Showcasing Nine Innovative, Diverse Titles
NEW YORK, May 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Atari, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATAR),
one of the world's most recognized brands, today announced the complete
line-up of video games the Company will showcase during Electronic
Entertainment Expo (E3), the video game industry's largest trade show and
exhibition in Los Angeles, May 10-12. The Company's titles range in genres
and are from some of the world's best-known franchises including Dragon
Ball Z(R), Test Drive(R) Unlimited, Alone in the Dark, and DUNGEONS &
DRAGONS(R). The Company is charging forward with a robust line-up of
next-generation console and handheld games with a focus on innovative and
compelling gameplay.
"As the Atari brand has withstood the test of time, so does the appeal
of many of our games and franchises," said Atari, Inc. Chief Executive
Officer Bruno Bonnell. "We continue to reach and surpass milestones, such
as the ten- millionth mark of Dragon Ball Z game sales, and redefining
genres we originated, such as Alone in the Dark's horror survival and Test
Drive Unlimited's Massively Open Online Racing (M.O.O.R.(TM)). Atari
continues to move forward and seek out groundbreaking, imaginative and
entertaining properties like the underground based, street smart HOT PXL.
Evident as part of our E3 line-up, these and other games are all part of
the Company's evolution and continued focus on gameplay."
Following is the list of Atari's products that will be showcased at E3
this year. The Atari booth is located at Petree Hall #4003:
Alone in the Dark (Xbox 360(TM) video game and entertainment system
from Microsoft and Windows platform)
The original Alone in the Dark is the video game that launched horror
survival gaming and set the standard within the genre. The next-generation
of Alone in the Dark returns with a heart-stopping survival experience
realized through the use of state-of-the-art real-time physics and
unprecedented environmental interaction. Delivering an exhilarating
action-orientated experience within a highly detailed, open environment,
Alone in the Dark is set to take the lead for innovation and excellence
within the genre. Alone in the Dark is in development by Eden Games, the
second largest game development studio in France and a wholly owned
subsidiary of Infogrames Entertainment SA.
Arthur and the Minimoys (PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system,
PSP(TM) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system, Nintendo DS(TM), Game Boy(R)
Advance and Windows)
Directly inspired by world famous film director and writer Luc Besson's
upcoming animated film of the same name, the Arthur and the Minimoys* game
will follow the film's storyline and feature eye-popping graphics and
technical innovations. The game allows players to relive the fantastic
adventure of young Arthur and his two pals, princess Selenia and her
brother Betameche, in their mission to save the Minimoys' world from
destruction. Set to time with The Weinstein Company theatrical release of
the movie in North America, Arthur and the Minimoys game is currently in
development by Lyon-and Paris-based Etranges Libellules, creator of several
successful animated games, including Asterix XXL and Kirikou. The Nintendo
DS game is being developed by Dreamon, and the Nintendo Game Boy Advance
version by Mystic.
BattleZone (PSP system)
BattleZone is the modern update to the 1980 classic arcade game. Set in
futuristic international military environments, BattleZone puts players in
control of highly maneuverable hover tanks, challenging them in close
combat scenarios against their rivals with relentless onslaughts of quick,
action- oriented battles. BattleZone for the PSP system is being developed
by Paradigm Entertainment, a wholly owned subsidiary of Infogrames
Entertainment SA.
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS(R): Tactics(TM) (PSP system)
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS(R): Tactics(TM) is the first time the highly-coveted
D&D(R) license has ever graced a next-generation portable system. D&D(R):
Tactics* authentically utilizes the D&D 3.5 rule-set created by Wizards of
the Coast and allows players to take a party of six adventurers into a wide
variety of dangerous environments to experience deep and exciting
turn-based action. In development by Kuju Entertainment, D&D: Tactics will
take full advantage of the PSP system's wireless capability and offer
gamers a multiplayer mode.
Dragon Ball Z(R): Budokai Tenkaichi 2 (PlayStation(R)2 and Nintendo
Wii)
Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 is the sequel to Dragon Ball Z:
Budokai Tenkaichi, the top-selling DBZ game of 2005. Combining action,
fighting and light role-playing game (RPG) elements, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai
Tenkaichi 2 will send players into a rich story mode that spans the entire
Dragon Ball(R), DBZ, and Dragon Ball GT(R) series. The game takes the
acrobatic and intense 3D flying and fighting dynamic made popular in last
year's hit to a whole new level with over 100 playable characters, 15 vast
and vibrant 3D destructible environments, and nine different game modes,
including intense single and multiplayer battles. Dragon Ball Z: Budokai
Tenkaichi 2 is being developed by NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. / Spike.
HOT PXL (PSP system)
HOT PXL*, the ingenious and hip new title, brings fast and furious
bite-size gaming to the masses. HOT PXL comprises more than 200 deviously
crafted mini-games based on a unique and original story premise that draws
inspiration from street culture and the digital lifestyle -- whether it's
blasting through an old-school style video game, busting tricks on a
skateboard or a BMX, stage-diving at a concert, or just trying to cross a
busy digital street. The game's web site, http://www.hotpxl.com, will serve as an
integral part of the experience and the community. HOT PXL is being
developed by zSlide.
