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Tuesday, October 24, 2006 Shipping Announcements

by Rainier on Oct. 24, 2006 @ 2:56 p.m. PDT

Dark Messiah of Might and Magic (PC)

“Dark Messiah of Might and Magic successfully blurs traditional lines and defines a new approach to action-RPGs for the modern PC gaming audience,” said Tony Key, vice president of marketing at Ubisoft. “Dark Messiah of Might and Magic’s breakthrough game design, combined with the technology and graphic capability the Source Engine brings, signals an exciting new direction for the Might and Magic brand.”

Developed in conjunction with Ubisoft, Arkane Studios (for single-player), and Kuju Entertainment (for multiplayer), Dark Messiah of Might and Magic puts players in a first-person perspective, allowing them to encounter ferocious combat within a dark and expansive fantasy environment.

Powered by an enhanced version of the award-winning Source™ Engine created by Valve to power its Half-Life®2 video game, Dark Messiah of Might and Magic allows players to immerse themselves in an environment that responds and envelops them like never before, thanks to the Source Engine’s exceptional technological enhancements in areas such as character animation, advanced AI, real-world physics and shader-based rendering.

Dark Messiah Might and Magic ships with an ESRB rating of “M” (Mature). The game is available for PC at the manufacturer's suggested retail price of $49.99 for the standard edition, and $59.99 for the Limited Edition.

Capcom Classics Collection Reloaded (PSP)

Capcom Classics Collection Reloaded, an ensemble of more than 18 historic arcade favorites for the PSP, features select hits from Capcom Classics Collection for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox. Reloaded drives the nostalgia factor home with a host of new titles including Eco Fighters, King of Dragons and Knights of the Round. Satisfying the most discriminating of retro connoisseurs, Reloaded serves up a hearty spread of genres ranging from side scrolling brawlers to vertical shooters; providing enough flavor to please any gaming palate. Reloaded is now available at retailers across North America and carries an "T" rating for teen audiences by the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board).

Bringing hours of entertainment for players on the go, Reloaded offers faithful arcade ports while delivering competitive and cooperative multiplayer games that can be enjoyed via the PSP system's wireless ad hoc mode. Game sharing abilities not only pushes Reloaded over the compilation echelon, but presents the opportunity to be challenged just like the good ole arcade days. For those wanting to experience the games in their original presentation, the screen settings can be changed to suit just that. Relive Capcom's history and savor bonus features by earning credits towards Reloaded's themed slot machine to unlock a buffet of goods including original art, playing tips and secret codes. Reloaded is guaranteed to provide quality entertainment at a great value.

Capcom Classics Collection Reloaded boasts the following features:

  • More than 18 arcade-perfect classics on a single UMD
  • Hundreds of hours of nostalgic entertainment
  • A wealth of added features including game history, playing tips, original artwork, and new secret codes
  • Customizable controls to suit any gaming style

Devil May Cry 5th Anniversary Collection (PS2)

Devil May Cry 5th Anniversary Collection for the PlayStation 2 chronicles the complete adventures of Dante, the world's toughest demon slayer, with Devil May Cry, Devil May Cry 2 and Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening Special Edition. The collection carries an "M" rating for mature audiences by the ESRB and is now available at retailers throughout North America for a suggested retail price of $29.99.

Devil May Cry kick-started a new generation of action games with its striking gothic themes and a non-stop, pulse-pounding thrill ride. The first game in the series introduces Dante, the descendant of a legendary swordsman who waged a one man battle against the demon world to save the human race. With bloodlines tracing back to mysterious, ancient demons, Dante unleashes incredible powers fueled by his demon side. Utilizing a devastating mix of swords and guns, players power through a fantastic dark world in an ultimate battle of good vs. evil.

Devil May Cry 2 doubles the intensity with the introduction of an additional playable character, Lucia, a stunning female heroine with deadly skills. The sequel shifts the action to outdoor environments ranging from cityscapes to old European towns. In addition to an updated character design featuring an older, more rugged Dante, the game features new moves, enhanced demon form, new weapons and more. A dynamic difficulty system tracks a player's skill level and adjusts enemies' difficulty based on their performance.

