THQ is capitalizing on a growing internal studio system of 15 wholly-owned developers and more than 25 of the best independent development teams worldwide to build a formidable product line-up that provides all gamers with new and innovative content. Playable for the first time exclusively at the THQ booth will be the highly-anticipated WWE® SmackDown® vs. Raw® 2007 from THQ/JAKKS Pacific, LLC, developed by Yukes Co., Ltd. for the Xbox 360. Also on display will be the cross-platform next-gen console title Frontlines: Fuel of War, developed by THQ's Kaos Studios for both current and next-gen systems. Additionally, new original properties will include next-gen Windows PC titles Company of Heroes, developed by Relic Entertainment and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Shadow of Chernobyl.
High-profile licensed properties Disney-Pixar Cars, SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab and Avatar: The Last Airbender, all scheduled to ship for next-gen and current gen systems, will also be on display.
"THQ's product line-up demonstrates both our commitment to delivering innovative, quality products to a global audience as well as our commitment to building the European market," said Ian Curran, senior vice president, international publishing, THQ Inc. "Our extensive Studio System has expanded to include European development talent Juice Games Ltd. and we continue to build an impressive product pipeline of high-profile original and licensed properties from around the world that will keep THQ on the cutting edge of innovative development for all viable platforms."
Next Generation Console Line-Up
THQ's next-gen console line-up includes original, internally developed titles, and a high-profile addition to the WWE® SmackDown® vs. Raw® franchise that brings the series to the Xbox 360 for the first time:
Saints Row: An explosive, third person, open-world action/driving hybrid developed by THQ's Volition, Inc., Saints Row is the only game in its genre that offers players unrivalled character customization options and a multiplayer experience through Xbox Live® online entertainment network. In the game, players assume the role of a member of the 3rd Street Saints on a mission to rise up the gang ranks and eventually take over the city of Stilwater, controlled by rival gangs. In Saints Row, actions have consequences and players decide how best to muscle their way to the top. Saints Row is scheduled to release for Xbox 360 in North America August 29, and across Europe September 1, 2006. Saints Row is also scheduled to ship for wireless devices simultaneously.
Frontlines: Fuel of War: Developed by THQ's Kaos Studios, Frontlines: Fuel of War is an open world infantry and vehicle-based First Person Shooter featuring advanced next-gen weaponry that places gamers in a desperate struggle set in the near future. A global war for oil is being waged between two superpowers, the Western Coalition (US/NATO) and the Red Star Alliance (Russia/China), and gamers will play both sides within the context of battle. The single player campaign will focus on this story, as players battle through intense scenarios with other squad members, moving the frontline through enemy territories in this war-torn universe. Frontlines: Fuel of War is expected to ship for Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC in 2007.
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007: The eighth release in THQ/JAKKS Pacific's critically-acclaimed franchise, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 delivers the next generation of World Wrestling Entertainment® experience with incredible high-definition graphics, intense action and unprecedented levels of choice and control. New additions this year include a brand new analog control grappling system, new high-impact movesets, user-controlled environmental hotspots and an interactive fighting area within the crowd. In addition, the game includes updated rosters for Raw and SmackDown, an expanded General Manager Mode and online multiplayer game play with voice chat support. In development by Yuke's Co. Ltd., for PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSP system and Xbox 360, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 is scheduled to release in holiday 2006.
Next Generation PC Line-Up
In addition to carving out a leadership position on next-gen console systems, THQ is showcasing a collection of next-generation Windows PC properties at LGC, highly targeted at the core gamer:
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Shadow of Chernobyl: Developed by GSC Game World, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Shadow of Chernobyl is a groundbreaking FPS/survival game that pits the player against the grim apocalyptic 'Zone' of Chernobyl following a second disastrous nuclear accident in 2006. An immersive storyline blends a non-linear, living world filled with anomalies, mutants and radioactivity with action, stealth, survival and RPG elements. Powered by GSC's X-Ray engine, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Shadow of Chernobyl features the latest in graphical technology, atmospheric sound, cutting edge physics and a unique AI system that breathes life into darkest corners of the 'Zone'. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Shadow of Chernobyl is scheduled to release for Windows PC in early 2007.
Supreme Commander: Developed by Gas Powered Games, founded by Chris Taylor, creator of Total Annihilation and the Dungeon Siege series, Supreme Commander features a riveting, action-packed storyline, ground-breaking gameplay and genre-defining online multiplayer battles. In the 37th Century, the galaxy is torn apart by three rival factions, each vying to eradicate its enemies from the universe, end the Infinite War and become the reigning power supreme. Supreme Commander represents the next evolution in the Real Time Strategy genre through its truly strategic and tactical gameplay and mind- blowing scale and scope, which is coupled with unrivalled zoom and control features. Supreme Commander is scheduled to release for Windows PC in early 2007.
Company of Heroes: Developed by THQ's Relic Entertainment, creators of game of the year Warhammer® 40,000: Dawn of War, comes Company of Heroes, the next revolution in action strategy. Company of Heroes is a WWII RTS game that brings to life the brave men of Able Company in cinematic intensity as they fight across Europe in the greatest war mankind has ever known. Relic's proprietary next-gen Essence Engine provides unprecedented graphics and physics complete with the destruction of all terrain and buildings. Featuring 2-8 players MP competition via LAN or Internet, Company of Heroes is scheduled to release for Windows PC in fall 2006. Company of Heroes is also scheduled to ship for wireless devices in October 2006.
