CRASH BANDICOOT TEAMS UP WITH NEMESIS DR. CORTEX TO DEFEAT EVIL TWINS IN THE MARSUPIAL’S FUNNIEST ADVENTURE YET

Best-selling video game franchise introduces innovative dual gameplay mechanic and hilarious storyline in new action platformer for PlayStation2 and Xbox

LOS ANGELES, CA (March 25, 2004) – The irrepressible Crash Bandicoot® has returned in his funniest adventure yet! Vivendi Universal Games (VU Games) today announced Crash Twinsanity™, the next installment in the best-selling video game franchise, set to ship in Q3 2004 for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft.  Developed by Traveller’s Tales, the new action platformer reveals a hilarious storyline that showcases the creative input of award-winning animation filmmaker Jordan Reichek of Perky Pickle Studios and introduces innovative features, including the ingenious pairing of Crash with his longtime nemesis Dr. Cortex in an unprecedented new dual gameplay mechanic. 

“Crash Twinsanity reinvigorates the 3D action platform genre by combining the well-known humor and wacky situations that Crash is known for with cutting edge, inventive gameplay elements that will make this game the most robust and funniest Crash experience ever,” said Luc Vanhal,  President and COO, North America for VU Games.

A new adversary – The Evil Twins -- has invaded Crash’s island paradise with plans of destruction.  In a strange twist, Crash grudgingly pairs with his archenemy, Dr. Cortex in order to save the world.  Through this unorthodox partnership, Cortex is abused as Crash’s favorite weapon when Crash and Cortex are controlled as one.  Additionally, this dynamic paired gameplay will include never-before-seen mechanics which also include cooperative level designs in which Crash must protect Cortex and vice-versa, albeit reluctantly! 

Gamers will encounter complex and highly reactive enemies that will detect and hunt Crash, run away when outgunned and interact with other foes to either form alliances or settle differences.  The game features completely immersive environments which respond realistically as the player interacts with them, along with streaming worlds that can be played through without load times; and four playable characters – Crash, Cortex, Nina Cortex (the niece of the evil doctor) and the brand new pairing of Crash and Cortex. 

The Crash Bandicoot franchise made its debut in 1996 and has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide.* 

About Xbox
Xbox (http://www.xbox.com) is the video game system from Microsoft that brings people together for the most exhilarating game and entertainment experiences.  Xbox delivers an expansive collection of breakthrough games, powerful hardware and the unified Xbox Live online service.  The new tagline, "it's good to play together," captures the spirit of Xbox as the social hub of the new digital entertainment lifestyle.  Xbox is now available in North America, Asia, Europe and Australia.
 
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

About Traveller’s Tales
With ten years of software development to their credit, Traveller’s Tales (http://www.t-tales.com) is a well-established developer with a string of successful titles, including Wrath of Cortex, Buzz Lightyear, Toy Story Racer, A Bug’s Life and Muppet Racemania,   The company has worked with many top publishers such as Activision, Universal Studios Interactive, Disney, Sony-Psygnosis, Sega, Nintendo and Henson Interactive. 

About Vivendi Universal Games
Headquartered in Los Angeles, Vivendi Universal Games ( www.vugames.com  ) is a global leader in multi-platform interactive entertainment. The company develops, publishes and distributes interactive products across all major platforms including PCs, video game consoles and the Internet. Vivendi Universal Games’ portfolio of development studios and publishing labels includes Blizzard Entertainment, Coktel, Fox Interactive, Knowledge Adventure, Massive Entertainment and Sierra Entertainment. Additionally, Vivendi Universal Games co-publishes and/or distributes titles for a number of strategic partners, including Interplay, inXile entertainment, Majesco and Mythic Entertainment, among others.

# # #

“PlayStation” and the “PS” Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Xbox is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

*Based on EDI sell-through, internal company records, and reports from key distribution partners around the world.

del.icio.us | Digg This | Glink It

---