Electronic Arts to Deliver 23 Titles at E3 – Wow
Electronic Arts, the world’s leading interactive entertainment software company,
today announced its lineup of 23 new games that will be showcased next week
at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). EA will present a powerful mix of
sports, action, adventure and strategy games.
At E3 2003, EA will raise the bar with new and enhanced games such as Madden
NFLâ„¢ Football 2004, SSX 3, The Lord
of the Ringsâ„¢, The Return of the Kingâ„¢,
and Harry Potterâ„¢: Quidditchâ„¢ World Cup. EA’s games
are based on massively popular EA SPORTSâ„¢ and EA SPORTS BIGâ„¢ franchises
and highly successful EA GAMESâ„¢-branded titles with many games drawn straight
from Hollywood’s top box office franchises such as James Bond, Harry
Potter and The Lord of the Rings. EA also is presenting new games
from its No. 1 PC franchise, The Simsâ„¢. The company’s
lineup crosses multiple platforms including next generation consoles, PC, online
and hand-helds. . .
“The winners this year are people who love video games,”
said Don Mattrick, president of EA Worldwide Studios. “There will be
more games to choose from — spectacular new fiction, features and gameplay
from the largest and most innovative studio in interactive entertainment.”
“Innovation, access and intensity — that’s what’s new from EA in
2003,” said John Riccitiello, president and chief operating officer.
“We’re introducing global blockbusters with a new look and feel –games
that are as exciting for hard core fans as they are for newcomers. This year,
all the EA SPORTS titles from Madden NFL Football to FIFA
Soccer will include online features that amp up the action with head-to-head
competition, tournaments and ladders. EA GAMES will feature exciting new turns
on the world’s most popular interactive franchises including Medal of
Honor, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter
and SSX. Finally there will be more fun from the world’s most
popular game franchise, with all new editions of The Sims and
SimCity.”
THE NEW EA SPORTS STARTING LINEUP
EA SPORTS and EA SPORTS BIG will unveil ten titles at E3, all of which feature
online gameplay for the PlayStation® 2 computer entertainment system:
Madden NFLâ„¢ 2004 — In its 14th season, Madden NFL Football
remains the undisputed leader in authentic NFL football simulation. Madden NFL
2004 features revolutionary Playmaker Controlâ„¢ that allows players to
make adjustments after the snap of the ball to create championship caliber plays.
No other football video game offers players more in-depth features like online
gameplay, the new Quick Match voice chat and tournaments (the PlayStation 2
console only), and a new Owner mode. Madden NFL 2004 will be released on the
PlayStation 2 console, the PlayStation, Xboxâ„¢ video game system from Microsoft,
Nintendo GameCube™, Game Boy® Advance and PC in summer 2003.
NBA LIVE 2004 — Take the game to a whole new level with NBA
LIVE 2004. Go deep into a radically enhanced EA SPORTS Dynastyâ„¢ mode,
import top college players, create a Custom Player, and build player attributes
over time. Take the court at all 29 NBA arenas, each rendered down to every
detail, including championship banners and retired jerseys hanging from the
rafters. Players will be able to blow past the defenders with all-new moves,
an even better passing game, online competition (the PlayStation console and
PC), and silky smooth control. Players can step up their game and hit the court
running with NBA LIVE 2004. The title will be released on the PlayStation 2
console, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, and PC in fall 2003.
NASCAR Thunderâ„¢ 2004 — NASCAR Thunder 2004 puts gamers
behind the wheel in a world where grudges and alliances mean the difference
between the victory lane and disaster. Players no longer just race on a track,
they’re racing a pack of 42 real-world stars who think for themselves, remember
your every move, and aren’t afraid to pay you back. Revenge may be around the
corner or at the next race, as players scream through 23 authentic tracks or
hone their road racing skills on 11 fantasy tracks. The key to success is building
alliances that carry from race to race and season to season in an improved career
mode that challenges gamers to manage sponsors, teams, garages, and crews while
building a 20-year racing legacy. Online (the PlayStation 2 console and PC)
or standalone, racing just became a contact sport. The title ships this fall
on the PlayStation 2 console, the PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
NCAA® Football 2004 — NCAA Football 2004 relives the
intensity, pageantry, and spirit of college football and its storied rivalries.