Switching things up, Devil May Cry 3 serves as a prequel, unfolding an earlier chapter in Dante's history. Before the original Devil May Cry, a fateful clash between Sparda's twin sons tore them apart as they chose diverging paths. These precursory events disclose the complex roots of Dante's character and reveal insight into his clouded past. Devil May Cry 3 increases the intensity of gameplay with a new "style" system, offering a unique set of special abilities and attack moves for each style. In addition, the special edition version features a horde of additional content, new options and a bonus playable character – Vergil, Dante's twin brother.

Star Wars: Empire at War - Forces of Corruption (PC)

In the award-winning and best-selling Star Wars: Empire at War, players controlled an entire war for the Star Wars galaxy as the Rebel Alliance or the Galactic Empire. Now, they will face off against both of them in Star Wars Empire at War: Forces of Corruption as a brand new third faction. As Tyber Zann, players will stop at nothing as they seek to further the sinister agenda of the Zann Consortium and become the most notorious criminal leader since Jabba the Hutt. With all new tactics like piracy, kidnapping, and bribery, players can control the shadowy forces of corruption in their attempt to rule the Star Wars underworld.

“Star Wars Empire at War: Forces of Corruption allows fans to experience the Star Wars universe in an entirely new way,” said Nancy MacIntyre, vice president global sales and marketing for LucasArts. “People have always wanted to peek inside the shady underground of the galaxy – home to the spies, bounty hunters and smugglers – and Forces of Corruption finally gives them the chance to do so. The illicit technologies, black-market goods, and underhanded tactics in Forces of Corruption allow players to become gangsters in the wretched hives of Star Wars scum and villainy.”

“Creating a completely new faction in Forces of Corruption gave us the opportunity to add a remarkable amount of new content and gameplay to the Empire at War story,” said Mike Legg, president of Petroglyph. “In addition, the decision to add to the Star Wars lore gave us the freedom to create unique and fantastic units and characters. We believe that all Empire at War players, and Star Wars fans alike, will find something new and exciting in Forces of Corruption.”

Flushed Away (GBA/NDS/NGC/PS2)

Based on the highly anticipated film from DreamWorks Animation and Aardman, the Flushed Away video game from D3Publisher of America, Inc. (D3PA), takes players on a thrilling adventure through London's underground metropolis. Players will encounter enemies, waterfalls and traps as they thwart the villainous Toad and his evil plans. In Flushed Away, players will relive the movie and discover new environments unique to the game as they assume the roles of one of three characters in the film - Roddy, an adventurous character who is suddenly "flushed" into a bustling world below the streets of London; Rita, a beautiful street-smart scrounger who is also a thief, and the Jammy Dodger, Rita's boat which has a unique personality of its own.

"We have worked closely with DreamWorks and Aardman to authentically bring the humor of the Flushed Away film and the personalities of its characters to life in our game," said Careen Yapp, vice president of licensing and business development, D3PA. "Flushed Away offers a gameplay experience that children as well as adults will enjoy."

Comprised of more than 10 levels and various exciting mini-games, Flushed Away will allow players to use a rat trap catapult, a dashing cocktail sword, pudding mix and other items found in the sewer to defeat enemies and dodge floating debris. Fun mini-games such as Castle Siege and Pathfinder extend the gameplay and offer players a chance to increase their health by collecting and salvaging rare treasures, boosting their energy through power-up items and unlocking exclusive content.

Flushed Away was developed for the PS2 and GameCube platforms by Monkey Bar Games; for Nintendo DS by Art Co. Ltd.; and for the GBA by Altron Corporation.

Flushed Away is rated "E" (Everyone - cartoon violence) on the PS 2, GameCube and NDS. Flushed Away for GBA is rated "E" (Everyone - cartoon violence and comic mischief). The game is available for a suggested retail price of $29.95.

Nicktoons: Battle for Volcano Island (GBA/NDS/NGC/PS2)

The game features stars from four of Nickelodeon's most popular shows, including "SpongeBob SquarePants," "Danny Phantom," "The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius" and "The Fairly OddParents".

