely new level. As demonstrated by our entire line of critically acclaimed 2K Sports titles, we will continue to innovate in the game play experience, and now, under the incredible scope of these relationships, we will be able to expand the genre by offering a number of new and exciting titles that give consumers the ability to enjoy baseball in entirely new ways. We are very proud of the quality and innovation of our games, along with the tremendous loyalty of our fans, and we look forward to reaching an even bigger audience with our expanded portfolio of titles."

[Leon Kennedy will be making an appearance in Times Square starting December 22nd.]

35

TalkBack / RE: Resident Evil 4 Gets Huge Marketing Campaign

« on: December 17, 2004, 02:27:23 PM »

Leon Kennedy will be making an appearance  in Times Square starting December 22nd.

CAPCOM UNVEILS NATIONAL MARKETING CAMPAIGN TO SUPPORT THE RELEASE OF RESIDENT EVIL®4 FOR THE NINTENDO GAMECUBE™

Programs Raise Anticipation for Most Revolutionary Title to Date in Popular Resident Evil Series

SUNNYVALE, Calif. * December 17, 2004 * Capcom Entertainment, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced a national marketing campaign to support the upcoming release of Resident Evil* 4 for the Nintendo GameCube™.  This latest title from the world renowned Resident Evil series will be the first Capcom game to make its appearance at the world famous New York Times Square, where promotional spots are scheduled to run on the NASDAQ building's jumbo monitor.  The program will reach more than 20 million people during its scheduled run in the Christmas and New Year's time frame.  In conjunction with this, an extensive television marketing campaign, which begins on December 27 and runs throughout January, will generate more than 170 million consumer impressions.  Both these initiatives will support the overall marketing plan, which includes online programs, print and online advertising, as well as promotional and retail partnerships.

Based on the popular Resident Evil series, which has sold more than 24 million units worldwide, Resident Evil 4 sees the return of a familiar hero on a mission of the highest level.  Resident Evil 4 will carry an "M" rating for mature audiences by the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board).  Capcom plans to release Resident Evil 4 on January 11, 2005 throughout North America.

"A revolutionary title of this caliber deserves an equally significant marketing campaign," said Todd Thorson, director of marketing, Capcom USA.  "With Capcom's debut in Times Square and the myriad other plans we have lined up, Resident Evil 4 will receive the most dynamic marketing campaign we have ever created."

This holiday season, Resident Evil 4 will take center stage at one of the most recognized and visible spots in the world, Times Square in New York City.  Half minute promotional spots featuring riveting footage from the game will be played approximately 50 times a day between December 22 and January 2.  The television ad campaign will consist of :30 and :15 second television spots aimed at the adult markets, ages 18 to 34 years old, and will appear on cable programming in the U.S. and Canada on networks such as SpikeTV, Comedy Central, ESPN, MTV, and G4techTV.  Further initiatives include a print campaign which features high profile ads that will run in major video game and men's lifestyle magazines including Electronic Gaming Monthly, Game Informer, GamePro, FHM and Rolling Stone just to name a few.

Online efforts include a dedicated Resident Evil 4 website, accessible via www.residentevil.com http://www.residentevil.com'>(http://www.residentevil.com), which features game information and downloadable content.  Visitors can also find tools to create their own Resident Evil 4 sites and Capcom will run a contest to reward the most visited "fan builder" sites with special edition U2 Apple® iPod®s.  Other promotional programs include sweepstakes with several online media and retailers with prizes including the game, strategy guide and much more.  National retail support will encompass programs such as pre-order and point of sale purchase campaigns at major retail outlets.

In Resident Evil 4 players are reacquainted with Leon S. Kennedy, Raccoon City Police Department's idealistic rookie cop from Resident Evil 2.  It has been six years since the destruction of Raccoon City and in that time, the U.S. government has been able to destroy the nefarious Umbrella Corporation.  Fast forward to 2004 and players rejoin Leon, who is now a U.S. agent with a top-secret mission.  He has been tasked to look into the abduction of the President's daughter and his investigation has led him to a mysterious location in Europe.  As Leon encounters unimaginable horrors, he must find out who or what is behind everything.

Capcom is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment. Founded in 1983, the company has created world renowned franchises including Resident Evil, Street Fighter, Mega Man, Breath of Fire, Devil May Cry and the Onimusha series. Headquartered in Osaka, Japan, the company maintains operations in the U.S., United Kingdom, Germany, Tokyo and Hong Kong. More information about Capcom and its products can be found on the company's web site at http://www.capcom.com'>www.capcom.com.

[Talking Day/Night Mini-Game Picnic Blues]

36

TalkBack / (No subject)

« on: December 06, 2004, 04:10:25 AM »

Talking Day/Night Mini-Game Picnic Blues

PARTY ALL DAY AND NIGHT                    WITH MARIO PARTY 6 FROM NINTENDO

Sequel Features New Game Boards and Lightning-Fast Action

REDMOND, Wash., Dec. 6, 2004 - Good parties may run late, but great parties run all night - and all day with Mario Party(R) 6, which launches today exclusively for Nintendo GameCube(TM). Players can keep the party going indefinitely with this rowdy new party game.

Players move familiar characters like Mario(TM) and Donkey Kong(R) around six new game boards, and can enjoy 80 new party-rockin' mini-games, some of which change as time passes from day to night. Mini-games have always been at the heart of Mario Party fun, and this new installment of the franchise keeps the tradition going.

"Whether you're a night owl or an early bird, this is the game for you," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "With the holidays fast approaching, Mario Party 6 has family-friendly action, making it the perfect game for holiday entertaining, appealing to every party animal in the family."

In Mario Party 6, players can move around the game board faster than ever before, providing the inspiration to keep the action going all day and all night. With the multiplayer functionality of Mario Party 6, up to four players can participate in the action as they compete to see who will win and be crowned champion.

