Atari has just sent us its belter of an E3 line-up, which includes new versions of Dragon Ball Z (PS2, Wii); Test Drive Unlimited (360, PC); Alone in the Dark; (360, PC); Dungeons & Dragons (PSP); and perhaps one of our most anticipated handheld games of this year’s show, the classic BattleZone on PSP.
The release informs us that the company is “...charging forward with a robust line-up of next-generation console and handheld games with a focus on innovative and compelling gameplay.”
Atari’s head honcho Bruno Bonnell added: “As the Atari brand has withstood the test of time, so does the appeal of many of our games and franchises… We continue to reach and surpass milestones, such as the ten-millionth mark of Dragon Ball Z game sales, and redefining genres we originated, such as Alone in the Dark’s horror survival and Test Drive Unlimited’s Massively Open Online Racing (M.O.O.R.™). Atari continues to move forward and seek out groundbreaking, imaginative and entertaining properties like the underground based, street smart HOT PXL. Evident as part of our E3 line-up, these and other games are all part of the Company’s evolution and continued focus on gameplay.”
SPOnG will be meeting Atari first thing next Wednesday. We’ll be trying to pin down Mr Bonnell to ask a few questions about both the line-up (see below) and about the future of the company.
Here’s the list in full.
The release informs us that the company is “...charging forward with a robust line-up of next-generation console and handheld games with a focus on innovative and compelling gameplay.”
Atari’s head honcho Bruno Bonnell added: “As the Atari brand has withstood the test of time, so does the appeal of many of our games and franchises… We continue to reach and surpass milestones, such as the ten-millionth mark of Dragon Ball Z game sales, and redefining genres we originated, such as Alone in the Dark’s horror survival and Test Drive Unlimited’s Massively Open Online Racing (M.O.O.R.™). Atari continues to move forward and seek out groundbreaking, imaginative and entertaining properties like the underground based, street smart HOT PXL. Evident as part of our E3 line-up, these and other games are all part of the Company’s evolution and continued focus on gameplay.”
SPOnG will be meeting Atari first thing next Wednesday. We’ll be trying to pin down Mr Bonnell to ask a few questions about both the line-up (see below) and about the future of the company.
Here’s the list in full.
Alone in the Dark (Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows platform)
The original Alone in the Dark is the video game that launched horror survival gaming and set the standard within the genre. The next-generation of Alone in the Dark returns with a heart-stopping survival experience realized through the use of state-of-the-art real-time physics and unprecedented environmental interaction. Delivering an exhilarating action-orientated experience within a highly detailed, open environment, Alone in the Dark is set to take the lead for innovation and excellence within the genre. Alone in the Dark is in development by Eden Games, the second largest game development studio in France and a wholly owned subsidiary of Infogrames Entertainment SA.
Arthur and the Minimoys (PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) system, Nintendo DS™, Game Boy® Advance and Windows)
Directly inspired by world famous film director and writer Luc Besson’s upcoming animated film of the same name, the Arthur and the Minimoys* game will follow the film’s storyline and feature eye-popping graphics and technical innovations. The game allows players to relive the fantastic adventure of young Arthur and his two pals, princess Selenia and her brother Bétamčche, in their mission to save the Minimoys’ world from destruction. Set to time with The Weinstein Company theatrical release of the movie in North America, Arthur and the Minimoys game is currently in development by Lyon-and Paris-based Etranges Libellules, creator of several successful animated games, including Asterix XXL and Kirikou. The Nintendo DS game is being developed by Dreamon, and the Nintendo Game Boy Advance version by Mistic.
BattleZone (PSP system)
BattleZone is the modern update to the 1980 classic arcade game. Set in futuristic international military environments, BattleZone puts players in control of highly manoeuvrable hover tanks, challenging them in close combat scenarios against their rivals with relentless onslaughts of quick, action-oriented battles. BattleZone for the PSP system is being developed by Paradigm Entertainment, a wholly owned subsidiary of Infogrames Entertainment SA.
Dungeons & Dragons®: Tactics™ (PSP system)
Dungeons & Dragons®: Tactics™ is the first time the highly-coveted D&D® license has ever graced a next-generation portable system. D&D®: Tactics* authentically utilizes the D&D 3.5 rule-set created by Wizards of the Coast and allows players to take a party of six adventurers into a wide variety of dangerous environments to experience deep and exciting turn-based action. In development by Kuju Entertainment, D&D: Tactics will take full advantage of the PSP system’s wireless capability and offer gamers a multiplayer mode.
