Press Release
MARVEL AND
ACTIVISION ANNOUNCE ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN
WEBBING
RETAIL OUTLETS NATIONWIDE
Santa Monica, CA – September
22, 2005 – Consumers can now take on the role of Marvel’s
Spider-Man, the world’s most famous Super Hero, and his
arch-nemesis Venom with the release of Activision, Inc.’s (Nasdaq:
ATVI) newest entry in the Spider-Man video game franchise –
Ultimate Spider-Man. Set in a massive free roaming New York City
environment, console gamers are propelled into a virtual comic
book world through interactive motion graphics panels and 3D
Comic Inking Technology™ that bring to life an original
storyline written and illustrated by the creative team behind
Marvel’s best-selling “Ultimate Spider-Man” series.
Ultimate Spider-Man is available for the PlayStation®2 computer
entertainment system, the Xbox® video game system from
Microsoft, and the Nintendo GameCube™ for a suggested retail
price of $49.99 and has been rated “T” (Teen – with language and
violence) by the ESRB. The PC/CD-ROM version of Ultimate
Spider-Man is now available for a suggested retail price of
$29.99 and has been rated “T” (Teen – with language and
violence) by the ESRB. The Nintendo DS™ version of Ultimate
Spider-Man is now available for a suggested retail price of
$39.99 and is rated “E10+” (Everyone 10+ - with cartoon
violence) by the ESRB. The Game BoyŇ Advance version of Ultimate
Spider-Man is now available for a suggested retail price of
$29.99 and has been rated “E10+” (“Everyone 10+ – with cartoon
violence”) by the ESRB.
“Using Treyarch’s amazing technological and artistic
capabilities, Ultimate Spider-Man lets gamers play both sides,
as Super Hero and Super Villain, in an authentic living,
breathing comic book universe,” said Will Kassoy, vice president
of global brand management, Activision, Inc. “With an original
story, gigantic cast of characters and truly unique visual
presentation, Ultimate Spider-Man is poised to be the most
immersive Spider-Man video game experience to date.”
“Marvel is very excited at the launch of Ultimate Spider-Man,”
said Ames Kirshen, vice president of interactive, Marvel
Entertainment, Inc. “With Treyarch’s expertise working on
Spider-Man games for over 5 years, the amazing new look that
their 3D Inking technology gives to this title, coupled with the
hands on involvement of Marvel writer Brian Michael Bendis and
artist Mark Bagley, Ultimate Spider-Man takes the Spider-Man
game franchise to a whole new level.”
Pick up where the comic books left off, in an all-new story
exclusive to the game penned by Brian Michael Bendis, the comic
book’s co-creator and writer, with character illustrations by
comic book pencil artist, Mark Bagley. As the young Spider-Man,
gamers play using Spider-Man’s fluid, acrobatic moves to triumph
over evil or play as his menacing nemesis, Venom, using brute
force to destroy everything in their path. With a huge variety
of demanding missions, diverse gameplay and a new combat system
that allows players to face off against the largest number of
interactive characters from the Marvel universe ever assembled
in a Spider-Man game, Ultimate Spider-Man delivers the most
in-depth Spider-Man adventure yet.
Ultimate Spider-Man was developed for the PlayStationâ2 computer
entertainment system, the Xbox video game system from Microsoft
and Nintendo GameCube by Treyarch, for the Game Boy Advance and
Nintendo DS by Vicarious Visions and for the PC by Beenox
Studio. Brady Games' Ultimate Spider-Man Official Strategy Guide
is available at electronics, book, and software retailers
nationwide, and online at bradygames.com.
About Marvel Entertainment, Inc.
With a library of over 5,000 characters, Marvel Entertainment,
Inc. - formerly known as Marvel Enterprises, Inc. - is one of
the world's most prominent character-based entertainment
companies. Marvel's operations are focused on utilizing its
character franchises in licensing, entertainment, publishing and
toys. Areas of emphasis include feature films, DVD/home video,
consumer products, video games, action figures and role-playing
toys, television and promotions. Rooted in the creative success
of over sixty years of comic book publishing, Marvel's strategy
is to leverage its character franchises in a growing array of
opportunities around the world.
About Activision, Inc.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision, Inc. is a
leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of
interactive entertainment and leisure products. Founded in 1979,
Activision posted net revenues of $1.4 billion for the fiscal
year ended March 31, 2005.
Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United
Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Australia, Scandinavia,
Spain and the Netherlands. More information about Activision and
its products can be found on the company's World Wide Web site,
which is located at www.activision.com.