The latest development in video games has players interacting with and playing games in new and exciting ways. Mario Party 6 keeps this trend alive through the use of a cool new accessory: the Nintendo GameCube Mic, packaged with the game at no extra charge. The microphone plugs into a memory card port and allows players to control certain mini-games using voice commands. Mario Party 6, Rated E for Everyone, is available now at an MSRP of $49.99.

[Proceeds from three gaming packages go to the San Francisco Food Bank.]

37

TalkBack / (No subject)

« on: December 02, 2004, 08:56:41 AM »

Proceeds from three gaming packages go to the San Francisco Food Bank.

Ubisoft Auctions Videogames and Consoles on eBay to Benefit San Francisco Food Bank

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 1, 2004--Today, Ubisoft, one of the world's largest videogame publishers, launched an eBay auction for three unique videogame packages with all proceeds to benefit the San Francisco Food Bank, the largest distributor of food to low-income people in San Francisco. The three auction packages include a videogame console and 13 games, including award-winning Ubisoft titles such as Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell(R) and Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time(TM), and hot new titles for the 2004 holiday season like Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon(R) 2 and Prince of Persia: Warrior Within(TM).

Ubisoft is auctioning an Xbox(R) videogame system (retail value $149.99), a PlayStation(R) 2 computer entertainment system (retail value $149.99) and a Nintendo GameCube(TM) (retail value $99.99), with a collector's set of 13 videogames per console. Each auction package is worth approximately $500 in retail value and is running now through December 10.

"Ubisoft is committed to giving back to the local community and this unique videogame auction is a fun way to do it," said Tony Kee, vice president of marketing at Ubisoft. "This year we have selected the San Francisco Food Bank as our local charity, and we are proud to be partnering with the organization in its fight against hunger."

The complete winning packages (which include games that have been rated "E" for "Everyone" to "M" for "Mature" by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)) are:

-- An Xbox console with Tom Clancy's Classic Trilogy (the original titles from the Tom Clancy's line of games: Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell, Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six(R) 3 and Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon), Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow(TM), Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon 2, Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3 Black Arrow(TM), Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, Prince of Persia: Warrior Within, XIII, Rocky Legends(TM), Batman(TM): Rise of Sin Tzu(TM), Rayman(R) 3 Hoodlum Havoc(TM) and Rayman(R) Arena. To bid on this package, please visit the eBay auction at http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8151235573&ssPageName=ADME:B:LC:US:1

-- A PlayStation 2 system, with Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow, Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3, Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon, Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Jungle Storm(TM), Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, Prince of Persia: Warrior Within, XIII, Rocky Legends, Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu (commemorative edition with a Batman figure and lithograph), Monster 4 x 4: Masters of Metal, Ape Escape(R): Pumped and Primed(TM) and Rayman Arena. To bid on this package, please visit the eBay auction at http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8151230725&ssPageName=ADME:B:LC:US:1

-- A Nintendo GameCube with Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow, Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3, Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, Prince of Persia: Warrior Within, XIII, Rocky, Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu (commemorative edition with a Batman lithograph), Monster 4 x 4: Masters of Metal, Rayman 3 Hoodlum Havoc(TM), Beyond Good and Evil(TM) and Rayman Arena. To bid on this package, please visit the eBay auction at http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8151238640&ssPageName=ADME:B:LC:US:1

(Due to their length, these URLs may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.)

Ubisoft will pay for all shipping and handling costs for the videogame packages.

About the San Francisco Food Bank

The San Francisco Food Bank's mission is to end hunger in San Francisco. It works toward that goal by distributing food and advocating for improvement in government food programs and policies. A nationwide network of food suppliers allows the Food Bank to turn each dollar donated into $9 of non-perishable groceries, fresh produce, bread, and meat for the community. An affiliate of America's Second Harvest, the nation's food bank network, the San Francisco Food Bank supplies food to more than 450 nonprofit anti-hunger programs from senior centers and after-school programs to soup kitchens reaching tens of thousands of individuals each month. This year, the Food Bank will distribute 23 million pounds of food, enough to provide more than 50,000 meals to hungry San Franciscans every day. For more information about the San Francisco Food Bank, please visit www.sffoodbank.org/.

[However, Shrek still says he hates the guy.]

38

TalkBack / RE: Kiddies Love TY 2

« on: November 19, 2004, 05:32:21 AM »

However, Shrek still says he hates the guy.

TY the Tasmanian Tiger 2: Bush Rescue from EA and Krome Studios Acclaimed as a ''Must-Have Game'' for Kids and Families

  Action-Packed, Kid-Friendly Title Hailed as "Perfect Pick" by Critics and Kid-Testers, Available for $19.95

 REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 18, 2004-- With the holidays approaching, Electronic Arts (Nasdaq:ERTS) and Krome Studios have once again partnered up to deliver an outstanding mix of kids' entertainment and family value with TY the Tasmanian Tiger™ 2: Bush Rescue™. Developed by Australia's leading game development company Krome Studios, TY the Tasmanian Tiger 2: Bush Rescue is the sequel to TY the Tasmanian Tiger, which has sold more than one million units worldwide. TY the Tasmanian Tiger 2: Bush Rescue is a hit with the critics including FamilyFun magazine and its kid-testers which named the game a top-10 "must have" holiday title, and also a hit with parents and kids, who can now pick up a fun, wholesome game for less than $20.  

TY the Tasmanian Tiger 2: Bush Rescue features elements that will cater to kids of all types. For boys, there's non-stop action, exploration and off-road racing. For girls, there's friendship and a host of engaging characters including a strong female cohort, Shazza. For mom and dad, TY the Tasmanian Tiger 2: Bush Rescue is family-friendly entertainment that's easy on the pocket book. And to ensure that even young children can share in the fun, the game's official EA web site at  www.ty2.bushrescue.ea.com is loaded with tips and activity pages.  