Warhammer® 40,000 Dawn of War - Dark Crusade: The highly-anticipated second expansion pack to internal THQ studio Relic Entertainment's critically-acclaimed real-time strategy hit Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Dark Crusade features an all new single-player experience and 2 new races - The Necrons and The Tau - allowing the gamer to play up to 7 unique races from the Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War universe. Based on the world of Warhammer 40,000 - the dark, futuristic universe from Games Workshop - Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Dark Crusade offers massive non-linear strategy and is scheduled to release for Windows PC in fall 2006.
Broken Sword: The Angel of Death: The fourth installment in the last great bastion of adventure gaming, Broken Sword: The Angel of Death sees intrepid and reluctant hero Georg Stobbart fall in love with the beautiful and mysterious Anna Maria; a woman whose sudden disappearance draws him into a desperate search for a nefarious artifact of great and terrible power. Emotion, humour, time pressure and puzzling combine in the latest Broken Sword adventure and unfortunately for George, it looks like the world needs saving one more time. Broken Sword: The Angel of Death is scheduled to release for Windows PC in fall 2006.
Mass-Market Line-Up for Next Generation and Current Generation Systems
THQ will be showcasing products based on its own core intellectual properties, mass-market titles and established original franchises. These titles will be releasing across next-gen consoles as well as the huge installed base of current-gen and hand-held systems.
Disney-Pixar Cars: Cars, the video game, is a high performance interactive experience in the open world created in the film, challenging players to relive the excitement created by Lightning McQueen and his friends. Fans will discover unique characters and environments inspired by the film with more than 10 playable characters and 30 races and minigames to choose from. The game features a fully immersive re-creation of all major environments introduced in the movie, including Radiator Springs and Ornament Valley, and offers distinctive racing experiences to players while maintaining the artistic style of the film. Disney-Pixar Cars, the video game, is launching across Europe for PlayStation 2 system, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube®, Game Boy® Advance, PSP system, Nintendo DS, Windows PC and Mac throughout summer 2006 and is expected to ship on Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii console in fall 2006.
Destroy All Humans! 2: The plot for world domination is renewed as acclaimed developer Pandemic Studios transforms conventional expectations - allowing gamers to play as the Alien and take on the most feared enemy in the universe - mankind. Packed with non-stop action, an explosive arsenal of alien weaponry, advanced mental abilities and an irreverent personality that satires 1960's era icons and science-fiction mythology, Destroy All Humans! 2 uncovers an open-ended world where the player can unleash massive destruction on the ground or in their UFO. Destroy All Humans! 2 is scheduled to release for the PlayStation 2 system and Xbox® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft in fall 2006. Destroy All Humans! 2 is also scheduled to ship for wireless devices in October 2006.
SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab: In a unique and creative twist, SpongeBob SquarePants explores the peculiar world of Bikini Bottom as it transforms through a series of various unique visual styles. Continuing the popular sea sponge's reign as a gaming and TV property, SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab offers fans brand new gameplay mechanics through nine visually bizarre levels and is expected to ship for Nintendo's Wii console, PlayStation 2 system, Nintendo GameCube, Game Boy Advance, Windows PC and Nintendo DS in fall 2006. SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab is also scheduled to ship for wireless devices in fall 2006.
Monster House: Based upon the upcoming computer animated film from Columbia Pictures, the Monster House videogames will allow players to experience key moments of the movie as they unravel the creepy mysteries of old man Nebbercracker's possessed house. Players will encounter unique adventures as they explore a living, breathing house, full of traps and secrets. With three playable characters, fans of the film will enjoy seeing the movie come to life in their living rooms. The Monster House videogames are expected to be available for the PlayStation 2 system, Nintendo GameCube, Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS throughout summer 2006.
Bratz: Forever Diamondz: Yasmin, Cloe, Sasha, and Jade are back for a brand new adventure sending them across the country in search of the hottest fashion designer. Players will experience unique adventures through the eyes of the four playable characters, in detailed open world environments, as they compete for a spot in "America Rocks Fashion" TV show. Fans will discover new features that include a figure skating competition and the ability to adopt a pet to train, dress, accessorize and showcase in competitions. Bratz: Forever Diamondz is expected to ship for PlayStation 2 system, Nintendo Game Cube, Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance in fall 2006.
Barnyard: The animals will play, once the farmer is away, in the Barnyard video game based on the upcoming film from Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies. Players will interact with their favorite movie characters while trying to prove they are the biggest party animal of them all. The film is written, produced and directed by acclaimed comedy writer/producer Steve Oedekerk ("Bruce Almighty," "Ace Ventura," "The Nutty Professor," "Kung Pow") and Nickelodeon Movies, producers of the Oscar® nominated "Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius." The Barnyard video game is expected to ship across Europe for PlayStation 2 system, Nintendo Wii, GameCube, Game Boy Advance and Windows PC beginning fall 2006.
Avatar: The Last Airbender: Based on Nickelodeon's hottest new show, fans will play as Aang, Katara, Sokka and Haru as they grow into an unstoppable team utilizing the kung fu inspired bending arts through the Avatar universe. Players will explore the four Avatar nations in beautifully detailed environments and battle new enemies. Avatar: The Last Airbender is scheduled to ship for Wii, PlayStation 2 system, Nintendo GameCube, Xbox, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, PSP system and Windows PC beginning fall 2006.