NEWS - Tuesday, February 24, 2004
MX Unleashed Drops the Gate on Motocross
CALABASAS HILLS, Calif. - THQ Inc. today announced the release of MX Unleashed for PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system and Xbox(TM) videogame system from Microsoft. THQ's internal development studio, Rainbow(TM) Studios, the critically acclaimed leader of off-road videogames, delivers unprecedented realism and game play to off-road fans and gamers alike. MX Unleashed is supported by a multi-million dollar marketing campaign, integrating sponsorship of the THQ World Supercross GP/AMA Series, national TV and print advertising campaigns, and cross marketing promotions with industry and entertainment companies. MX Unleashed is now available at major retail outlets across North America. "Rainbow Studios' award-winning racing physics place them among the top racing game developers in the world," said Jack Sorensen, executive vice president of worldwide studios, THQ. "Again, they have delivered unprecedented intensity and realism while maintaining a balance of superb game play in MX Unleashed." "THQ and Rainbow Studios are thrilled to offer the quintessential off-roading videogame experience to a wide range of gamers and motocross fans," said Peter Dille, senior vice president of worldwide marketing. "Rainbow Studios is the leader in off-road racing and we're excited to support MX Unleashed with an extensive marketing program, including title sponsorship of the THQ World Supercross GP/AMA Series." MX Unleashed not only features a robust racing mode that motocross fans have come to expect, but also an expansive Freeworld mode that allows gamers to explore vast environments where they can race against and ultimately drive machines including a helicopter, monster truck, dune buggy, bi-plane, and trophy truck. Freeworld mode also lets players explore hits, jumps and runs in a variety of mini-games; perform stunts like jumping off moving trucks or through hot air balloons; and catch big air off of the treacherous terrain. The game features realistic physics, including a clutch system and independent rider and bike animations, making it the most realistic interactive motocross racing experience to date. The game also features music tracks from a library of licensed music performed by some of the music industry's hottest artists. Gaming media are already raving about MX Unleashed: -- "Thanks to developer Rainbow's obvious love of the subject matter, this may be the best motocross game ever...some of the coolest innovations the genre has ever seen." -- PSM magazine, 9 out of 10 -- "Fantastically fun. Subtlety and responsiveness are the keywords with respect to control. Racing a real motorcross bike surely can't be as fun as this." -- IGN.com, 8.8 out of 10 -- "Whether or not you're a video grease monkey, you'll dig Unleashed's superb handling, challenging track designs, rewarding career mode, and addictive minigames." -- Electronic Gaming Monthly, 8.0 out of 10, Silver Award -- "The game marks a departure from THQ's previous games in the genre due to Rainbow's unique approach." -- GameSpot.com For more information about MX Unleashed, visit www.thq.com. The THQ World Supercross GP/AMA Series schedule can be found at http://www.supercross.cc.com.Source: http:///www.thq.com