Like its predecessor, TY the Tasmanian Tiger 2: Bush Rescue features a unique array of interesting native animals inspired by the Australian Outback including the loveable lead character, TY, who is based on the thought-to-be-extinct Tasmanian tiger. The game delivers an array of exciting, action-packed adventures with upgradeable boomerangs, "Mech" units with special powers and abilities, off-road action, and a wide variety of gameplay styles. Players are immersed in a colorful, open-world Outback environment where they can also explore by foot and in vehicles (land, air, and water). Additionally, a two-player split screen cart racing mode serves up head-to-head fun.  

Here's what some of the critics are saying about the game:  

-- "TY the Tasmanian Tiger 2: Bush Rescue is one of the Top 10 must-have Video Games of the Year!" -- FamilyFun Video Game of the Year Awards 2004  

-- "...fast-paced game with a lot of excitement... 4.5 out of 5 stars!" -- Newsday, "Kidsday" section  

-- "Great character appeal and wholesome fun make this a perfect game for the younger kids." -- Electronic Gaming Monthly  

-- "An extremely kid-friendly character action-adventure game that is entertaining and affordable." -- 1Up.com  

TY the Tasmanian Tiger 2: Bush Rescue is now available for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Xbox® video game system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube™ and Game Boy® Advance. The game has an MSRP of $19.95 on console and $29.95 for Game Boy Advance and is rated ESRB "E" (Everyone). TY the Tasmanian Tiger 2: Bush Rescue was developed by Krome Studios and is co-published by EA and Krome Studios under the EA GAMES™ brand.

["I believe that children are the future/Teach them well and let them buy our games..."]

39

TalkBack / RE: FamilyFun.com Announces Game Of Year Award Winners

« on: November 17, 2004, 08:35:43 AM »

"I believe that children are the future/Teach them well and let them buy our games..."

THE KID VOTE IS IN AS FAMILYFUN.COM ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF THE FIRST ANNUAL VIDEO GAME OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Editors' Holiday Video Game Picks Also Revealed

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 16, 2004--FamilyFun.com today announced the winners of its first annual Video Game of the Year Awards (www.familyfun.com/videogameawards). FamilyFun Video Game of the Year, a new sister program to the renowned FamilyFun Toy of the Year Award (T.O.Y.), is designed to help parents understand which video games are both family friendly and loved by kids.

Games rated E (everyone) by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) were eligible and evaluated in two age categories. Fifteen hundred children participated in the in-home game testing handled by Digital Research, Inc., a leading independent market research firm that has a long history with the T.O.Y awards. Games released too late in the year to undergo formal kid testing were considered for the FamilyFun.com Editors' Hot Holiday Release Picks list.

The Video Game of the Year for kids ages 6 - 8 is Power Rangers: Dino Thunder (publisher, THQ). Players of this game help the Power Rangers to stop the plans of the mad scientist Mesagog who is trying to send the world back into the age of dinosaurs.

The winning game for kids ages 9 -12 is Shrek 2™ (publisher, Activision). This game, based on the movie sequel, takes 1 to 4 players on a twisted fairy tale adventure to solve puzzles, fight monsters and complete wild and dangerous adventures.

"These were games that the testers' parents told us they felt good about. At the same time, the kids couldn't rave enough about how much fun they had playing them," said Lee Woodruff, contributing editor of FamilyFun. "Video games often top kids' wish lists these days, and as parents head in to the holiday shopping season they want to know what games kids will keep playing after December 26."

In addition to the award winners, FamilyFun.com editors have highlighted their "hot holiday release picks" for games that were released too late in the year to be part of the formal kid-testing process. They are:

Games for all ages

-- Taiko: Drum Master™ (publisher, Namco)

-- Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events™ (publisher, Activision)

Games for 6 - 8 year olds

-- The Polar Express™ (publisher, THQ)

-- SpongeBob SquarePants: The Movie (publisher, THQ)

Games for 9 - 12 year olds

-- Spyro™: A Hero's Tail (publisher, Vivendi Universal)

-- Fifa Soccer 2005 (publisher, EA Sports)

Game reviews and tester comments on games evaluated for Video Game of the Year, as well as a complete list of editor's holiday release picks, are available at www.familyfun.com/videogameawards. This area of the site will be updated regularly as new games are released.

"We want parents to have a year-round resource for insights into the games kids are requesting and playing," said Emily Smith, vice president of FamilyFun.com.

Games qualifying for Video Game of the Year were screened, tested and ranked on a 100-point scale by kid testers throughout the country. Kid testing is augmented with comments from parents who have played the games with their kids.

The Top-10 games from the Video Game of the Year program are:

-- Power Rangers: Dino Thunder (publisher, THQ)

-- Pokemon LeafGreen (publisher, Nintendo)

-- Shrek 2™ (publisher, Activision)

-- Kim Possible 2: Drakkens Demise (publisher, Disney Interactive)

-- ESPN NFL 2K5 (publisher, ESPN Video Games/Sega)

-- Ty the Tasmanian Tiger™: Bush Rescue (publisher, EA Games/Krome Studios)

-- Dragon Ball Z(R): Buu's Fury (publisher, Atari)

-- Crash Bandicoot(R) Purple: Ripto's Rampage (publisher, Vivendi Universal)

-- Spyro™ Orange: The Cortex Conspiracy (publisher, Vivendi Universal)

-- Crash Twinsanity™ (publisher, Vivendi Universal)

Referred to by the Wall Street Journal as the "Oscars of the toy industry", FamilyFun magazine's annual Toy of the Year (T.O.Y.) Awards have the unique advantage of being tested and selected by kids. As video games for kids become progressively popular, Family Fun.com has installed this new award in conjunction with the T.O.Y. event. T.O.Y. winners are chosen after thousands of hours of play testing and voting by more than 1,000 children at childcare centers across the country. The finalists and winners are featured in the November issue of FamilyFun magazine and on FamilyFun.com. Over the years, several memorable toys such as Rescue Heroes™ and Tickle Me Elmo™ were launched into the holiday retail spotlight after being announced as winners of the T.O.Y. Awards.

