Activision and RedOctane Rock the Holiday Season With New Games for the Entire Family
SANTA MONICA, Calif., Nov 25, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ --
Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) is rocking the holiday season with a robust slate of games for the entire family. Headlining is Guitar Hero(R) World Tour, the latest installment in the best-selling music-based video game franchise, featuring everything from full band to guitar solo challenges. Also touring are Call of Duty(R): World at War, the most intense World War II experience ever; Quantum of Solace(TM), which captures the edge and intrigue of the new Daniel Craig Bond series; Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa(TM), featuring the high-jinx and hilarity of the acclaimed feature film from DreamWorks Animation; and Spider-Man(TM): Web of Shadows, an original game featuring the most recognizable Super Hero of all time, Spider-Man.
Following is a more detailed listing of Activision's holiday game line-up, which is currently available at retailers in North America:
Call of Duty(R): World at War - Call of Duty: World at War takes players to a grittier WWII than ever before - from facing down Imperial Japanese Banzai charges and guerilla tactics in the Pacific, to exacting ruthless revenge as you beat back the enemy all the way to the steps of Berlin. The title re-defines WWII games by offering an uncensored experience with unique enemies, jaw-dropping firepower like the flamethrower, and combat variety, including Kamikaze fighters and cunning ambush tactics. For the first time in the franchise, Call of Duty: World at War also introduces co-operative gameplay, where up to four-players online, or two-players on a local split- screen, can experience harrowing single-player missions together for greater camaraderie and tactical execution. The title also incorporates traditional multiplayer components such as challenges, rankings and online stats into the co-op campaign for deeper re-playability and advanced gameplay. (The game is rated "M" for Mature by the ESRB and is available on the Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system, Nintendo Wii(TM) and Games for Windows(R)). A "T" for Teen rated version is also available on Nintendo DS(TM), while Call of Duty(R): World at War - Final Fronts, also rated "T", is available on PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system).
Guitar Hero(R) World Tour - Guitar Hero World Tour transforms music gaming by expanding Guitar Hero's signature guitar gameplay into a cooperative band experience that combines the most advanced wireless instruments with new revolutionary online* and offline gameplay modes including Band Career and 8- player "Battle of the Bands," which allows two full bands to compete head-to- head online for the first time ever. The game features a slick newly redesigned guitar controller, a drum kit controller and a microphone, as well as an innovative Music Studio music creator that lets players compose, record, edit and share their own rock 'n' roll anthems. Music creators will also be able to share their recordings with friends online through GHTunes(SM) where other gamers can download and play an endless supply of unique creations. (The game is rated "T" for Teen and is available on the Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3, PlayStation2 and Wii).
Guitar Hero(R) On Tour: Decades(TM) - Guitar Hero On Tour: Decades allows gamers to Unleash Their Inner Rockstar anytime, anywhere and for the first time ever share their music with friends as they embark on a musical journey from the classics of the 1970's through today's greatest hits. Unprecedented song streaming features allow players of Guitar Hero On Tour: Decades and the smash hit Guitar Hero(R): On Tour to share songs and rock out together in multiplayer modes playing tracks from either version of the game. With a new library of music, characters and venues, the game delivers a portable way for gamers to Unleash Their Inner Rockstar while playing through the history of rock 'n' roll. (The game is rated "E10+" and is available on Nintendo DS).
Quantum of Solace(TM) - James Bond is back to settle the score in Quantum of Solace. Introducing a more lethal and cunningly efficient Bond, the game blends intense first-person action with a unique third-person cover combat system that allows players to truly feel what it is like to be the ultimate secret agent as they use stealth, precision shooting and lethal hand-to-hand combat skills to progress through missions. Seamlessly blending the heart- pounding action and excitement of the new "Quantum of Solace" and prior "Casino Royale" Bond films, the title propels players into the cinematic experience of international espionage. (The game is rated "T" for Teen and is currently available on the Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3, PlayStation2, Wii, Nintendo DS and Games for Windows).
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa(TM) - In Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, the four famous zoo animals - Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe and Gloria the Hippo - and their entire madcap Madagascar crew take players on a whole new action-packed journey to help save the African savannah. Assuming the roles of all their favorite characters, including those crafty penguins, players must work through 12 distinct levels featuring a variety of wild adventures and fun mini-games. In addition to the diverse single-player gameplay, the Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa video game delivers an enhanced multiplayer tournament mode allowing gamers to participate in outlandish competitions alongside or against friends and family. (The game is rated "E10+" and is available on the Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 and Games for Windows. An "E" rated version is also available on the PlayStation2, Wii and Nintendo DS).
Spider-Man(TM): Web of Shadows - With a story penned by acclaimed Marvel comic book writer Brian Reed, Spider-Man: Web of Shadows features a New York City devastated by a deadly symbiote invasion, in which players are faced with the choice to play as the heroic web-slinger in his classic, agile red suit or the dark, formidable black suit. Battling with or against a huge cast of fan- favorite Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains, gamers can switch allegiances instantly as they decide which missions will ultimately save mankind. An all- new combat system, combining web-slinging and customizable superpowers provides gamers the unrivaled opportunity to fight and explore in an open free-roaming and destructible environment. In battle, Spider-Man's speed and agility are tested within the diverse cityscape, challenging players to master fast-moving acrobatic combat, powerful new web-slinging moves and destructive combo attacks, as combat seamlessly migrates from the streets, up the sides of buildings and onto rooftops. (The game is rated "T" for Teen and is available on the Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3, Wii and Games for Windows. "E10+" for Everyone 10 and older rated versions are available on DS, PlayStation2 and the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system).
