Activision's Guitar Hero World Tour and Quantum of Solace take center stage at GGC

Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) today kicked off the German Games Convention 2008 by revealing the blockbuster talent line up for the latest James Bond™ title - Quantum of Solace; announcing the Wii-exclusive Mii Freestyle mode for Guitar Hero® World Tour, plus a host of European-specific tracks to be featured on-disc in all versions of the game; as well as debuting a new single player level for Call of Duty®: World at War.

Joining Daniel Craig’s James Bond in the highly anticipated game, Quantum of Solace, are Academy Award® winning actor Judi Dench in her role as M, critically acclaimed French actor Mathieu Amalric as the sinister villain Dominic Greene and Ukrainian actress Olga Kurylenko as Camille, 007’s leading lady. In addition, The Quantum of Solace game also features the voices and character likenesses of actors from the “Casino Royale” feature film including Eva Green as Vesper Lynd and Mads Mikkelsen as Le Chiffre.

The company also announced the Mii Freestyle gameplay mode for the Wii version of Guitar Hero World Tour, which invites Wii gamers to use their Mii avatars to create in-game music and learn how to play the game in an easy and fun way. Players can learn to play riffs to some classic songs or freestyle to their own creations using the guitar controller or utilize the Wii remote and Nunchuk as air drums. In addition, the company revealed a host of European-specific tracks which will be available on-disc in Guitar Hero World Tour when the game ships this fall, including such rock anthems as:

* Anouk - “Good God” (Netherlands)
* Beatsteaks - “Hail to the Freaks” (Germany)
* Hush Puppies - “You’re Gonna Say Yeah” (France)
* Kent - “Vinternoll 2″ (Sweden)
* Lost Prophets - “Rooftops” (UK)
* Negramaro - “Nuvole E Lenzuola” (Italy)
* Oasis - “Some Might Say” (UK)
* Radio Futura - “Escuela de Calor” (Spain)
* Stuck in the Sound - “Toy Boy” (France)
* The Enemy - “Aggro” (UK)
* Tokio Hotel - “Monsoon” (Germany)

Building on the intense and exciting gameplay that Call of Duty® fans have come to expect, Activision is providing a sneak preview into the thrilling 4 player co-op game-play mode contained in Call of Duty: World at War, being shown at the Activision stand.

The company also announced that in Europe Crash® Mind Over Mutant would begin shipping to retail stores in October and that The Legend of SpyroTM Dawn of the Dragon would begin shipping in November.

“We are really excited by the broad spectrum of games we are showcasing at the German Game Convention, and in particular the exciting new developments on Guitar Hero: World Tour, Call of Duty: World at War and Quantum of Solace,” commented Joerg Trouvain, Senior Vice President of European Publishing Activision Blizzard. “Not only will Guitar Hero: World Tour now be available on Wii Freestyle but we have added a host of iconic anthems to the European playlist to give Guitar Hero® fans a wider choice of tracks to rock out to.”

Following is the full line-up of titles that are being shown at the German Games Convention:

Call of Duty: World at War - Building on the Call of Duty®4:Modern Warfare® engine, Call of Duty: World at War thrusts players into the ruthless and gritty chaos of WWII combat like never before and challenges them to band together to survive the most harrowing and climactic battles in both the European and Pacific theaters. The title re-defines WWII games by offering an uncensored experience with unique enemies, jaw-dropping firepower like the flamethrower, and combat variety, including Kamikaze fighters, Banzai charges and cunning ambush tactics, as well as explosive on-screen action through all new cooperative gameplay. (Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, Nintendo® Wii™ and Games for Windows®).

Crash® Mind Over Mutant - In the latest installment of the best-selling Crash Bandicoot® video game franchise, Crash must stop a rejuvenated Neo Cortex from taking over the world one brain at a time! Armed with his quick-wits and lightening agility, Crash must free his friends, the titans, and save the day! In Crash: Mind Over Mutant, Crash gains the ability to control his enemies when he jacks them - now he can store his favorite “Mutant in his Pocket,” upgrade them and utilize their powers when they are most advantageous. Crash fans will be also able to explore Wumpa Island like never before, as it becomes a “free-romping” environment, allowing players to travel and explore through intersecting worlds. Crash’s sister Coco is playable for the first time in the new cooperative mode, making Crash: Mind Over Mutant that much more inviting for girls to pick up and play. (Xbox 360, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems, PSP®, Nintendo Wii and DS™).

