News

November 14, 2006

THQ CELEBRATES THE UPCOMING LAUNCH OF NINTENDO'S WII VIDEO GAME CONSOLE WITH A TITLE LINEUP FEATURING THE BIGGEST BRANDS IN KIDS ENTERTAINMENT

Disney.Pixar's Cars, Nickelodeon's SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab, Avatar: The Last Airbender and Barnyard Support the Debut of the New Wii System

THQ Inc. today announced its launch portfolio for Nintendo's highly anticipated next-generation gaming system, the Wii video game console, which will debut this weekend. THQ's Wii lineup, based on some of today's most popular television and movie properties, has begun shipping to retail outlets nationwide with Disney.Pixar's Cars, as well as Nickelodeon's SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab and Avatar: The Last Airbender available at launch. Nickelodeon's Barnyard will follow later in the month.

"As the #1 independent publisher of software across all Nintendo gaming systems, THQ plans to maintain its position with an extensive lineup for one of the most compelling hardware systems Nintendo has brought to market," said Kelly Flock, executive vice president of worldwide publishing, THQ. "THQ's proven Studio System is leading design and innovation on next-generation game systems by delivering four Wii launch window titles featuring the biggest names in kids entertainment."

"THQ's extensive lineup for our new Wii console is a testament to the company's dedication to providing fun gaming experiences for Nintendo fans and is representative of Wii's strong third-party support," said Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime. "Disney.Pixar and Nickelodeon create characters and storylines that resonate with families in the same way Wii offers people of all ages new ways to interact with these hugely popular properties."

Disney.Pixar's Cars Video Game
The Cars video game challenges players to relive the excitement created by Lightning McQueen and his friends in the blockbuster film. Fans will interact with their favorite characters and environments from the film with more than 10 playable characters to choose from. Cars features a fully immersive re-creation of expansive worlds, such as Radiator Springs, and exciting gameplay - including use of the Wii controller as a steering wheel - in more than 30 races and minigames.

SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab Video Game
 In a unique and creative twist, SpongeBob SquarePants explores the peculiar world of Bikini Bottom as it transforms through a series of unusual visual styles. The game offers fans different Wii gameplay mechanics through nine visually bizarre levels. Players can knock down buildings with the Wii nunchuk as they rampage as Giant Plankton, blast through space as Patrick using the Wii controller as an aircraft control stick, or turn the Wii controller on its side to use as a steering wheel for a virtual driving experience.

Avatar: The Last Airbender Video Game
 Based on one of Nickelodeon's hottest TV shows, the Avatar: The Last Airbender video game brings to life an adventure of intrigue, deceit and revelation. Players can play as all four main characters from the show: Aang, Katara, Haru and Sokka, as they mimic their martial arts movements from the show using the Wii remote and nunchuk. Players will be able to use the Wii's controller to perform melee attacks in sweeping gestures to create combo-moves, draw symbols from the Avatar world in a time based series in order to generate special moves, and control the game camera through tilting action.

Barnyard Video Game
 Players will enter the world of Nickelodeon's newest adventure and bring the Barnyard movie to life in the Barnyard video game. The variety of gameplay suits the Wii controller perfectly in mini-games including golf, darts, billiards, and shooting tomatoes to defend the farm. Players will feel like they are actually swinging a club, throwing darts, aiming a pool cue, as well as pointing and shooting the tomato gun. In addition to taking full advantage of the new controller, Barnyard will also feature higher resolution graphics, new minigames, and customization options not seen in the previously released console versions.

For more information about THQ's Wii products, as well as other video games, please visit www.thq.com