About Marvel Entertainment, Inc.
Marvel Entertainment, Inc. is one of the world's most prominent character- based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 5,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in licensing, entertainment (via Marvel Studios and Marvel Animation) and publishing (via Marvel Comics). Marvel's strategy is to leverage its franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world, including feature films, consumer products, toys, video games, animated television, direct-to-DVD and online. For more information visit www.marvel.com.
About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.:
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., through its operating subsidiaries, is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world's largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles. Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., Ventanazul, MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Domestic Networks LLC, MGM Distribution Co, MGM International Television Distribution In, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Worldwide Digital Media, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in international TV channels reaching nearly 120 countries. MGM ownership is as follows: Providence Equity Partners (29%), TPG (21%), Sony Corporation of America (20%), Comcast (20%), DLJ Merchant Banking Partners (7%) and Quadrangle Group (3%). For more information, visit www.mgm.com.
About EON Productions/Danjaq, LLC
EON Productions/Danjaq, LLC is owned by the Broccoli family and has produced twenty-two James Bond films since 1962. The Bond films make up the most successful franchise in film history and include the recent blockbuster films, GOLDENEYE, TOMORROW NEVER DIES, THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH, and DIE ANOTHER DAY produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. EON Productions and Danjaq, LLC are affiliate companies and control all worldwide merchandising of the James Bond franchise.
About Activision Publishing, Inc.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.
Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, the Netherlands, Australia, Japan and South Korea. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's website, www.activision.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves Activision Publishing's expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Activision Publishing generally uses words such as "outlook", "will," "could," "would," "might," "remains," "to be," "plans," "believes", "may", "expects," "intends," "anticipates," "estimate," future," "plan," "positioned," "potential," "project," "remain," "scheduled," "set to," "subject to," "upcoming" and similar expressions to help identify forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause Activision Publishing's actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include, but are not limited to, sales of Activision Publishing's titles, shifts in consumer spending trends, the impact of the current macroeconomic environment, the seasonal and cyclical nature of the interactive game market, Activision Publishing's ability to predict consumer preferences among competing hardware platforms (including next-generation hardware), declines in software pricing, product returns and price protection, product delays, retail acceptance of Activision Publishing's products, adoption rate and availability of new hardware and related software, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, litigation , maintenance of relationships with key personnel, customers, vendors and third-party developers, domestic and international economic, financial and political conditions and policies, foreign exchange rates, integration of recent acquisitions and the identification of suitable future acquisition opportunities, Activision Blizzard's success in integrating the operations of Activision Publishing and Vivendi Games, , in a timely manner, or at all, and the combined companies' ability to realize the anticipated benefits and synergies of the transaction to the extent, or in the timeframe, anticipated and Activision Publishing's success in integrating the operations of Activision Publishing and Budcat Creations in a timely manner, or at all, and the combined companies' ability to realize the anticipated benefits and synergies of the transaction to the extent, or in the timeframe, anticipated. Other such factors include additional risk factors identified in Activision Blizzard's most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Activision Publishing and Activision Blizzard as of the date of this release, and neither Activision Publishing nor Activision Blizzard assumes any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of Activision Publishing or Activision Blizzard and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond their control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.
*Online gameplay is only available for the Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system and Wii(TM) and may require an additional subscription.
Marvel, Spider-Man and all related characters: TM & (C) 2008 Marvel Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Licensed by Marvel Characters B.V. www.marvel.com. Super Heroes and Super Villains are co-owned registered trademarks. Game elements (C) 2008 Activision Publishing, Inc.
Quantum of Solace (C) 2008 Danjaq, LLC and United Artists Corporation. 007 and related James Bond trademarks (C) 1962-2008 Danjaq, LLC and United Artists Corporation. 007 TM and related James Bond trademarks are trademarks of Danjaq, LLC and licensed by EON. All Rights Reserved. Game Code (C) 2008 Activision Publishing, Inc.
Guitar Hero World Tour (C) 2008 Activision Publishing, Inc. Guitar Hero, Activision and RedOctane are registered trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
(C)2008 Activision Publishing, Inc. Activision and Call of Duty are registered trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (TM) & (C) 2008 DreamWorks Animation L.L.C. All rights reserved. Game (C) 2008 Activision Publishing, Inc. Activision is a registered trademark of Activision Publishing, Inc.
"PlayStation," "PLAYSTATION," "PS" Family logo and "PSP" are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Memory Stick Duo(TM) may be required (sold separately). Used with Permission. Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies and are used under license from Microsoft. Wii and Nintendo DS are trademarks of Nintendo. (C) 2006 Nintendo. All rights reserved.
SOURCE Activision Publishing, Inc.
http://www.activision.com/
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