[The system's first dancing game --and a dance pad controller to play it on-- are coming this fall from Mad Catz.]

40

TalkBack / RE:Dance on GameCube with MC Groovz danceCraze

« on: November 02, 2004, 05:40:10 AM »

The system's first dancing game --and a dance pad controller to play it on-- are coming this fall from Mad Catz.

Fans of music games have longed for the genre to break out on GameCube, and their wish is finally being fulfilled by Mad Catz.  The accessory company is not only releasing a dance pad controller for GameCube, but they are also publishing their first-ever software title to support the peripheral.  The game features the following songs:

"Machine Gun" - The Commodores
"Boogie Wonderland" - Earth, Wind & Fire
"Best of My Love" - The Emotions
"Intuition" - Jewel
"Shake Your Groove Thing" - Peaches and Herb
"Lady Marmalade" - LaBelle featuring Patti LaBelle
"That's The Way (I Like It)" - KC And The Sunshine Band
"Parents Just Don't Understand" - DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince
"Irresistable (Hex Hector Club Mix)" - Jessica Simpson
"Makin It" - David Naughton
"Freaks Come out At Night" - Whodini
"Turn Me On" - Kevin Lyttle
"Osining" - Mike Doughty
"Walking On Sunshine" - Jump 5
"Out Of Sight" - Call Me Alice
"Sweet Love" - Kaskade
"Love and Music" (Joshua lz Remix) - Rithma
"Soundtrack to the Soul" (Big City Dub) - Kaskade
"Rainfall" (Kaskade Remix) - J Boogie's Dubtronic Science
"Come On" - Miguel Migs
"Natural" (Halo & Andre Harris Mix) - Afro Mystik
"It's You, It's Me" (Jason Hodges Mix) - Kaskade
"Meditation to the Groove" Johnny Fiasco Mix    - Kaskade
"Rhythm Is" (Marque Wyatt Mix) - Afro Mystik
"Freak" (dizzy Remix) - Ming+FS

Mad Catz to Publish 'MC Groovz Dance Craze' Dance Game

Game To be Bundled with Nintendo-Licensed Beat Pad(TM) for  the Nintendo GameCube(TM)

SAN DIEGO--Nov. 2, 2004--

Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. ("Mad Catz") (AMEX/TSX: MCZ), the world's leading third party video game accessory manufacturer, today announced that it will be publishing its first video game title, "MC Groovz Dance Craze". The game will be the first dance game released on the Nintendo GameCube(TM) system and will be bundled with one licensed dance pad at an MSRP of $49.99. Additional Nintendo-licensed Beat Pads can be purchased separately at an MSRP of $29.99. The title will launch exclusively on the Nintendo GameCube system and is expected to be in stores for the up-coming holiday season.

"MC Groovz Dance Craze" is rated "E" (Everyone) by the ESRB. The dance game genre has seen strong sales growth this year as a result of high profile media coverage of the positive health effects of dance games. The game features 29 songs from leading artists including Jessica Simpson, Kevin Lyttle and Jewel, a selection of the latest techno dance club tracks, and even some disco classics.

"The new dance game and beat pad bundle addresses one of the hottest trends in the interactive entertainment industry by capitalizing on the very popular dancing craze," says Darren Richardson, President and CEO of Mad Catz. "The launch of the game is also an important element in our strategy to add new revenue streams that leverage the capabilities of our existing business. Mad Catz supplies dance pads to many of the leading video game retailers in the world. Publishing dance games to be used in conjunction with those pads is a natural product extension."

The game introduces an innovative eight directional button format and includes four styles of game play including:

--  Just Dance: single player dancing

--  Dance Together: two-player collaborative dancing

--  Dance Face Off: two-player competitive dancing

--  Dance Workout: Fitness mode with calorie counter

Each dance style offers Easy, Moderate and Expert modes to challenge everyone from novices to dance game aficionados. The Nintendo-Licensed Beat Pad is designed to support the new game play with eight directional buttons.

Additional information is available at www.madcatz.com.

[If you've ever dreamt of a playable Elastigirl, now is your chance.]

41

TalkBack / (No subject)

« on: November 02, 2004, 04:24:02 AM »

If you've ever dreamt of a playable  Elastigirl, now is your chance.

THQ SHIPS "THE INCREDIBLES" VIDEOGAMES, BASED UPON THE UPCOMING WALT DISNEY PICTURES PRESENTATION OF A PIXAR ANIMATION STUDIOS FILM  

Videogame Players Called Into Action to Discover Their Superhero Strength in One of the Most Anticipated Videogames of the Holiday Season    

 CALABASAS HILLS, Calif. Nov. 1, 2004. THQ Inc., Pixar Animation Studios and Disney Interactive today announced the release of "The Incredibles" videogame based on the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures presentation of a Pixar Animation Studios film, "The Incredibles." "The Incredibles" has shipped for the PlayStation(R)2 Sony computer entertainment system, the Xbox(R) videogame system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube(R), Game Boy(R) Advance, and PC/Mac. "The Incredibles: When Danger Calls," an additional PC/Mac title targeting the younger demographic featuring an assortment of mini-games has also shipped. "The Incredibles" is now beginning to ship to retail outlets worldwide.  

"Matching the creative minds at Pixar Animation Studios and the game development talents at THQ's Heavy Iron Studios has produced one of this year's most exhilarating and action-filled video games," said "The Incredibles" film producer, John Walker. "Players will re-experience the excitement that the movie delivers as they assume the roles and super powers of Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl and their children, Violet and Dash."  

