SANTA MONICA, Calif., Sept. 19 -- Vampire hunters everywhere can now rid the world of the undead with Activision, Inc.'s Blade(TM)II for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and the Xbox(TM) videogame system from Microsoft. Based on the popular Marvel Comics' sword-wielding super hero who was portrayed by Wesley Snipes in two successful feature films from New Line Cinema, Blade II features a 360 degree combat system, martial arts moves, signature weapons and attacks, players can now annihilate their enemies with all-new moves. The game is currently available in North American retail outlets for a suggested retail price of $49.99 and is rated "M" ("Mature" -- violence, blood and gore, strong language -- content suitable for persons ages 17 and older) by the ESRB.
"Blade II is the only game that allows players to take on the role of Marvel's take-no-prisoners vampire slayer," said Larry Goldberg, executive vice president, Activision Worldwide Studios. "Blade's arsenal of weapons and over-the-top moves will allow players to fight their way through the vampire underworld and halt the minions of evil before more lives are at risk."
Developed by UK-based Mucky Foot Productions, Blade II challenges players to make maximum use of Blade's special abilities, weapons and martial arts moves to stop the vampire nation's quest to create an all-new form of super- vampires. Players access incredible powers including Shield, Sword and Strength to make themselves unstoppable as they engage in hand-to-hand combat. The game's revolutionary 360 degree multi-directional fighting system allows fans to take on blood sucking enemies as they attack from all directions.
Players must also learn to master Blade's titanium-based silver-plated sword, guns, grenades and the boomerang-like razor-sharp glaive in order to eviscerate their enemies. Stunning visual effects heighten the game's visceral thrill.
Blade II fans can check out concept art, screenshots, movies and more at www.blade2game.com.
About Marvel Enterprises, Inc.
With a library of over 4,700 proprietary characters, Marvel Enterprises, Inc. is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies. Marvel's operations are focused in four divisions: entertainment (Marvel Studios), licensing, toys (Toy Biz) and comic book publishing. Marvel facilitates the creation of entertainment projects, including feature films, television and dvd/home video, based on its characters and also licenses its characters for use in a wide range of consumer products and services including video and computer games, apparel, collectibles, snack foods and promotions. Marvel's characters and plot lines are created by its comic book division which continues to maintain a leadership position in the U.S. and worldwide while also serving as an invaluable source of intellectual property. For additional information visit the Marvel Web site at http://www.marvel.com.
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 revenues of $786 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2002.
Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, Australia, Scandinavia 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.
The statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements." The Company cautions readers of this press release that a number of important factors could cause Activision's actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in any such forward- looking statements. These important factors, and other factors that could affect Activision, are described in Activision's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2002, which was filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers of this press release are referred to such filings.
Marvel, Blade and related characters are trademarks of Marvel Characters, Inc. and are used with permission. (C) 2002 Marvel Characters, Inc. All rights reserved.
Xbox is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