Celebrate the history of college football with classic teams like the 1924 Notre
Dame Fighting Irish or replay one of the 20 greatest college football games
from the last two decades. NCAA Football 2004 features new pre-game tunnel presentations,
online gaming with voice-enabled in-game chat (the PlayStation 2 console only),
and the joy of ripping down the goalposts after an emotional victory over your
biggest rival. NCAA Football 2004 is scheduled to release this summer on the
PlayStation 2 console, Xbox, and Nintendo GameCube.
Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® 2004 — Only one game gives players
the chance to earn their PGA TOUR card while playing on elite courses –Tiger
Woods PGA TOUR 2004. The latest console and PC versions allow players to create
the ultimate golfer and take on the best in the world. Players can take their
created golfer through PGA TOUR Season mode and try to rake in more cash than
Tiger Woods himself. While providing different gameplay experiences, the console
and PC versions will offer five new PGA courses, online gameplay (the PlayStation
2 console and PC), two new fantasy courses, five new PGA TOUR pros, and the
commentary dream team of Gary McCord and David Fehrety. Tiger Woods PGA TOUR
2004 will ship this fall on the PC, the PlayStation 2 console, Xbox, Nintendo
GameCube, and Game Boy Advance.
FIFA Soccer 2004â„¢ — For true soccer fans who demand
the finest gameplay and in-depth game modes, FIFA Soccer 2004 is the most complete
and authentic soccer experience. A new Career mode gives players the chance
to take a team from the lower divisions, battle through ranks, sign new players,
and turn them into champions. The action is deeper than ever with advanced levels
of player detail and responsiveness. With immersive atmospheres, benchmark presentation,
total realism with the world’s premier clubs, and industry-leading gameplay,
FIFA returns as the true authority in soccer gaming. FIFA Soccer 2004 ships
in fall 2003 for the PlayStation 2 console, the PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo
GameCube, and PC.
NCAA® March Madnessâ„¢ 2004 — NCAA March Madness
2004 storms the court with new schools, smoother control, and an incredibly
deep Dynasty Modeâ„¢. Players can battle through preseason tournaments,
like the EA SPORTS Maui Invitational, all the way to the “Big Dance.”
Dick Vitale takes players through the pageantry of college hoops like no one
else can. The unique, fast-paced college game comes to life with players applying
pressure D, diving on loose balls, online gameplay and tournaments (the PlayStation
2 console only), and throwing it down against rival schools. Featuring EA SPORTS
Freestyle Control, March Madness 2004 delivers the authentic strategy, emotion,
and passion that can only be found in college basketball. The title is slated
to ship on the PlayStation 2 console and Xbox in fall 2003.
NHL® 2004 — The No. 1 selling NHL interactive video game
franchise continues a tradition of excellence in its 11th year with NHL 2004.
With a primary focus on in-game graphics and gameplay, NHL 2004 lets players
easily take control and perform ingenious moves to create scoring chances. With
the new RPG Franchise Mode, players can be the GM of their own team and take
them from the bottom of the league all the way to the Stanley Cup®. NHL
2004 also features online gaming capability (the PlayStation 2 console and PC)
for the first time and includes new international elite leagues. NHL 2004 is
scheduled for release in fall 2003 for the PlayStation 2 console, Xbox, and
PC.
EA SPORTSâ„¢ Rugby 2004 — EA SPORTS Rugby 2004 is rugby
in its purest form. Players will be able to take their team to victory in the
fast paced action of World Cup Rugby or hone their skills in the Super 12 and
European Domestic Leagues. With an all new control system that is intuitive
and user friendly, players will be rucking, mauling, and kicking like champions
in no time. New motion capture, animations, and character models will ensure
that Rugby 2004 offers the most “In Your Face” rugby experience ever.
Rugby 2004 is scheduled to ship this fall for the PlayStation 2 console and
PC.