"After the outstanding success of the Finding Nemo videogames, I'm thrilled to see another example of great synergy on every level between Disney, Pixar and THQ," said Graham Hopper, senior vice president and General Manager, Buena Vista Games. "Like the film, 'The Incredibles' videogame is certain to be a huge hit this holiday season with consumers of all ages."  

"THQ's growing library of videogames based upon the Pixar films presented by Disney have topped sales charts worldwide, proving the amazing appeal that these properties have with fans of all ages," said Peter Dille, senior vice president, worldwide marketing, THQ. "We've created a campaign that targets the broad market of videogame players through TV, print, online, radio, in-theater advertising, and numerous promotional partnerships with both the theatrical release and the first party hardware publishers."  

About The Incredibles Videogame  

"The Incredibles" videogame features intense superhero action and adventure combined with the unique graphical style and humor of the upcoming Pixar film presented by Disney. The game will allow players to relive the movie experience as each of the film's characters in visually stunning environments ranging from lush jungle islands to grand skyscraper-filled cities. The game spans more than 18 levels including bonuses and extra hidden features.  

"The Incredibles: When Danger Calls" for PC/Mac allows younger gamers 10 levels of engaging activities based on the film's characters, settings, and events. The game features a variety of difficulty levels for kids of all ages to enjoy.  

Heavy Iron Studios, developer of the console versions of "The Incredibles," and Helixe, developer of the Game Boy Advance version, are both internal studios of THQ. Beenox adapted the console version to PC/Mac. Imaginengine developed "The Incredibles: When Danger Calls."  

For more information on "The Incredibles" and "The Incredibles: When Danger Calls" videogames, visit www.incrediblesgame.com.  

About The Incredibles Film  

From the Academy Award(R)-winning creators of "Toy Story," "Monsters, Inc.," and "Finding Nemo" comes a new movie written by Pixar Animation Studios' Brad Bird ("Iron Giant," "The Simpsons"). "The Incredibles" tells the story of a family of undercover superheroes that are trying to live a quiet, suburban life, but are forced back into action in order to save the world.  

[The publisher might lose WWE, but it will have exclusive access to Nickelodeon's franchises until 2010.]

42

TalkBack / RE: THQ and Nickelodeon Remain Buddies

« on: October 25, 2004, 11:55:54 AM »

The publisher might lose WWE, but it will have exclusive access to Nickelodeon's franchises until 2010.

THQ Named Nickelodeon's Master Interactive Licensee Through 2010; Companies Renew One of Industry's Most Prolific Relationships

Companies Announce Key Brands for Fiscal 2006

CALABASAS HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 25, 2004-- Nickelodeon, a division of Viacom Inc.'s (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) MTV Networks, and THQ Inc. (NASDAQ:THQI) today announced that they have extended their long-standing master interactive licensing agreement through 2010. The exclusive worldwide partnership grants THQ rights to continue to publish games based on all existing and future animated TV and movie properties targeting kids ages 6-14 across all viable game systems.

"Since the inception of our partnership in 1998, THQ and Nickelodeon have pioneered kids gaming, releasing six number one titles and selling through more than 20 million units worldwide," said Leigh Anne Brodsky, President, Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products. "THQ has been a great partner to date and we look forward to building our videogame business into an even more important category for Nickelodeon."

"As proud as we are of our many achievements over the years, we are even more excited about what the future of this partnership holds," said Brian Farrell, President and CEO, THQ. "Nickelodeon's ability to identify, develop and market the best content for kids is unparalleled. We are thrilled with the ongoing success of brands like SpongeBob SquarePants and our jointly developed 'Tak' property and look forward to growing our business with the launch of several new Nickelodeon properties including Barnyard and Danny Phantom."

THQ and Nickelodeon Successes:

THQ and Nickelodeon first partnered for the 1998 release of Rugrats for the original PlayStation. Since then, the two companies have launched games based on more than 10 leading Nickelodeon brands in the interactive space including Jimmy Neutron, Nicktoons, The Fairly OddParents and the ubiquitous SpongeBob SquarePants. Through their unprecedented "games first" agreement, THQ and Nickelodeon launched original cross-media property "Tak and the Power of Juju" in October 2003 followed by its sequel "Tak 2: The Staff of Dreams" earlier this month. The two companies look forward to the worldwide cross-platform release of "The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie," to coincide with the first ever SpongeBob SquarePants theatrical release, this holiday. THQ develops and publishes wireless content based on selected Nickelodeon properties through a separate agreement with Nick.com.

THQ and Nickelodeon Announce 2005/2006 Key Brands:

THQ and Nickelodeon's fiscal 2006 line-up includes SpongeBob SquarePants, The Fairly OddParents, Nicktoons and Tak across multiple platforms; as well as games based on Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movie's holiday 2005 theatrical release, The Barnyard Movie. The two companies will also release games based on Danny Phantom and everGirl.

For more information about upcoming THQ and Nickelodeon projects, as well as THQ's other initiatives, please visit www.thq.com.

[Madden, Tiger, and the Urbz will be ready for launch.]

43

TalkBack / RE: EA Makes DS Lineup Official

« on: October 11, 2004, 01:52:18 PM »

Madden, Tiger, and the Urbz will be ready for launch.

EA REVEALS MADDEN NFL 2005, TIGER WOODS PGA TOUR GOLF AND THE URBZ: SIMS IN THE CITY ON NINTENDO DS  

Redwood City, Calif., October 11, 2004 – Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) today revealed in-game details of Madden NFL 2005, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® Golf and The Urbz™: Sims in the City™ for the Nintendo Dual-Screen™ (Nintendo DS). Leveraging the handheld system’s distinctive features including the dazzling dual-screen design, each game boasts features that could only be experienced on the unique Nintendo console.  

“The launch of the Nintendo DS is a big event for game fans worldwide. We will be there with some of our most popular franchises,” said Frank Gibeau, Senior Vice President of North American Marketing. “Each of our games has been custom designed for the Nintendo DS, guaranteeing a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience.”  