Guitar Hero World Tour - When the house lights go down this fall, a new generation of axe shredders, drummers and fearless frontmen will come together and rock with Guitar Hero World Tour. The latest installment in the #1 best-selling video game franchise of 2007, Guitar Hero World Tour transforms music gaming by expanding Guitar Hero’s signature guitar gameplay into a cooperative band experience that combines the most advanced wireless controllers with new revolutionary online and offline gameplay modes including online Band Career and 8-player “Battle of the Bands,” which allows two full bands to compete head-to-head online for the first time ever. The game features a slick newly redesigned guitar controller, an authentic electronic drum kit controller and a microphone, as well as an innovative Music Studio music creator that lets players compose, record, edit and share their own rock ‘n’ roll anthems. Music creators will also be able to share their recordings with their friends online through GHTunes SM where other gamers can download and play an endless supply of unique creations. (Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 and PlayStation 2, and Nintendo Wii).

Kung Fu Panda™ - In the Kung Fu Panda video game, players embark on an epic, action-packed adventure as they master the specialized Kung Fu fighting styles of Po the Panda, the unlikely hero, and experience the unique skills of his teacher Shifu and the legendary Kung Fu masters, the Furious Five: Monkey, Tigress, Viper, Mantis and Crane. Through 13 legendary levels from the movie and beyond, and spanning land, water and air, players must work their way to become the Dragon Warrior and defeat the ultimate enemy, Tai Lung, as they battle a variety of foes, overcome dangerous obstacles, navigate multi-tiered environments and solve challenging puzzles. Featuring a deep variety of gameplay, unique co-op and competitive multiplayer games, collectibles, and a host of character upgrades, the Kung Fu Panda video game provides an experience gamers of all ages will enjoy. (Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3, PlayStation 2, Nintendo Wii and DS and Games for Windows).

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa™ Video Game - Following the success of the 2005 blockbuster film and #1 kid’s movie game Madagascar™ comes an all-new wacky adventure in the Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa Video Game. Based on the upcoming feature film from DreamWorks Animation, the four famous zoo animals - Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe and Gloria the Hippo - and their entire madcap Madagascar crew take players on a whole new action-packed journey to help save the African savannah. Assuming the roles of all their favorite characters, including those crafty penguins, players must work through 12 distinct levels featuring a variety of wild adventures and fun mini-games. In addition to the diverse single-player gameplay, the Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa Video Game delivers an enhanced multiplayer tournament mode allowing gamers to participate in outlandish competitions alongside or against friends and family. (Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3, PlayStation 2, Nintendo Wii and DS and Games for Windows).

Pirates: Hunt for Blackbeard’s Booty - Pirates: Hunt for Blackbeard’s Booty lets you set sail to become the greatest pirate of all time. Your quest is to unearth the seven most infamous pirate treasures ever buried, but you must defeat ruthless pirates of the Infamous Seven - who each have a piece of Blackbeard’s treasure map - to achieve glory. Use the Wiimote to plot a course for your ship as you sail from island to island, slaying sea monsters, navigating rough seas, and engaging in sword fights and naval battles. With a lighthearted cartoon style and developed with single and multiplayer action in mind, the game is fantastic family entertainment. (Nintendo Wii).

Pitfall: The Big Adventure - Set in the Peruvian jungle, Pitfall: The Big Adventure combines the action of reptile dodging and vine swinging with clever puzzles. The game features over 60 levels spanning lush rainforests, creature-filled caves, and glacial mountains. Within these dynamic worlds, players will explore cavernous jungles, discover lost treasures, battle shamen, narrowly escape treacherous traps and outwit creatures using innovative, accessible game mechanics developed specifically to take advantage of the Wii™ motion sensing controls. Pitfall: The Big Adventure will introduce the franchise to a new generation of gamers while bringing a fresh Pitfall experience to long time fans. (Nintendo Wii).

Quantum of Solace - James Bond is back to settle the score in Quantum of Solace. Introducing a more lethal and cunningly efficient Bond, the game blends intense first-person action with a unique third-person cover combat system that allows players to truly feel what it is like to be the ultimate secret agent as they use their stealth, precision shooting and lethal combat skills to progress through missions. Seamlessly blending the heart-pounding action and excitement of the upcoming “Quantum of Solace” feature film with the “Casino Royale” movie, the title propels players into the cinematic experience of international espionage. Based on the renowned Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare game engine that has been specifically engineered to immerse players in the Bond universe, Quantum of Solace delivers high-definition graphics, reactive AI and visually stunning locations inspired by locales portrayed in the films. (Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3, PlayStation 2, Nintendo Wii and DS and Games for Windows).

Rapala® Fishing Frenzy - The newest edition of the popular angling franchise, Rapala Fishing Frenzy will supply heart-pounding fishing action in over 20 tournament events. With their hands on authentic Rapala gear (the world’s largest manufacturer of fishing lures and #1 fishing brand in the world) players will feel like they have an actual rod in their hands as they cast, jig the bait, and reel in fish. Players can battle for their favorite trophy as they angle for 25 of the most sought after species of fish in the world, all within pristine, uncrowded freshwater environments. This is the most exciting, progressive fishing game ever made and every angler’s dream. (Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3, and Nintendo Wii).