EA SPORTS BIGâ„¢ DELIVERS OVER THE TOP ACTION
A stunning mountain experience under the EA SPORTS BIGâ„¢ brand:
SSX 3* — Players will discover the open mountain and immerse
themselves in the new open world environment that is SSX 3, the ultimate all-mountain
experience. Featuring all-new events and courses, awe-inspiring tricks, and
a cast of cool, customizable characters, SSX 3 lets players conquer miles of
untamed powder and redefine the boundaries of where they go, what they do, and
what they get. The larger-than-life mountain is a player’s playground, racetrack,
and launch pad. Explore the mountain terrain to discover its secrets and conquer
the beast. Take it for granted and it’ll swallow you up. SSX 3 go anywhere gravity
will take you. The title ships this fall on the PlayStation 2 console, Xbox,
Nintendo GameCube and GameBoy Advance.
EA GAMESâ„¢ BRINGS HOME THE BIGGEST HITS
EA will be presenting the following ten titles under the EA GAMES brand:
The Lord of the Ringsâ„¢, The Return of the Kingâ„¢ — Return
to Middle-earthâ„¢ in the only video game based on the epic final
chapter of the highly acclaimed The Lord of the Ringsâ„¢ movie trilogy.
Developed using the same digital assets as the film, The Lord of the Rings,
The Return of the Kingâ„¢ recreates, in stunning detail, the final events
of the War of the Ring. Become the heroes who determine the fate of Middle-earth
as you traverse the haunted Paths of the Dead, defend Minas Tirith from the
onslaught of thousands of Sauron’s minions, and even play co-op multiplayer
with a friend as you march against the impenetrable Black Gates of Mordor. The
Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King game will be released on the PlayStation
2 console, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, Game Boy Advance, and PC in fall 2003.
Medal of Honorâ„¢ Rising Sun — Pack up your gear, head
to the Pacific, and fight Japanese imperialism in Medal of Honorâ„¢ Rising
Sun. In this installment of the top-selling Medal of Honor seriesâ„¢, Marine
Corporal Joseph Griffin must endure some of the fiercest battles fought during
WWII; crucial assignments ranging from surviving the devastating attack on Pearl
Harbor, destroying the Bridge over the River Kwai, midnight raiding on Guadalcanal,
and triumphing in the final showdown with Colonel Shima. Choose single player
or the new two-player co-op mode to experience life as a Marine in the Pacific
during the most difficult years of the war. Players can also choose four-player
split screen deathmatch and team modes for head-to-head action. Medal of Honor
Rising Sun is scheduled for release in fall 2003 for the PlayStation 2 console,
Xbox, and Nintendo GameCube.
James Bond 007 Everything or Nothingâ„¢ — Get deep into
the excitement and intrigue of the most complex James Bond game yet. In James
Bond 007: Everything or Nothing, all-new scenarios and gameplay complement a
completely original storyline that delivers all-out Bond-style intensity. Set
in the third person perspective, the game will feature a large variety of missions,
filled with furious action and stealth, gorgeous women, classic villains, exotic
locales, and sophisticated spy-craft gadgetry that Bond fans expect. James Bond
007 Everything or Nothing is targeted for release in late 2003 on the PlayStation
2 console, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, and Game Boy Advance.
Harry Potterâ„¢: Quidditchâ„¢ World Cup — For the
first time, take to the air and fully experience the magical speed, power, and
competition of Quidditch, the sport of witches and wizards. The Harry Potter:
Quidditch World Cup game includes all the positions and players from the Hogwartsâ„¢
House teams including Harry Potter playing for Gryffindorâ„¢. In the first
part of the game, players learn the basics of full-on aerial Quidditch with
a range of challenges and a school tournament to win the Hogwarts Quidditch
Cup. The second part of the game is where the international World Cup tournament
begins featuring national teams competing for the Quidditch World Cup. Push
your Quidditch skills to the limit as you strive to take your chosen team to
victory. Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup is slated to ship this fall for the
PlayStation 2 console, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, Game Boy Advance, and PC.
The Simsâ„¢ 2* — The Sims changed the face of gaming
in the new millennium and quickly became the No. 1 PC franchise of all time.
The next generation of The Sims, The Sims 2, is poised to make its debut at
this year’s E3. A lively 3D world, more life-like Sims, all-new gameplay, and
the addition of genetics, with the DNA of Sims passed down through generations
will give players a more vivid, realistic, and in-depth Sims experience. For
the first time, players will be able to control their Sims across a lifetime.