Neverwinter Nights(TM) 2 (Windows)
Neverwinter Nights(TM) 2 is the sequel to the best-selling and
genre-defining role-playing game (RPG) set in the popular Dungeons &
Dragons(R) Forgotten Realms(TM) universe created by Wizards of the Coast.
The game's story picks up years after a war waged between Luskan and
Neverwinter. The peace that was restored is at risk as tension mounts
between the mighty city-states. Unnoticed, a greater danger stalks the City
of Skilled Hands. Unbeknownst to the denizens of the North, deep in the
Mere of Dead Men, dark forces from across the Realms have been rallied
under the banner of a legendary evil. If left unchallenged, all of the
North is doomed to fall under its power. Even in this darkest hour, hope
remains. A mysterious relic is borne to Neverwinter in the hands of a lone
hero so that its secrets may be unlocked -- secrets that carry the fate of
all the North. So begins an epic tale of shattered alliances, noble acts
and dark deeds to be told across the Realms for generations to come.
Neverwinter Nights 2, developed by Obsidian Entertainment, will include a
new and improved robust toolset that allows for the ultimate adventure
creation and for the story of Neverwinter to continue.
Super DBZ(R) (PlayStation(R)2)
Super DBZ(R) is a new highly intense DBZ(R) fighting experience unlike
any other Dragon Ball Z game. Featuring an all-new and more complex DBZ
fighting system with unique fighting combos for all 18 characters, Super
DBZ promises fans and gamers explosive on-screen environmental damage.
Super DBZ is in development by NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. / Crafts & Meister,
and including the creators of the acclaimed Street Fighter II arcade game.
Test Drive(R) Unlimited (Xbox 360 and Windows)
Packed with the world's most luxurious vehicles, more than one thousand
miles of open Hawaiian roads, a challenging single player game and a host
of online options, Test Drive Unlimited is M.O.O.R.(TM): Massively Open
Online Racing - the ultimate online automotive gaming experience. The
action in Test Drive Unlimited takes place on the open roads spanning the
Hawaiian island of Oahu. Boasting huge online content, racers around the
world can challenge others to join them in the virtual paradise of the
game's persistent online racing world. Players will engage in online
challenges, and build communities by creating or joining exclusive members
clubs to talk, trade cars, and race with other like-minded and
similarly-skilled drivers in one of the most comprehensive online racing
experiences to date. Test Drive Unlimited is in development by Eden Games.
About Atari
New York-based Atari, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATAR) develops interactive games
for all platforms and is one of the largest third-party publishers of
interactive entertainment software in the U.S. The Company's 1,000+ titles
include hard- core, genre-defining franchises such as DRIVER(TM), The
Matrix(TM) (Enter The Matrix and The Matrix: Path of Neo), Stuntman(TM) and
Test Drive(R); and mass- market and children's franchises such as
Nickelodeon's Blue's Clues(TM) and Dora the Explorer(TM), and Dragon Ball
Z(R). Atari, Inc. is a majority-owned subsidiary of France-based Infogrames
Entertainment SA (Euronext - ISIN: FR- 0000052573), the largest interactive
games publisher in Europe. For more information, visit http://www.atari.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
With the exception of the historical information contained in this
release, the matters described herein contain certain "forward-looking
statements" that are made pursuant to the Safe Harbor provisions of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking
statements in this release are not promises or guarantees and are subject
to risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ
materially from those anticipated. These statements are based on
management's current expectations and assumptions and are naturally subject
to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. We caution you not to place
undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements. Actual results may
vary materially from those expressed or implied by the statements herein.
Some of the factors which could cause our results to differ materially
include the following: the loss of key customers, such as Wal-Mart, Best
Buy, Target, GameStop and EB Games; delays in product development and
related product release schedules; inability to secure capital; loss of our
credit facility; adapting to the rapidly changing industry technology,
including new console technology; maintaining relationships with leading
independent video game software developers; maintaining or acquiring
licenses to intellectual property; fluctuations in the Company's quarterly
net revenues and results of operations based on the seasonality of our
industry; the termination or modification of our agreements with hardware
manufacturers; and other factors described in our SEC filings, including
our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2005 and our
quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, as amended. The Company undertakes no duty
to update any forward-looking statements to conform the statement to actual
results or changes in the Company's expectations.
ATARI, the ATARI logo, and classic Atari game titles and logos are
trademarks or registered trademarks of Atari Interactive, Inc. or its
affiliates.
"PSP" is a trademark and "PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are
registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Internet
connection and Memory Stick Duo(TM) may be required (sold separately).
Online play requires internet connection and Memory Card (8MB) (for
PlayStation 2) (each sold separately). The Online icon is a trademark of
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS are trademarks of Nintendo.
(TM), (R) and DS are trademarks of Nintendo.
Xbox is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United
States and/or other countries.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Forgotten Realms, Dungeons & Dragons, Neverwinter Nights and Magic the
Gathering are trademarks of Wizards of the Coast in the USA and other
countries.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
* This title has not yet been concept approved by Sony Computer
Entertainment America.
SOURCE Atari, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.atari.com
CONTACT:
Andrea Schneider of Atari, Inc.,
+1-212-726-4259, or andrea.schneider@atari.com
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