Dragon Ball Z®: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 (PlayStation®2 and Nintendo Wii)
Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 is the sequel to Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi, the top-selling DBZ game of 2005. Combining action, fighting and light role-playing game (RPG) elements, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 will send players into a rich story mode that spans the entire Dragon Ball®, DBZ, and Dragon Ball GT® series. The game takes the acrobatic and intense 3D flying and fighting dynamic made popular in last year’s hit to a whole new level with over 100 playable characters, 15 vast and vibrant 3D destructible environments, and nine different game modes, including intense single and multiplayer battles. Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 is being developed by NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. / Spike.
HOT PXL (PSP system)
HOT PXL*, the ingenious and hip new title, brings fast and furious bite-size gaming to the masses. HOT PXL comprises more than 200 deviously crafted mini-games based on a unique and original story premise that draws inspiration from street culture and the digital lifestyle – whether it’s blasting through an old-school style video game, busting tricks on a skateboard or a BMX, stage-diving at a concert, or just trying to cross a busy digital street. The game’s web site, www.hotpxl.com, will serve as an integral part of the experience and the community. HOT PXL is being developed by zSlide.
Neverwinter Nights™ 2 (Windows)
Neverwinter Nights™ 2 is the sequel to the best-selling and genre-defining role-playing game (RPG) set in the popular Dungeons & Dragons® Forgotten Realms™ universe created by Wizards of the Coast. The game’s story picks up years after a war waged between Luskan and Neverwinter. The peace that was restored is at risk as tension mounts between the mighty city-states. Unnoticed, a greater danger stalks the City of Skilled Hands. Unbeknownst to the denizens of the North, deep in the Mere of Dead Men, dark forces from across the Realms have been rallied under the banner of a legendary evil. If left unchallenged, all of the North is doomed to fall under its power. Even in this darkest hour, hope remains. A mysterious relic is borne to Neverwinter in the hands of a lone hero so that its secrets may be unlocked - secrets that carry the fate of all the North. So begins an epic tale of shattered alliances, noble acts and dark deeds to be told across the Realms for generations to come. Neverwinter Nights 2, developed by Obsidian Entertainment, will include a new and improved robust toolset that allows for the ultimate adventure creation and for the story of Neverwinter to continue.
Super DBZ® (PlayStation®2)
Super DBZ® is a new highly intense DBZ® fighting experience unlike any other Dragon Ball Z game. Featuring an all-new and more complex DBZ fighting system with unique fighting combos for all 18 characters, Super DBZ promises fans and gamers explosive on-screen environmental damage. Super DBZ is in development by NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. / Crafts & Meister, and including the creators of the acclaimed Street Fighter II arcade game.
Test Drive® Unlimited (Xbox360 and Windows)
Packed with the world’s most luxurious vehicles, more than one thousand miles of open Hawaiian roads, a challenging single player game and a host of online options, Test Drive Unlimited is M.O.O.R.™: Massively Open Online Racing - the ultimate online automotive gaming experience. The action in Test Drive Unlimited takes place on the open roads spanning the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Boasting huge online content, racers around the world can challenge others to join them in the virtual paradise of the game’s persistent online racing world. Players will engage in online challenges, and build communities by creating or joining exclusive members clubs to talk, trade cars, and race with other like-minded and similarly-skilled drivers in one of the most comprehensive online racing experiences to date. Test Drive Unlimited is in development by Eden Games.
The original Alone in the Dark is the video game that launched horror survival gaming and set the standard within the genre. The next-generation of Alone in the Dark returns with a heart-stopping survival experience realized through the use of state-of-the-art real-time physics and unprecedented environmental interaction. Delivering an exhilarating action-orientated experience within a highly detailed, open environment, Alone in the Dark is set to take the lead for innovation and excellence within the genre. Alone in the Dark is in development by Eden Games, the second largest game development studio in France and a wholly owned subsidiary of Infogrames Entertainment SA.
Arthur and the Minimoys (PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) system, Nintendo DS™, Game Boy® Advance and Windows)
Directly inspired by world famous film director and writer Luc Besson’s upcoming animated film of the same name, the Arthur and the Minimoys* game will follow the film’s storyline and feature eye-popping graphics and technical innovations. The game allows players to relive the fantastic adventure of young Arthur and his two pals, princess Selenia and her brother Bétamčche, in their mission to save the Minimoys’ world from destruction. Set to time with The Weinstein Company theatrical release of the movie in North America, Arthur and the Minimoys game is currently in development by Lyon-and Paris-based Etranges Libellules, creator of several successful animated games, including Asterix XXL and Kirikou. The Nintendo DS game is being developed by Dreamon, and the Nintendo Game Boy Advance version by Mistic.