As you manage “Life’s Big Moments,” your Sims will earn a “Life
Score” that measures how well you are playing the game. Each choice you
make will have a relevant and dramatic effect on the life of your Sims. Your
Sims will be more aware and responsive to their surroundings, able to form complex
relationships, and more expressive than ever before. The Sims 2 is scheduled
for release on the PC in early 2004.
The Sims Bustin’ Out* — The Sims are returning to the console
and this time they’re getting out of the house and exploring all-new outrageous
locations around town. Players can choose a variety of new paths as they lead
their Sims through life’s big moments. Along the way, players can unlock and
collect hundreds of new objects and social moves exclusive to the console. Play,
work, and socialize with a cast of more than 40 new wacky characters and climb
through 10 new careers including Mobster, Athlete, Mad Scientist, and Fashion
Victim. The Sims Bustin’ Out will feature two-player and memory card support,
so bring your Sims over to a friend’s house. The game is scheduled for release
on the PlayStation 2 console, Xbox, and the Nintendo GameCubeâ„¢ in early
2004.
SimCityâ„¢ 4 Rush Hour Expansion Pack* — Your city is
on the move with the new SimCity 4 Rush Hour Expansion Pack. Get your Sims on
the road to happiness by taking control of your city’s transportation. Take
charge of vehicles en route to destinations or disasters, and take to the streets
to control your city at a new level. Put Sims on the move in zeppelins, helicopters,
ferries, and new cars. Unlock more vehicle choices as you gain traction with
your cities’ transportation problems. Choose from all-new road types including
wide avenues, suspension bridges, or one-way streets. Whisk your Sims across
the city by developing seamless mass-transit systems that connect to a greater
regional travel network. Add popular structures such as historic rail stations
or classic Americana road marks. Go global and create a city based on a modern
European building set. Make your final mark as mayor and personalize your cities
by choosing street names, mountains, neighborhoods, and points of interest.
SimCity 4 Rush Hour Expansion Pack is scheduled for release on the PC in fall
2003.
Battlefield 1942â„¢: Secret Weapons of WWII — The second
expansion pack to the highly acclaimed Battlefield 1942 title brings the most
deadly and unique weapons from the German and Allied laboratories to the Battlefield.
Battlefield 1942: Secret Weapons of WWII lets gamers control and use new weapons
and vehicles in eight fresh WWII combat battlefields including Telemark, the
Peenemuende V2 research facility, Essen, and The Eagle’s Nest (Hitler’s hideaway).
In addition to the 30 vehicles in the original game, players can operate 16
new vehicles including a Horton HO 229 Flying Wing, a US Sherman tank with a
T-34 Calliope (rocket launcher), U.S. T 95/T 28 Super Heavy Tank, Sturmtiger,
Goblin jetfighter, C-47 cargo plane, and the German Wasserfall guided anti-air
missile. Secret Weapons of WWII will be released on the PC in fall 2003. The
original Battlefield 1942 game is required to play.
Need For Speedâ„¢ Underground — Choose from today’s most
popular licensed tuner cars, and make that car the ultimate expression of your
style. You’ll need to master all aspects of your driving skills in a wide variety
of events in order to come out on top. Tune your car and improve your chances
of winning with hundreds of upgrade parts. Custom looks will be your ticket
to high scores from the crowds, while speed and handling will enhance your performance
on the streets. Need For Speed Underground ships in early 2004 for the PlayStation
2 console, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, and PC.
Black & White 2â„¢ — From the creative mind of god
game pioneer Peter Molyneux comes Black & White 2, the sequel to the critically
acclaimed hit Black & White. In this strategy game, reprise your role as
a powerful deity in search of a following and return to the once idyllic world
of Eden, where the discovery of weaponry and warfare has tainted the beautiful
landscape. With the help of your gigantic creature, which you raise from infancy,
you must earn the respect of the natives and decide how to care for your believers,
by sheltering them in sprawling cities protected by towering walls or forming
them into massive armies to rule the world with war and destruction. Ultimately,
it is up to you to be an evil or benevolent deity. Developed for the PC, Black
& White 2 is expected to ship in 2004.
