THE ULTIMATE IN SPACE COMBAT-ACTION ARRIVES TO THE XBOX, NINTENDO GAMECUBE AND GAME BOY ADVANCE WITH DEFENDER.

Tactical Maneuvers and Strategic Command Equips Gamers to Save the Human Race from Alien Annihilation in the All-New 3-D Remake of the Popular 1980s Arcade Classic

CHICAGO – Nov. 4, 2002 – Midway Games Inc. (NYSE: MWY), a leading software industry publisher and developer, announced today that Defender, an all-new 3-D version of the popular 1980s arcade classic, has shipped for the XboxTM video game system from Microsoft and Nintendo GameCube™ and will ship on Thursday, Nov. 7th for the Game Boy Advance. Defender is also currently available for the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system.

Defender offers players the ultimate in next-generation high-octane action with strategic elements that start where the original Defender left off. In this all-new version, players must battle an onslaught of vicious aliens as they assume the controls of next-generation combat-ready Defender ships to strategically pilot through more than 20 challenging missions spanning the solar system. Defender players execute dynamic tactical maneuvers such as barrel rolls, 360-degree loops and spinning reversals to evade the enemy.

"This all-new remake of the Defender classic will impress longtime Defender fans as well as next-generation videogamers," said Helene Sheeler, vice president of marketing, Midway.

To add to the high-octane action, rhythmic sensation KMFDM contributed a track entitled “Defender,” a remake of Richard Strauss’s “Also Sprach Zarathustra,” prominently known as the theme song from the 1968 movie “2001: A Space Odyssey.” The band’s energetic live shows and sound, which artfully incorporates a lot of explosive, metallic elements into one mix, complements the exciting space combat-action gameplay found in Defender. Black Black Records’ Trigger also recorded an original techno song, “Vaunt,” for the game. The two-piece combo of Todd Crumn and Janed Todd focus their music on a full, beat-driven sound that aims to conjure a different mood, memory or idea. In addition, Commander Mei Kyoto, a fledgling Defender pilot, is the voice of renowned actress/singer Traci Elizabeth Lords. Lords is a dynamic performer who has appeared in theatrical films such as “Blade,” John Waters’ “Cry-Baby” and “Serial Mom,” as well as in television series “First Wave,” “Melrose Place” and the Stephen King miniseries “The Tommyknockers.” Music from her acclaimed techno CD “1000 Fires” has been featured on the soundtracks for “Mortal KombatÒ” and “Virtuosity.”

Featuring a new view perspective with a fully 3-D, third-person chase camera, Defender drops players into the explosive action of an alien invasion where they must combine strategic elements with speed and control to outwit the enemy. Ship upgrades are also available with various power-ups including shields, advanced weapons and hyperspace technology, which allows players to strategically relocate the ship to one of several predetermined locations to aid in defeating the aliens. Aliens can be taken head-on in single-player campaign mode or defeated with a friend in the two-player, cooperative campaign mode as you deploy an arsenal of weapons such as a grenade launcher, fast-lock missile launcher, fireball launcher and gas launcher.

Defender’s DVD content offers a behind-the-scenes look into the making of the game with in-depth interviews featuring project director/designer George Collins and producer Matt Candler discussing their experiences remaking the arcade classic for next-generation consoles. Also included is a narrated history of Defender, from its arcade roots to the present, including an interview with its original creator. Additionally, featured in the DVD are “Coming Soon” trailers for Midway’s upcoming titles.

Defender Xbox and Nintendo GameCube Key Features:

• Multiple Game Modes – Single-player campaign mode and two-player (co-op) campaign mode

• A New View Perspective – Defender is fully 3-D and is played from a third-person chase camera perspective. This gives the player the ultimate in speed and control as they pilot their ship to victory against the alien invaders

• Instant Action – The controls in Defender are straightforward, making it intuitive in picking up the game and starting Defender training. Weapons are precise and advanced players can use special tactical maneuvers via button combos such as barrel rolls, reverses, etc.

• Plan Your Attack – The new Defender starts where the old left off. In addition to saving humans and killing aliens, there are tanks and other ground units to position (both defensive and offensive) and bases to defend. Now humans become more than just a body to save – they are a resource to manage

• Ship Upgrades – Upgrade your ship in between missions – receive upgrades for lives saved.

• During missions, players can earn multiple power-ups including: shields, advanced weapons and hyperspace technology

• Advanced Weapons – Utilize more than 30 explosive weapons to aid in squashing aliens and accomplishing missions, such as fast-lock missile launcher, salvo missile launcher, fireball launcher and gas launcher

• Features an exclusive bonus level unique to the Xbox and Nintendo GameCube versions

• Licensed Music – Explosive music from KMFDM and Trigger

• DVD content includes in-depth discussions with developers, a narrated history of Defender and “Coming Soon” trailers of new Midway title

Defender Game Boy Advance Key Features:

• Multiple Game Modes – Single-player campaign mode, co-op mode (with players working together) and competitive mode (where players compete against one another)

• Classic Defender – An arcade-perfect implementation of the original game, players get to experience the original operator settings and high scores found in Defender

• Gameplay Upgrades – Players can select from new ships and weapons

• Bonus Level – Includes a level with all-new mechanics

Midway Games Inc. is a developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. Midway videogames are available for play on videogame platforms including the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, XboxTM video game system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCubeTM and Game Boy® Advance. For more information about Midway Games visit www.midway.com.

DEFENDER, MORTAL KOMBAT and MIDWAY are registered trademarks of Midway Amusement Games, LLC. Developed by 7 Studios.

Xbox and Microsoft are trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. Nintendo GameCube, the Nintendo GameCube logo and Game Boy Advance are trademarks of Nintendo. Ó 2001 Nintendo. “PlayStation” and the “PS” Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective companies.

This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning future business conditions and the outlook for Midway Games Inc. (the "Company") based on currently available information that involve risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, the financial strength of the interactive entertainment industry, dependence on new product introductions and the ability to maintain the scheduling of such introductions, technological changes, dependence on major platform manufacturers and other risks more fully described under "Item 1. Business - Risk Factors" in the Company's current Transition Report on Form 10-K and the other filings made by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Share | Digg This | Glink It

---