Madden NFL 2005 is the deepest and most authentic handheld sports game ever.  Taking advantage of the unique Nintendo DS hardware feature set, Madden NFL 2005 gives players unprecedented control during gameplay. Gamers can now use the Nintendo DS touch screen to call plays, utilize the kick meter and select audibles at the line of scrimmage. The second screen also is home to Field Radar, which allows gamers to see where all 22 players are on the field while staying in the heart of the action on the other screen. Madden NFL 2005 breaks new ground by allowing players to go head-to-head in Madden NFL 2005 via wireless play. The game delivers unprecedented 3D graphics while featuring authentic NFL uniforms for all 32 NFL teams and player portraits for each NFL player. With a full season mode and fun game modes such as Situation Mode and 2-Minute Drill, Madden NFL 2005 for the  Nintendo DS delivers its signature level of depth in the palm of your hand.    

Developed at EA Canada in Vancouver, British Columbia, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® on the  Nintendo DS retains the hallmarks of the series including legendary courses and world-class golfing. As with the hit version that inspired it, players will take on Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh, Jack Nicklaus and other golfing greats from past & present. Players create their golfer, develop their skills and step on to the green to challenge the masters on some of the world’s top courses including five licensed and one fantasy courses from the Tiger Woods series. However, unlike any past iteration, this innovative version of the game allows players to utilize touch screen technology to command control of their swing and position their shots like a pro. When they feel truly confident, players can fire up the multiplayer component to challenge up to four friends in wi-fi networked play. Then, see who’s the real master.

A spin-off of The Sims™, the most successful PC Game of all time The Urbz™: Sims in the City™ is being developed in Redwood City by the EA Maxis Studio in conjunction with Griptonite Games. Urbz aren’t typical Sims; they have a completely new look, attitude and outlook on life. Roaming through the rough-and-tumble city streets, Urbz are all about their friends, their pets and building their reputation. This highly-anticipated title will benefit from the unique Nintendo DS capabilities by offering players a touch-screen input and a multitude of in-game features that are not available in any other version of the game.  Exclusive features for the Nintendo DS include 24 objects, a unique touch-screen menu system, 5 minigames, 7 characters and 5 pet species that players can create with the special in-game ‘gene manipulator’.  

Madden NFL 2005 and Tiger Woods PGA TOUR Golf are rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and will ship under the EA SPORTS™ brand. The Urbz: Sims in the City is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and will released under the EA GAMES™ brand. These three titles will be available when the Nintendo DS launches.  

Rounding out EA’s line-up of Nintendo DS titles are GoldenEye: Rogue Agent™ and Need For Speed™ Underground which will ship in the months following launch.

[PGC attends the sold-out show at The Wiltern Theater.]

44

TalkBack / RE: Nintendo Fusion Tour Rocks LA

« on: October 04, 2004, 10:42:18 PM »

PGC attends the sold-out show at The Wiltern Theater.

Sunday night, Nintendo’s Fusion Tour stopped at The Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles with a rather large caravan of tour busses and semi-trucks.  We attended to see what Nintendo has cooking on this tour, and were pleased to eventually learn that the show had been sold out.  

As we drove up, we spotted the enormous line snaking around the corner, but by the time we had parked it seemed to have already been moving for a while.  We couldn’t spot anyone from Nintendo to let us skip ahead, so we simply went to the end of the line.

There was a large security presence at the door, but upon feeling the object in my coat pocket, they simply accepted my word that it was a camera and let me in without showing it to them or anything.  The Wiltern’s lobby is probably larger than what most venues will have on the tour, so there was a significant Nintendo presence.  At the entrance was a contest booth for concert attendees to sign their lives away enter to win great prizes.  And in the hallway just behind the main auditorium was everything else.  There was an odd x-shaped cloth stretched out to serve as a video screen with footage of the fall line-up.  A few representatives were wired up with GBAs, but as you might expect, most people were interested in the GameCube stations.  

Nintendo had four stations set up with four games per station.  Most of the games have already been released or were titles that people may already be familiar with.  Metroid Prime 2 seemed to be the only game yet to hit shelves.  Smash Bros. and Mario Kart were there for multiplayer smack-downs.  Several racers were on hand, including NFSU, F-Zero GX, and SRS.  Madden and WWE: Day of Reckoning represented the sports line-up, and Spider Man 2 and Terminator 3: Redemption stood-in for movie-licensed games.  Then at the end of the row was the sight most Nintendo fans were looking for - sort of…

The Nintendo DS display is definitely large and visible, but unfortunately, at this point you have to be content with looking at it under glass as if it were a museum piece.  The glass box is even partially covered so that you can’t get any sort of look at the back. During the teleconference a couple weeks ago, Nintendo seemed to indicate that the DS will be playable later on in the tour, but representatives at the show still seemed shaky on whether or not that would be the case.

Believe it or not, Nintendo really wasn’t the focus of the show.  Once you got inside the auditorium, the only indication that Nintendo was affiliated at all was a pair of banners placed at the ends of the stage (and even those were taken down before Story of the Year went on).  There were no video presentations, no T-shirts being tossed to the crowds, and (thankfully) no guys on stage in big-headed Mario costumes.  

The Los Angeles line-up included Letterkills, My Chemical Romance, Lostprophets, and Story of the Year.  Although I knew in advance, I was still disappointed that Anberlin wasn’t on this leg of the tour since I know several of the guys from back in Florida.  All of the bands pretty much play punk rock in one form or another.  Some might argue that one band or another actually plays emo, but whatever, this was pop-punk if I ever saw it.  

