THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) and JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ: JAKK) today announced that WWE® SmackDown® vs. Raw® 2010, the latest edition to the distinguished fighting videogame franchise, is now available at North American retailers for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Wii™ video game system and Nintendo DS™.
Featuring the most authentic, entertaining and compelling simulation of World Wrestling Entertainment® programming to date, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 unleashes unparalleled creative and online freedom, including an enhanced Create-a-Superstar Mode and WWE Story Designer, key franchise improvements and a more comprehensive roster of today’s most prominent WWE Superstars and Divas than previous versions. WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 is rated “T” for Teen and is available for the suggested retail prices of $59.99 (Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 system), $49.99 (Wii), $39.99 (PlayStation 2 system and PSP system) and $29.99 (Nintendo DS).
“WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 gives players the definitive sandbox in which to create, customize and share their gameplay experiences,” said Brian Coleman, vice president, global brand management, THQ. “Aligned with on-point franchise updates to the core gameplay experience and a sizable roster of today’s most prominent WWE talent, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 is the perfect addition to the collection of any fighting, sports, hit-driven or WWE videogame enthusiast this fall.”
“WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010’s distinctive gameplay offerings are on track to take the franchise into a new virtual ring,” said Nelo Lucich, senior vice president of interactive, JAKKS Pacific. “We look forward to seeing an incomparable outpouring of creativity from our fans using the Create-a-Superstar Mode and WWE Story Designer to showcase their unique Superstars, finishing moves, story designs and more as they construct and then share their WWE vision online, through the WWE Community Creations interface, with others from around the world.”
About WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 – Creative and Online Freedom
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 introduces a new Create-a-Superstar Mode, including a fresh look, all-new 3-D parts and improved graphical quality, allowing players to create Superstars and Divas comparable in quality with their in-game WWE counterparts. A new Paint Tool enables detailed creation of tattoos, logos and other unique designs, while a franchise-first Superstar Threads feature lets players create alternate ring gear for Superstars and Divas by customizing the colors of shirts, pants, face paint, elbow pads, boots and more. The game’s Create-a-Finisher Mode has been updated to let players create acrobatic and gravity-defying diving attacks from the top turnbuckle, as well as move their creations to new heights by adjusting the trajectory. In addition, Create-a-Finisher delivers an extensive assortment of new moves from the front grapple position.
Taking creativity even further, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 marks the debut of WWE Story Designer. In this new mode, players can create and customize their own storylines and cut scenes, including selection of talent and scene locations, writing their own dialogue, adjusting camera angles, choosing from over 100 scene animations, assigning talent emotions and much more. Players may also construct each night’s show card with matches, unique match stipulations, interference events and other story twists and turns.
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 empowers players with not only extensive creative freedom but the ability to share their gameplay experiences as well. For the first time in franchise history, the WWE Community Creations interface enables players to upload their creations online, including created Superstars and Divas, story designs, finishing moves, highlight reels and screenshots, and share them with others around the world. Players may also download created content via keyword search engine from other users for use both online and offline. In addition, players can tag their creations with search terms, as well as leave ratings, allowing for ease of use in searching the robust database for the most popular – or even the most obscure – created items.
About WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 – Additional Gameplay Features
In addition to its extensive creative and online offerings, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 includes a number of key updates. The WWE Training Facility provides a franchise-first in-game tutorial, making it simple for both long-time fans and newcomers to get helpful gameplay tips and practice moves with their favorite Superstars and Divas. The popular Road to WrestleMania story-based mode returns with interactive cut scenes and six new storylines based on a created Superstar, Mickie James, Randy Orton, Shawn Michaels and Edge, as well as a “Brand Warfare” co-op storyline with Triple H and John Cena. In terms of match types, the Championship Scramble makes its WWE SmackDown vs. Raw franchise debut, while the renowned Royal Rumble delivers a revised presentation and more ways to eliminate opponents, including three elimination mini-games and match-specific finishing moves. In addition, a robust talent roster will include more than 60 playable Superstars and Divas, many of whom will make their videogame debut, as they represent the Raw, SmackDown and ECW® brands. A high-profile soundtrack rounds out the gameplay experience, including songs from artists such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Skillet, Sick Puppies, Adelitas Way and Trivium.
About WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 – Wii and Nintendo DS
Delivering a button-based, simulation-style experience for the first time on the platform, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 for Wii supports the Wii Remote™ and Nunchuk™, Classic Controller™ and the Nintendo GameCube™ controller, enabling players to explore the WWE videogame experience in a number of ways. In addition, the game offers a broader features list to the Wii gaming audience, including a more robust move set, more match types, Create-a-Superstar, Create-a-Finisher, WWE Story Designer, Road to WrestleMania and more.
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 for Nintendo DS also offers a more simulation-based experience, introducing streamlined controls that take advantage of the DS directional pad and eliminate use of the stylus. Throughout gameplay, players earn a variety of collectible cards to gain power-ups and unlock content, including arenas, backstage areas and Superstar profiles. In Story Mode, players take their created Superstars on an action-packed journey through all WWE brands, participating in training mini-games and interactive cut scenes while earning new moves and customization parts along the way. Rounding out the Nintendo DS experience, a franchise-first Ambulance Match lets players attempt to lock their opponents inside an ambulance to attain victory.
More information about WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 can be found at www.smackdownvsraw.com and www.thq.com.
About World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: WWE), can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.
About THQ Inc.
THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. The company develops its products for all popular game systems, personal computers and wireless devices. Headquartered in Los Angeles County, California, THQ sells product through its global network of offices located throughout North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. More information about THQ and its products may be found at www.thq.com. THQ and the THQ logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.
About JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ: JAKK) is a leading designer and marketer of toys and consumer products, with a wide range of products that feature some of the most popular children’s toy licenses in the world. JAKKS’ diverse portfolio includes Action Figures, Art Activity Kits, Stationery, Writing Instruments, Performance Kites, Water Toys, Sports Activity Toys, Vehicles, Infant/Pre-School, Plush, Construction Toys, Electronics, Dolls, Dress-Up, Role Play, and Pet Toys and Accessories, sold under various proprietary brands including JAKKS Pacific®, Play Along®, Flying Colors®, Creative Designs International™, Road Champs®, Child Guidance®, Pentech®, Funnoodle®, Go Fly a Kite®, Color Workshop®, JAKKS Pets®, EyeClops®, Plug It In & Play TV Games™, Girl Gourmet®, Kids Only®, Tollytots® and Disguise. JAKKS is an award-winning licensee of several hundred nationally and internationally known trademarks including Disney®, Nickelodeon®, Warner Bros.®, World Wrestling Entertainment®, Ultimate Fighting Championship®, Graco® and Cabbage Patch Kids. JAKKS and THQ Inc. participate in a joint venture that has worldwide rights to publish and market World Wrestling Entertainment video games. For further information, visit www.jakks.com.