Unveil `WWF Wrestlemania X8' Exclusively for Nintendo Gamecube

Next-Generation Nintendo Debut Includes Rising World Wrestling Federation Superstars

CALABASAS HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 25, 2002-- THQ Inc. (NASDAQ:THQI - news) and JAKKS Pacific Inc. (NASDAQ:JAKK - news) today announced ``WWF WrestleMania® X8,'' their latest videogame based on the highly popular World Wrestling Federation® (NYSE:WWF - news) license. Emphasizing simulation-style gameplay, ``WWF WrestleMania X8'' features all the action, excitement and attitude of the World Wrestling Federation designed exclusively for Nintendo Gamecube(TM).

For the first time ever in a World Wrestling Federation licensed game, ``WWF WrestleMania X8'' is slated to include rising World Wrestling Federation Superstars such as Rob Van Dam(TM), Booker T(TM) and Lance Storm(TM), making this title the most complete collection of Superstars ever assembled in a video game. ``WWF WrestleMania X8'' is scheduled to release this summer.

` ``We are very excited to be continuing the strong tradition of World Wrestling Federation games on Nintendo systems with `WWF WrestleMania X8.'''

```WWF WrestleMania X8' for Gamecube will allow World Wrestling Federation gamers to re-create the action-packed matches from this year's highly anticipated WrestleMania X8 event to be held in March 2002 in Toronto, Canada,'' stated Nelo Lucich, Director of Interactive, JAKKS Pacific Inc. ``We are very confident that Gamecube owners and World Wrestling Federation fans everywhere will appreciate the realism and detail that `WWF WrestleMania X8' delivers.''

``WWF WrestleMania X8'' features more than 35 Superstars in multiple match types including hardcore, tornado tag and triple threat matches. A TV-style presentation complete with dynamic lighting effects, pyrotechnics, camera flashes and multiple camera angles brings the action to life as Superstars enter the arena accompanied by signature TitanTron(TM) videos and music. Players can also choose from a variety of settings including appearance, costumes and special moves to create the ultimate grappler in the game's in-depth Create-a-Superstar mode.

New features exclusive to ``WWF WrestleMania X8'' include Championship Road, where players have the opportunity to take their rookie Superstar up through the ranks pursuing the championship. For the first time on any game system, ``WWF WrestleMania X8'' is slated to include the complete roster of top Superstars including Booker T, Rob Van Dam and The Hurricane(TM). Each character is personalized with their own unique style and repertoire of finishing moves. These new Superstars, in addition to World Wrestling Federation veterans such as The Rock®, Stone Cold Steve Austin(TM) and Triple H(TM), give ``WWF WrestleMania X8'' the finest collection of talent ever assembled in a video game.

once again xbox gets the short end of the stick