Including intermissions (and again there was no one to say “Go play Nintendo”), the show lasted about three and a half hours with a packed house on both the floor and balcony.  Anyone thinking that these guys might tone down their act because it’s a Nintendo tour is sorely mistaken: most of the bands used the f-word as often as they could and even admitted to doing it just for the fun of it.  Not being particularly familiar with any of the bands, I just sat back and took pictures through most of the evening, but once Story of the Year came up, the energy increased to contagious levels.  More than half of the room was singing along to every song, and that number only increased when the band played one of their hits.  Despite security guidelines prohibiting it, a few people started moshing and crowd-surfing, but since the club has somewhat of a tiered floor, some of them appeared to “surf” over a waterfall.  Story of the Year ran with the energy of the sold-out crowd, and were clearly helped by having a completely wireless set-up that allowed them to jump up on the speakers whenever they liked and even venture far into the crowd without missing a beat.

Overall, I’d say that the night was most likely a success for Nintendo, since they were able to expose the bands’ fan-bases to a fair number of games, and it was likely the first time many of them had ever heard of the Nintendo DS.  Still, Nintendo would be better served to have a stronger presence on the stage in some form or another.  Crowds are happy to fight for Nintendo T-shirts and squishy GameCubes flying from the arms of an emcee.  

For more photos, click here.

[Mark your calendars for October 7th, because that's when Nintendo is going to spill the dual-screened beans.]

45

TalkBack / RE: Nintendo Planning Nintendo DS Press Event

« on: September 17, 2004, 07:49:51 AM »

Mark your calendars for October 7th, because that's when Nintendo is going to spill the dual-screened beans.

The headline says it all, really.  Nintendo has just announced that they've scheduled a press conference to show off the Nintendo DS and its games to retailers and the public on October 7, less than a month away.

All that's currently known about what Nintendo plans to do at this conference is to have President Satoru Iwata and a certain Shigeru Miyamoto present to explain the new handheld and to answer any questions about the unit that might arise.

The Tokyo Game Show, an event that Nintendo will once again not attend, still might shed some more light on what exactly the DS will be all about, with third parties likely to share some of what they've got to offer for the Nintendo DS.  TGS runs from September 24 through the 26th this year.

[It's their first outing on GameCube. Why did it have to come so soon?]

46

TalkBack / (No subject)

« on: September 17, 2004, 07:49:51 AM »

It's their first outing on GameCube.  Why did it have to come so soon?

THQ Ships Power Rangers DinoThunder for PlayStation 2, GameCube and Game Boy Advance

CALABASAS HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 22, 2004--THQ(R) Inc. (Nasdaq:THQI) and Buena Vista Interactive, a publishing label of Buena Vista Games, Inc., announced that Power Rangers DinoThunder(TM) for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo(R) GameCube(R) and Game Boy(R) Advance, has shipped to retail outlets throughout North America. The popular "Power Rangers" TV show is celebrating its 12th season with the current series, "Power Rangers DinoThunder," a combination of Power Rangers and dinosaurs. The release of Power Rangers DinoThunder marks THQ's fifth installment in the million-plus unit selling Power Rangers videogame franchise since securing the game publishing rights in 2000 (according to The NPD Group) and the first time Power Rangers has been released for the PlayStation 2 and GameCube.

"Boys are embracing the 'Power Rangers' more than ever thanks to a strong presence on the Jetix blocks on Toon Disney and ABC family," said Peter Dille, senior vice president, worldwide marketing, THQ. "We're thrilled with the consistent worldwide success of the show and look forward to continued success of the Power Rangers brand."

Power Rangers DinoThunder for PlayStation 2, GameCube and Game Boy Advance features gameplay based on the current season, "Power Rangers DinoThunder" airing on the ABC Television Network's "ABC Kids," and during the JETIX programming blocks mornings on ABC Family and evenings on Toon Disney. The console games will feature more than 50 different missions and minigames in nine wide open, free roaming worlds. Players can control 18 different Zords, including ones from previous series "Power Rangers Ninja Storm" and "Power Rangers Wild Force." Gamers will have the ability to switch between Zords in mid-mission and engage in Megazord battles as in the TV show.

For more information on THQ's Power Rangers videogames and the rest of THQ's 2004 product lineup, please visit www.thq.com.

[Cheatermon, I choose you!]

47

TalkBack / RE:Pokémon Cracked by Action Replay

« on: September 17, 2004, 07:39:47 AM »

Cheatermon, I choose you!

WANNA CATCH THEM ALL?

Only Action Replay has cheat codes for Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen...

September 17th, 2004 - They're the games everyone wants to bust wide open, but only Datel has managed it. If you want to enhance the action in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen for the Game Boy Advance/SP, you need Action Replay.

Action Replay is the only game enhancer for the Advance that offers 100% unofficial codes for Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen. No one else has done it - some people even claimed the games were impossible to crack! That's certainly news to Datel's dynamic code-creating crew, which has found an amazing 400 codes for each of the games. Check them out only on www.codejunkies.com.

Action Replay for GBA/SP is the world's best-selling cheat code system for the Game Boy. Around 20,000 Action Replay cheat codes are now available for over 200 Game Boy Advance games, and it's easy to update the cartridge with new codes.

Its features include:

*  Preloaded with loads of cheats for the latest and greatest games
*  New cheats can be easily added and saved
*  Plug and play cartridge
*  Colourful hi-resolution graphics
*  Easy-to-use, intuitive menu system

Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen are out now in the States. Action Replay for GBA/SP is in the shops now, and costs £19.99. It can also be bought direct at www.codejunkies.com.

[Exclusive: See the first picture of the special Nintendo DS hardware used by developers.]

48

TalkBack / RE:Nintendo DS Development Emulator Revealed

« on: September 15, 2004, 05:50:10 AM »

Exclusive: See the first picture of the special Nintendo DS hardware used by developers.

Thanks to development sources who wish to remain anonymous, Planet GameCube can now reveal to our readers the Nintendo DS Development Emulator, a special and currently rare piece of hardware used to develop games for Nintendo's newest handheld system.

