REDMOND, Wash. — May 10, 2007 — The summer blockbuster movie season is quickly approaching, and soon fans everywhere will be lining up around the block for four exciting new Xbox 360™ games inspired by this summer’s big-screen favorites and a limited- edition console that will have fans of “The Simpsons” dreaming of donuts.
Whether gamers want to save the universe, explore a new one or just escape from the summer heat, Xbox 360 lets them jump into the cast as they become the lovable Shrek®, infamous Captain Jack Sparrow, master magician Harry Potter or aspiring French chef Remy the rat. Gamers will control their destiny as they experience firsthand the action, adventure, fun and romance that have made these films a hit with all ages. Gamers can dim the lights, grab some popcorn and create their own summer blockbuster magic with Xbox 360.
Lights, Console, Action — D’oh!
Gamers will have the best seat in the house when “Shrek the Third™,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End,” “Ratatouille” and “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” arrive on Xbox 360 for star-studded gameplay. With this cast of characters, players and movie fans of all ages can count on fun on Xbox 360. The entire family will be clamoring for encore performances — perfect for an evening of family fun.
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“Shrek the Third” (Activision). Those who can’t get enough of “Shrek the Third” should not despair. Xbox 360 lets players experience the signature humor and outrageous adventures of the lovable hero long after the movie credits roll. Play as Shrek, Donkey, Puss In Boots, Fiona, Arthur and fellow fairy-tale heroine Sleeping Beauty to save Far Far Away from Prince Charming and his army of villains. Gamers will be challenged to rescue their pals, face off against Charming’s henchmen, gather collectibles, test their gaming skills in 20 movie-based and game-exclusive levels, and engage in various single-player and multiplayer minigames.
Rated E10+; ERP: $49.99 (U.S.); game release date: May 15, 2007; movie release date: May 18, 2007 -
“Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” (Disney Interactive Studios). Based on both the second and third films of the blockbuster franchise, “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” brings players deeper into the pirates’ world with a chance to play as their favorite stars: crafty Captain Jack Sparrow, swordsmith Will Turner or daring Elizabeth Swann. Gamers will relive the swashbuckling adventures of the crazed pirates and creative swordsmanship of the silver screen, and then go beyond the film to experience new locations, an extended story and a unique ending. They will also enjoy sword-assisted acrobatics, swashbuckling action and classic dueling with unique gameplay.Rated T; ERP: $59.99 (U.S.); game release date: May 22, 2007; movie release date: May 25, 2007
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“Ratatouille” (THQ Inc.). Summer starts cooking with Disney/Pixar’s “Ratatouille,” the story of a young rat named Remy who dreams of becoming a great French chef, despite the obvious problem of being a rat. With this game, players can relive all the film’s most thrilling and hilarious moments. From the underground sewers to the bustling streets of Paris, they will dash, swim, glide and slide through five action-packed, visually stunning worlds filled with dangerous enemies, intense heists and perilous missions. Gamers can go head-to-head with their friends in multiplayer minigames or navigate their way through a sensational rat race that turns the culinary world of Paris upside down.
Rated E; ERP: $49.95 (U.S.); game release date: June 26, 2007; movie release date: June 29, 2007 -
“Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” (Electronic Arts Inc. and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment). Magic makes a colossal comeback as Harry returns for his fifth year of study at Hogwarts in the most authentic Harry Potter game to date. Players will explore the many key locations at Hogwarts in precise detail, each one a visual match to its film equivalent, while being engrossed in the thrilling adventures outlined in the rich narrative of the book. They can choose to go to class, or play Gobstones or Wizard Chess, with no prescribed way to complete the game; the choice is theirs as they experience more freedom than ever before to customize their time at Hogwarts.
Rated E10+; ERP: $59.99 (U.S.); game release date: June 25, 2007; movie release date: July 13, 2007
“These action-packed Xbox 360 games let kids and adults alike take all the adventure and excitement of this summer’s hottest films home with them,” said “Xbox Dad” columnist and family gaming expert Duncan Mackenzie. “I can’t think of a better way to spend some quality time with the kids than to turn our favorite movies into an interactive experience, chatting and laughing as we take on the role of our favorite characters.”
In addition, people everywhere will be seeing yellow as “The Simpsons” takes Xbox 360 by storm later this summer in advance of the famous Springfield family’s big-screen debut on July 27, 2007. Xbox 360 is partnering with FOX to help promote “The Simpsons Movie,” offering fans the chance to get their hands on one of 100 limited-edition “Simpsons” Xbox 360 Pro consoles through a series of special events and promotions. For anyone who is drooling like Homer about how to win, more details will be available at http://www.xbox.com.
Beyond gaming, Xbox 360 is an all-in-one entertainment center that allows people to watch their favorite DVDs, listen to cinematic soundtracks, or put their friends and family in the spotlight with photo slide shows. They can also download popular movies and TV shows (available only in the U.S.) and sneak a peek at trailers for upcoming movie releases on Xbox LIVE®, while the Xbox® Family Settings feature helps families feel confident that children are playing in a safer, more secure gaming environment. Boasting the largest social network in the living room, with more than 6 million users, Xbox LIVE connects members across 25 different countries, making it easy to find the friends, games and entertainment they want from the moment they power on their Xbox 360 system.
About Xbox 360
Xbox 360 is the most powerful video game and entertainment system, delivering the best games, the next generation of the premier Xbox LIVE online gaming network and unique digital entertainment experiences that revolve around gamers. Xbox 360 has a catalog of more than 160 high-definition games and is available in 37 countries. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/xbox360.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
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