Shrek’s Carnival Craze™ - Shrek’s Carnival Craze - combines the twisted fairytale humor of Shrek® with the fun of the carnival midway in 28 action-packed party games. Featuring cast favourites from all three movies including Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, Puss in Boots, Prince Charming and Gingy, players will compete to become King or Queen of the Carnival in games like Pinocchio’s Ring Toss, Frog Fling, Rapunzel’s Hair Climb, Milking Mayhem, Candy Keep Away and more. Fans will feel like they are stepping inside Shrek’s world as Shrek’s Carnival Craze takes them into their favourite Far, Far Away locations. Shrek’s Carnival Craze is fun for the entire family as players can work together as a team or take each other on in head-to-head or group challenges. (Nintendo Wii).

Spider-Man™: Web of Shadows - A deadly symbiote invasion brings total devastation to the streets of New York City in Spider-Man: Web of Shadows, where players have ultimate control over the city’s salvation and Spider-Man’s destiny. Set in an apocalyptic New York City, Spider-Man: Web of Shadows gives players an unprecedented level of gameplay choices, including for the first time, control over the game’s direction and outcome. The all new combat system allows for truly three-dimensional battles that start in the streets, continue up sides of buildings and finish on rooftops. Gamers can instantly switch between Spider-Man’s agile red suit and his formidable black suit, choose to ally with Marvel’s honored heroes or ferocious villains, pick which character abilities to upgrade, and decide which missions to undertake in order to protect Manhattan from certain destruction. (Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 and PlayStation 2, PSP, Nintendo Wii and DS, and Windows® PC).

The Legend of Spyro™ Dawn of the Dragon - In the final chapter of the trilogy, players find Spyro teaming up with an unlikely ally - Cynder, his former enemy, to face his most challenging mission to date. As the Dark Master’s (voiced by Mark Hamill) evil envelopes the world like a plague, Spyro must fulfill his destiny and unlock the true power of the purple dragon within him to stop the Dark Master in his tracks. The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon introduces two never before seen elements into the Spyro universe: Spyro can now fly at any time and players can drop-in/drop-out with the new cooperative feature. The co-op feature allows players to have the option of completing the game as either Spyro or Cynder, giving them more freedom to explore Spyro’s world in completely new ways. (Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3, PlayStation 2, Nintendo Wii and DS).

LucasArts’ line-up of games at GCC includes:

Star Wars®: The Force Unleashed™ - Coming to Europe on 19 September, The Force Unleashed gives players the ultimate experience in wielding over-the-top Force powers as Darth Vader’s secret apprentice. Hunt down Jedi and bring Darth Vader’s enemies to justice with truly next-generation technology and gameplay that take the Star Wars experience to exciting new levels of interactivity and destruction. (Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system, PLAYSTATION®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems, PSP®, Nintendo Wii and DS™). Release Date: September 19 2008. Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3.

Fracture™ - Reshape the face of combat with Terrain Deformation, a revolutionary new technology that allows you to change the very ground beneath your feet. Completely manipulate the terrain on the fly, to provide yourself with cover, solve puzzles, maintain a tactical advantage and destroy your enemies. Take part in a massive war where two sides of the United States vie for supremacy - the genetically engineered Pacificans and the cybernetically enhanced Atlantic Alliance. When a rogue general sparks a war that could ultimately decide the fate of all mankind, only soldier Jet Brody and Atlantic Alliance forces can bring him and his genetically engineered army to justice. Release Date: October 2008. Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation®3.

Star Wars® The Clone Wars™: Lightsaber Duels™ - Now everyone can experience the fun and excitement of a Lightsaber fight. Be immersed in the characters, locations, and epic duels from the all-new Star Wars animated feature film and television series. Built from the ground-up for Wii™, Lightsaber Duels features an intuitive motion-controlled combat system that puts the Lightsaber™ weapon in your hand. Release Date: November 2008. Platform: Wii.

Star Wars® The Clone Wars™: Jedi Alliance™ - Go beyond The Clone Wars animated feature film and television series with an original story exclusive to the Nintendo DS. Battle the Separatists as a pair of Jedi and experience the combined power when two Jedi join forces to fight as one. With an innovative stylus-based input, controlling the Jedi’s movement and Lightsaber combat has never felt more immersive. Release Date: November 2008. Platform: Nintendo DS.

Star Wars Galaxies™ Trading Card Game: Champions of the Force - Celebrate the fifth anniversary of the massively multiplayer game Star Wars Galaxies with the all-new Star Wars Galaxies Trading Card Game and its first release, Champions of the Force. For the first time ever choose between the light and dark sides of the Force and build your own Star Wars Galaxies virtual card decks to fight virtual matches for the Rebel or Imperial factions. Collect more than 250 beautifully detailed original Star Wars-themed digital cards, including 20 loot cards that can be redeemed for fantastic Star Wars Galaxies in-game items! Release Date: Summer 2008. Platforms: PC.

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