Elite Racing Developer Pits ATVs against Motocross in Off-Road Extravaganza

CALABASAS HILLS, Calif., Oct. 18, 2004: THQ^® Inc. (NASDAQ:THQI) today announced that fans' anticipation of an all-encompassing off-road experience will become a reality in "MX vs. ATV Unleashed," coming to the PlayStation^® 2 computer entertainment system and Xbox^® video game system from Microsoft in February 2005. "MX vs. ATV Unleashed" will build on the overwhelming success of "MX Unleashed," combining Rainbow Studio's knowledge of all-terrain vehicles to create an off-road masterpiece that will redefine the action-racing genre.

"When you combine Rainbow Studio's dominance of ATV and motocross development, and apply their one-of-a-kind rhythm-racing physics engine, the result is an off-road racing experience with unmatched game-play," said Jack Sorensen, executive vice president of worldwide studios, THQ. "They have an unparalleled track record in action-racing development and have raised the bar once again."

"Our development team's first-hand riding experience and passion for off-road sports has set extremely high standards for every racing game we've built," said Scott Novis, vice president, Rainbow Studios. "'MX vs. ATV's' open class competition, varied racing events and new off-road vehicles are a tribute to the team's desire to continuously exceed their own expectations."

In "MX vs. ATV Unleashed," players will power through all-new environments and event types, choosing from a variety of new vehicles. A redesigned monster truck, powerful sand-rail and raised 4x4 golf karts will meet ATVs, dirt bikes and bi-planes to compete in massive free-world environments featuring hill climbs, machine challenges and short track races. The game's career mode will allow gamers to choose from the top professional ATV and Motocross riders.

THQ will continue its long-time support of off-road racing with its sponsorship of the THQ World Supercross GP in 2005.

About Rainbow Studios

Named Game Informer's "Developer of the Year for 2001," Rainbow Studios is one of THQ's premier content creators for console systems and PCs. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Rainbow's fifteen-year videogame history includes the top-selling "Splashdown," award-winning "ATV Offroad Fury" series and critically acclaimed "Motocross Madness" PC series which received Best Sports Computer Game of 2000 award by the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences. The February 2004 release of "MX Unleashed" marked the introduction of the "Unleashed" brand.

About the THQ World Supercross GP

THQ World Supercross GP is a 17 round global series produced and promoted by Clear Channel Entertainment and Dorna Off Road S.L. In 2004-2005, the 17 event THQ World Supercross GP will be comprised of two Canadian events, Toronto and Vancouver, and 15 of the 16 events that are conducted in major markets throughout the United States as part of the AMA Supercross Series. The other AMA Supercross Series event held in Daytona Beach, Fla. is independently produced by the International Speedway Corporation, and is not a part of the THQ World Supercross GP.

About THQ

THQ^® Inc. is a leading, worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software for a variety of hardware platforms including PC CD-ROM, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Nintendo and Microsoft. The THQ web site is located at www.thq.com. THQ and the THQ logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.
 

Share | Digg This | Glink It

---