"The release of last year's Nicktoons Unite! quickly took the brand to a top 10 ranking among licensed kids' video game properties and has proven to be incredibly successful with more than one million units shipped to date," said John Ardell, director of global brand management, THQ. "We're very pleased to be building on this brand with a new adventure for fans of these wildly popular Nickelodeon shows."

"Each of the shows included in Nicktoons: Battle for Volcano Island are among the top animated shows for kids on television," said Paul Jelinek, vice president of digital media products, Nickelodeon and MTVN Kids and Family Group. "We are thrilled to bring the characters from four of our most popular shows together again, adding to our exciting THQ video game offerings."

In Nicktoons: Battle for Volcano Island, players will assume the role of up to six playable characters including SpongeBob SquarePants, Danny Phantom, Timmy Turner, Patrick Star, Sandy Cheeks and Samantha Mason. Players can join or leave the game at any time in multi-player and unlock bonus levels and costumes. Players choose their favorite characters and combine their unique weapons and powers to stop the ancient evil Mawgu, who has threatened to take control of Volcano Island. Nicktoons: Battle for Volcano Island features single or two-player game play, new enemies and villains, as well as a brand new combat system with multiple styles of fighting. Fans can upgrade the powers and weapons of their favorite characters to battle untold dangers, hideous creatures, and toxic ooze.

Nicktoons: Battle for Volcano Island is rated "E" for everyone and is now available at a suggested retail price of $39.99 for console systems and $29.99 for handheld systems.

Phantasy Star Universe (PS2/X360/PC)

Phantasy Star Universe offers two complete RPG experiences -- a robust single-player action adventure spanning multiple planets, and an expansive online multiplayer mode allowing gamers to meet other players, strike up alliances, and embark on a huge variety of online quests.

Developed by Sonic Team, Phantasy Star Universe offers long-time fans the single-player experience they have been clamoring for. The title's hero is Ethan Waber, a 17-year old cadet who begins his epic journey when a mysterious life form known as THE SEED invades his homeworld, shattering 100 years of peace. The solo adventure features more than 40 hours of gameplay, an emotionally engaging story, traditional cut scenes, and strong character development.

Since its introduction in 1988, the Phantasy Star franchise has revolutionized the RPG genre by creating new standards through innovative gameplay, as well as being the first console RPG to offer an online experience in Phantasy Star Online. The online mode in Phantasy Star Universe enriches the emotionally engaging single-player story mode and gives players the opportunity to create their own characters from a range of races, as they explore all three planets in the Gurhal system. Players can fight solo or travel with their friends as a squad of six adventurers, entering urban landscapes teeming with hundreds of other players, and build their avatars into powerful warriors.

With a Guardians License, gamers can experience the new customizable and highly interactive features in the online mode including character creation, My Room (personalized online space), expansive interactive lobbies, shops, and new missions. The Guardians License opens up a universe filled with robust monthly content downloads including brand new quests and other additions such as weapons, bosses, clothing, Photon Arts, and more.

Players can purchase a Guardians License for Xbox 360, PlayStation 2 system and PC online users for $9.99 a month. The Guardians License will also be available at a discounted rate of $49.99 for six months of online play on the PlayStation 2 system and PC.

Phantasy Star Universe is rated "T" for Teen by the ESRB, and has an MSRP of $59.95 on the Xbox 360 and $49.95 on the PlayStation 2 system and PC.

Resident Evil 10th Anniversary Collection (NGC)

The definitive survival horror series celebrates its 10th anniversary with the release of Resident Evil 10th Anniversary Collection for the Nintendo GameCube. The set includes a trio of must-have Resident Evil titles for the system: Resident Evil, Resident Evil Zero and Resident Evil 4. Exclusively available at EB Games and GameStop stores nationwide for a suggested retail price of $39.99, the collection carries an "M" rating for mature audiences by the ESRB. The Resident Evil series has sold more than 30 million units worldwide and is Capcom's highest selling series to date.

