Press Release

NAMCO ANNOUNCES GUMBY(R) VS. THE ASTROBOTS

Game Boy® Advance Game to Feature Cast of Classic Gumby Characters With Unique Claymation Gameplay

 

Santa Clara, Ca., (April 4, 2005) - Global video games publisher, Namco Hometek Inc. today announced "Gumby(R) vs. the Astrobots(TM)" for the Game Boy Advance. A side-scrolling platformer featuring a classic collection of Gumby characters, the game carries on the tradition of the beloved series with creative clay animation style visuals and imaginative storytelling that can be enjoyed by fans of all ages. Developed by Torus Games, "Gumby vs. the Astrobots" is slated for release on the Game Boy Advance in August 2005.

In "Gumby vs. the Astrobots", players assume the role of the flexible clay icon, Gumby, as he attempts to foil the Blockheads'(TM) latest scheme. Using the Astrobots, the Blockheads have abducted Gumby's friends, including Pokey(TM), Prickle(TM) and Goo(TM) and hidden them in books throughout Toyland. Pursuing the Astrobots through a variety of book worlds, including the Old West, North Pole and Planet Astrobot, players will need to utilize Gumby's special morphing powers and stretchy skills to save his friends and foil the Blockheads. Gumby's quest to save his friends is enriched through classic visuals, voices and FX straight from the television series.

"With innovative clay animation style gameplay, a complete selection of beloved characters and an original storyline, Gumby vs. the Astrobots is the game Gumby fans have been waiting for," said Jeff Lujan, Business Director at Namco Hometek. "The game's release this August will commemorate Gumby's 50th anniversary and for the first time, give fans the chance to bend, twist and bounce like their favorite green friend in video game form."

About Gumby
Premavision Inc. and Prema Toy Inc. owns the popular clay animated stars Gumby, Pokey, Prickle, Goo, and those mischievous Blockheads.  With TV episodes from the 50's, 60's, 80's and a movie in the 90's, the Adventures of Gumby has reached five decades of children. Gumby creator Art Clokey developed this series so that there would be something for kids that was born out of a love for children.  In coordination with Gumby's 50th anniversary, many exciting plans are being implemented.  Please contact: Patrick Lauerman, Heat Licensing, plauerman@heatlicensing.com (818)398-4487 or go to gumby.com

About Namco Hometek Inc.
Namco Hometek Inc. is the U.S. consumer division of Namco Limited, a Tokyo-based world leader in the high-tech entertainment industry.  Based in Santa Clara, CA, Namco Hometek Inc. is an award-winning video games publisher for next generation game consoles.  Namco has created some of the industry's greatest video game franchises: "Tekken(R)," "SOULCALIBUR(R)," "Dead to Rights(R)," "Pac-Man World(TM)," "Ridge Racer(R)," "Time Crisis(R)" and "ACECOMBAT(TM)."  For more information about Namco and its products log onto www.namco.com.

"TEKKEN(R)," "SOULCALIBUR(R)," "PAC-MAN WORLD(TM)," "Ridge Racer(R)," "Time Crisis(R)" and "ACECOMBAT(TM)" are trademarks or registered trademarks of Namco Limited in the United States and/or other countries. Dead to Rights(TM) is a trademark or registered trademark of Namco Hometek Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.