This is a more advanced unit than the bare chipset originally released to some developers.  Functionally, they are similar except that the cased emulator supports the touchscreen feature on the included DS prototype (still in its E3 form, as you can see).  We are currently unsure of how touchscreen features are tested on the old version; perhaps the display is shown on a connected PC and can be manipulated with a mouse or PC touchpad input.  Regardless, this newer emulator accepts direct touchscreen input just like a normal, production DS, making it easier for developers to understand how players will interact with the touchscreen.

Note that the DS is still being called "Nitro" in the development community.  The "IS" on the emulator case stands for Intelligent Systems, the Nintendo studio where the DS emulators, as well as GBA emulators, were developed.  This is the same studio responsible for bringing us the Paper Mario, Fire Emblem, and Advance Wars series.

The white sticker on the emulator case says "Confidential".  On top of the case are two slots, one for DS game cards and the other for GBA cartridges.

[The publisher continues to maximize its Nickelodeon licenses, with another Jimmy Neutron title for GameCube and GBA now available.]

49

TalkBack / RE: THQ Ships New Jimmy Neutron Game

« on: September 14, 2004, 07:33:12 AM »

The publisher continues to maximize its Nickelodeon licenses, with another Jimmy Neutron title for GameCube and GBA now available.

THQ Ships the Adventures of Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius: Attack of the Twonkies for PlayStation 2, GameCube and Game Boy Advance

Videogame Based On Nickelodeon Movie Airing In November With A Simultaneous Paramount Home Entertainment VHS/DVD Release

CALABASAS HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 14, 2004-- THQ(R) Inc. (Nasdaq:THQI) and Nickelodeon today announced that The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius: Attack of the Twonkies(TM) for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo(R) GameCube(R) and Game Boy(R) Advance has shipped to retail outlets throughout North America. A television movie with the same storyline will air on Nickelodeon on November 11, the same week it releases for home video/DVD.

"Our long-standing relationship with Nickelodeon enables us to deliver kids interactive products based on the TV programs they love," said Tiffany Ternan, Senior Vice President, North American Sales and Distribution, THQ. "The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius: Attack of the Twonkies has great entertainment value, allowing kids to play a videogame version of the TV movie featuring an innovative and cool inventions system."

"We are excited to release The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius: Attack of the Twonkies before the movie airs on Nickelodeon and hits home video and DVD," said Steve Youngwood, Vice President, Nickelodeon Media Products Group. "This launch strategy will provide videogame fans a sneak peek at the TV special, while providing a compelling gaming experience for Jimmy Neutron fans."

In The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius: Attack of the Twonkies, Aliens from Twonkus-3 -- the annual comet that passes over Retroville -- overrun the town and threaten everything in their path. When music plays, the aliens become agitated -- multiplying and growing to tremendous proportions. It's up to Jimmy Neutron to figure out combinations of everyday items in order to turn them into inventions that will defeat the Twonkus-3 aliens. The revolutionary inventions system allows players to create more than 28 gizmos, 11 inventions and four super inventions as they maneuver through six episodes spanning 15 levels, including Jimmy's Lab, Twonkus-3, The Neighborhood, Downtown, Retroland and the Final Showdown. Secret gizmos hidden in each level give Jimmy Neutron enhanced power-ups.

Console versions of The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius: Attack of the Twonkies were developed by THQ Studio Australia and the Game Boy Advance title was developed by Tantalus Interactive.

For more information on The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius: Attack of the Twonkies for PlayStation 2, GameCube and Game Boy Advance, or the rest of THQ's holiday lineup, please visit www.thq.com.

[EA ships its new Nascar racer to stores.]

50

TalkBack / RE: Nascar 2005 Circles Retailers

« on: September 01, 2004, 06:16:05 PM »

EA ships its new Nascar racer to stores.

EA sports NASCAR 2005: cHASE FOR THE Cup ships

game features largest upgrade in franchise history

 

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., August 31, 2004 – Reflecting NASCAR’s new format for choosing its champion – the Chase for the NASCAR® NEXTEL Cup – and featuring an all-new dynamic career mode, Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) announced today that it is shipping NASCAR 2005: Chase for the Cup™. The new EA SPORTS™ title will put players behind the wheel of vehicles from four series including modifieds and trucks as well as a variety of production cars such as the new Chevrolet C5 Corvette and Ford GT’s. Online gamers will enjoy enhanced features on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and for the first time, Xbox Live™ Support.  

 

NASCAR 2005: Chase for the Cup’s innovative new career mode, Fight to the Top, has drivers battling for opportunities as they race through the ranks of NASCAR Featherlite Modified, NASCAR Craftsman Truck, and NASCAR Busch Series rides before competing for million-dollar purses in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series™ and a chance to compete in the newly implemented Chase for the Cup that will be featured in the game as the Chase creates more excitement and drama in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. Players can develop their racing skills and intimidate their rivals on the track with all-new controls such as the Intimidator Button, and continue the action off the track with post-race confrontations, including opportunities to settle disputes with NASCAR stars by racing America’s top production cars through city streets. Enhanced online play on PlayStation 2 and Xbox will allow players a chance to race with up to 4 live racers with broad band connections. Fans react to the drama, idolizing both NASCAR heroes and villains with every move, while owners and sponsors recognize talent and reward success.  

 

NASCAR 2005: Chase for the Cup, developed by EA Tiburon is rated “E” for (Everyone) by the ESRB and has an MSRP of $49.95 for the PlayStation 2 console and Xbox® video game system from Microsoft, and $39.95 for the Nintendo GameCube™. The game’s official website is www.chaseforthecup2005.com.

 

In addition to NASCAR 2005: Chase for the Cup, a new, standalone NASCAR PC title is being designed expressly for simulation racing fans. The NASCAR PC title is being developed at EA Tiburon. Utilizing an 18 month development cycle, the game is scheduled to ship in early 2005.