Raccoon City. A secluded mansion is the epicenter of top-secret biotech experiments – all funded by a mysterious corporation known only as Umbrella. Members of S.T.A.R.S. (Special Tactics and Rescue Squad) are sent to investigate reports of gory attacks from areas near the area. The Alpha team is chased by monstrous creatures into the mysterious mansion. Once inside, the horrific adventure begins. Resident Evil on GameCube is a remake of the original survival horror masterpiece that shaped a genre. Players take on the role of either Chris Redfield or Jill Valentine as they explore the infamous mansion to uncover the secrets behind a radical, genetic research facility.

Resident Evil Zero follows the S.T.A.R.S. Bravo team as they investigate a series of grisly murders in Raccoon City. En route to their destination, the helicopter crashes and though they survive, they find themselves at a gruesome site riddled with corpses. Zero features two playable characters - Rebecca, a rookie Raccoon City police offer, and Billy, a framed convict on the run. By utilizing a partner zapping system, players follow the adventures of both characters and switch between them at any time, heightening the frenetic pace of the dual perspectives.

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 as 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.

Snoopy vs. the Red Baron (PSP/PS2/PC)

Developed by Smart Bomb Interactive, Snoopy vs. the Red Baron allows players to become immersed in a world only Snoopy can dream up as he transforms into a World War I flying ace on a valiant quest to defend the skies from the evil Red Baron. Navigate Snoopy through the clouds aboard the famous bi-plane, the Sopwith Camel, as he experiences perilous sky-high dogfights, no-holds-barred air races and heart-pounding missions behind enemy lines.

"Whether young or just young at heart, players get the chance to experience the classic Peanuts comic strip like never before," said John Whitmore, Director of Internal and External Development at NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. "The design is vivid and colorful, the storyline is filled with high speed air races and memorable characters, and best of all, Snoopy vs. The Red Baron is a game the whole family can enjoy."

Snoopy vs. The Red Baron captures the style and humor of the classic brand with stunning graphics, comical cinematics and a cast of favorite characters. Players can battle side-by-side with Snoopy's closest pal Woodstock, or more than 10 other Peanuts characters - including Lucy, Linus, Marcie and Sally - while collecting clues to reveal the whereabouts of the Red Baron's top secret hideout. Snoopy is a highly skilled pilot, but sometimes even the smartest beagle can use a little help. When support is needed, players can visit Pigpen's Shop to purchase a comical collection of weapons and gadgets to upgrade their planes, such as the Snow Blower and the Lightning Rod. Players can guide Snoopy thorough six vividly rendered worlds and more than 20 missions as he heroically attempts to defeat his archenemy, Red Baron, and foil his evil plans.

Snoopy vs. The Red Baron, rated "E10+" for everyone ages 10 and up, is available on the PS2, PSP and PC at suggested retail price of $29.99.

SpongeBob SquarePants Nighty Nightmare (PC)

THQ released SpongeBob SquarePants Nighty Nightmare, a brand new SpongeBob adventure for Windows PC. Both titles are now available at retail outlets nationwide for the suggested retail price of $19.99.

In SpongeBob SquarePants Nighty Nightmare, players take a unique journey into the nightmare and dreams of the residents of Bikini Bottom. Fans will explore six expansive levels into the darkest corners of Bikini Bottom, battling outrageous enemies to survive each nightmare. Players will live the dream as they solve puzzles, drive hot rods, and cause havoc.

Stronghold Legends (PC)

With more emphasis on strategy than ever, Stronghold Legends is an all new RTS adventure that builds on the successful Stronghold series by combining a range of gameplay innovations with exciting new multiplayer modes. Gamers can play as King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, Count Vlad Dracul, or the mighty Siegfried of Germany in twenty-six missions that span across three unique campaigns.

"Stronghold Legends offers a wide range of new content, while remaining true to the core game features that made its previous incarnations a hit worldwide," said Christoph Hartmann, President of 2K. "The series has sold more than 2 million units and we're confident fans will be pleased by this latest addition to the franchise."

Stronghold Legends, rated T for Teen, is available now for PC for $39.99.

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