BattleZone (PSP system)
BattleZone is the modern update to the 1980 classic arcade game. Set in futuristic international military environments, BattleZone puts players in control of highly manoeuvrable hover tanks, challenging them in close combat scenarios against their rivals with relentless onslaughts of quick, action-oriented battles. BattleZone for the PSP system is being developed by Paradigm Entertainment, a wholly owned subsidiary of Infogrames Entertainment SA.
Dungeons & Dragons®: Tactics™ (PSP system)
Dungeons & Dragons®: Tactics™ is the first time the highly-coveted D&D® license has ever graced a next-generation portable system. D&D®: Tactics* authentically utilizes the D&D 3.5 rule-set created by Wizards of the Coast and allows players to take a party of six adventurers into a wide variety of dangerous environments to experience deep and exciting turn-based action. In development by Kuju Entertainment, D&D: Tactics will take full advantage of the PSP system’s wireless capability and offer gamers a multiplayer mode.
Dragon Ball Z®: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 (PlayStation®2 and Nintendo Wii)
Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 is the sequel to Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi, the top-selling DBZ game of 2005. Combining action, fighting and light role-playing game (RPG) elements, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 will send players into a rich story mode that spans the entire Dragon Ball®, DBZ, and Dragon Ball GT® series. The game takes the acrobatic and intense 3D flying and fighting dynamic made popular in last year’s hit to a whole new level with over 100 playable characters, 15 vast and vibrant 3D destructible environments, and nine different game modes, including intense single and multiplayer battles. Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 is being developed by NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. / Spike.
HOT PXL (PSP system)
HOT PXL*, the ingenious and hip new title, brings fast and furious bite-size gaming to the masses. HOT PXL comprises more than 200 deviously crafted mini-games based on a unique and original story premise that draws inspiration from street culture and the digital lifestyle – whether it’s blasting through an old-school style video game, busting tricks on a skateboard or a BMX, stage-diving at a concert, or just trying to cross a busy digital street. The game’s web site, www.hotpxl.com, will serve as an integral part of the experience and the community. HOT PXL is being developed by zSlide.
Neverwinter Nights™ 2 (Windows)
Neverwinter Nights™ 2 is the sequel to the best-selling and genre-defining role-playing game (RPG) set in the popular Dungeons & Dragons® Forgotten Realms™ universe created by Wizards of the Coast. The game’s story picks up years after a war waged between Luskan and Neverwinter. The peace that was restored is at risk as tension mounts between the mighty city-states. Unnoticed, a greater danger stalks the City of Skilled Hands. Unbeknownst to the denizens of the North, deep in the Mere of Dead Men, dark forces from across the Realms have been rallied under the banner of a legendary evil. If left unchallenged, all of the North is doomed to fall under its power. Even in this darkest hour, hope remains. A mysterious relic is borne to Neverwinter in the hands of a lone hero so that its secrets may be unlocked - secrets that carry the fate of all the North. So begins an epic tale of shattered alliances, noble acts and dark deeds to be told across the Realms for generations to come. Neverwinter Nights 2, developed by Obsidian Entertainment, will include a new and improved robust toolset that allows for the ultimate adventure creation and for the story of Neverwinter to continue.
Super DBZ® (PlayStation®2)
Super DBZ® is a new highly intense DBZ® fighting experience unlike any other Dragon Ball Z game. Featuring an all-new and more complex DBZ fighting system with unique fighting combos for all 18 characters, Super DBZ promises fans and gamers explosive on-screen environmental damage. Super DBZ is in development by NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. / Crafts & Meister, and including the creators of the acclaimed Street Fighter II arcade game.
Test Drive® Unlimited (Xbox360 and Windows)
Packed with the world’s most luxurious vehicles, more than one thousand miles of open Hawaiian roads, a challenging single player game and a host of online options, Test Drive Unlimited is M.O.O.R.™: Massively Open Online Racing - the ultimate online automotive gaming experience. The action in Test Drive Unlimited takes place on the open roads spanning the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Boasting huge online content, racers around the world can challenge others to join them in the virtual paradise of the game’s persistent online racing world. Players will engage in online challenges, and build communities by creating or joining exclusive members clubs to talk, trade cars, and race with other like-minded and similarly-skilled drivers in one of the most comprehensive online racing experiences to date. Test Drive Unlimited is in development by Eden Games.
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