EA DISTRIBUTION CO-PUBLISHING AN ARRAY OF MARQUIS TITLES
EA Distribution (EAD) is co-publishing three titles that are under development,
including:
Looney Toons: Back in Actionâ„¢ — Longtime rivals Bugs
Bunny and Daffy Duck are united under a common goal: finding the mysterious
Blue Monkey Diamond. The lively platform game is based on the upcoming Warner
Bros. action movie of the same name and includes six diversely themed environments,
all inspired by the film’s wild locations. Players can role swap between Bugs
and Daffy, using each of the character’s special skills to outwit the all-star
cast of Looney Tunes favorites as they embark on a global scavenger hunt. The
game offers dynamic gameplay and vibrant, rich Looney Tunes visuals that will
attract and entertain fans of all ages Looney Tunes: Back in Action will be
released on the PlayStation 2 console, Nintendo GameCube, and Game Boy Advance
in fall 2003.
Freedom: Soldiers of Liberty* — In a world where the Soviet
Union won the Cold War, a fierce conflict is developing in the streets of America.
Taking on the role of an average New Yorker, the player evolves into a fearless
patriot who recruits and leads an army of freedom fighters in the streets of
New York City. Freedom: Soldiers of Liberty combines the depth of a squad based
game with the intensity of an action-packed war game that unfolds in the streets,
subways, and buildings of the city. A key component of the game depends on the
player’s ability to recruit and lead fellow New Yorkers. Using an intuitive
recruiting command system, players issue orders by pressing a single button.
Freedom: Soldiers of Liberty will be released on the PlayStation 2 console,
Xbox, and PC in fall 2003.
BIONICLE® — From the island of Mata Nui comes the legend
that has enthralled millions of fans. BIONICLE, one of the most successful toy-ranges
in LEGO® Company history, comes to life as the six heroes of destiny, known
as Toa, have been chosen to challenge evil, rescue the island’s villagers (Matorans)
and return the island to light. With their awesome elemental powers, the brave
Toa must overcome powerful forces and dangerous struggles to save their world
and fulfill ancient prophecies. BIONICLE features the opportunity to live out
the BIONICLEâ„¢ story in an action adventure epic of good versus evil and
heroes versus villains with combat, collection, puzzle solving, and exploration.
BIONICLE will be released on the PlayStation 2 console, Nintendo GameCube, Xbox,
and PC in fall 2003.
ABOUT ELECTRONIC ARTS
Electronic Arts, headquartered in Redwood City, Calif., is the world’s leading
interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, Electronic Arts
posted revenues of $2.5 billion for fiscal 2003. The company develops, publishes
and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal
computers and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under three
brand names: EA SPORTSâ„¢, EA GAMESâ„¢, and EA SPORTS BIGâ„¢. EA’s
homepage and online game site is EA.COM(SM). More information about EA’s products
and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.
* Working Title
** Original PC game required to play
Electronic Arts, EA SPORTS, Dynasty Mode, EA SPORTS BIG, EA GAMES, John Madden
Football, Need for Speed, SimCity, and The Sims are trademarks or registered
trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. EA.COM
is a service mark of EA.Com Inc. Medal of Honor is a trademark or registered
trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries for the
computer and video game products. NBA, NFL, NASCAR, NASCAR Thunder, NCAA, NHL,
March Madness, Stanly Cup, FIFA, Tiger Woods, and PGA TOUR are trademarks of
their respective owners and used with permission. HARRY POTTER, Looney Tunes,
characters, names, and related indicia are trademarks of Warner Bros. Harry
Potter Publishing Rights © JKR.
JAMES BOND, 007, James Bond Gun and Iris Logos and all other James Bond related
trademarks TM Danjaq, LLC. EVERYTHING OR NOTHING is a trademark of Danjaq, LLC,
and United Artists Corporation. LEGO and BIONICLE are trademarks of the LEGO
Group. Battlefield 1942 is a trademark of Digital Illusions CE AB. The Lord
of The Rings and characters, names, and places therein, TM the Saul Zaentz Company
d/b/a Tolkien Enterprises under license to New Line Productions, Inc. Black
& White is a trademark of Lionhead Studios Ltd. PlayStation is a registered
trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Nintendo GameCube, and Game Boy
Advance are trademarks of Nintendo. Xbox is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
All other car, team, track names, trademarks, and other intellectual property
are used under license from their respective owners.
Filed under: Games
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