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THQ® AND VOLITION® SHIP SUMMONER® 2 FOR PLAYSTATION® 2 THQ and Volition Announce Summoner 2 for Nintendo® Gamecube™ 

CALABASAS HILLS, Calif. - September 23, 2002 - THQ Inc. (NASDAQ NMS: THQI) today announced the release of its highly anticipated action, role-playing title, Summoner 2 for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. Summoner 2 is the sequel to one of the PlayStation 2’s top-selling launch titles, Summoner. Developed by Volition, creators of Red Faction®, Summoner 2 features an enhanced game engine, stunning graphics, an intense real-time combat system and a compelling storyline. Summoner 2 for PlayStation 2 is available now at retail stores nationwide.

THQ and Volition also announced that a Nintendo Gamecube version of Summoner 2 is currently in development and will be available in early 2003. Summoner 2 for Gamecube is being developed by Cranky Pants Games™, THQ’s newest game development studio located in Seattle, Washington.

“Summoner 2 is an original adventure that delivers a vast role-playing experience with a multitude of unique characters, fantastic environments and refined gameplay,” said Mike Kulas, president, Volition. “We feel that Summoner 2 is one of the most complete RPG’s for the PlayStation 2 and improves upon the original game in every facet.”

Summoner 2 has been receiving praise from both the videogame community and the mainstream press:

  • “…Summoner 2 is well on its way to being one of those ‘must-play’ games coming out this fall.” - GameSpy

  • The Bottom Line: 9 out of 10 "As it stands, Summoner 2 easily reigns as the best dungeon crawler on console, and one of the most engrossing RPGs around.” - Game Informer

  • Fun Factor: 4 out of 5 “…one of the most memorable, unique RPGs to ever grace the PS2.” - GamePro

About Summoner 2

In Summoner 2, players guide Maia, Queen of the Halassar, and a host of unique party members through an original fantasy universe inspired by literature, folklore and mythology. Players travel to more than 30 exotic and imaginative locales, from the tropical isle of Teomura to the bizarre and dreamlike City of Masks. Players may fully customize their party with their own set of skills and spells. Summoner 2 features a complex, character-driven storyline, hundreds of skills and spells, and an all new, real-time combat system that breaks the mold for traditional RPGs. Summoner 2 is available now for PlayStation 2 and coming to Nintendo Gamecube in early 2003.

For more information, artwork and to view weekly updates on the game’s development please visit www.summoner2.com.

About VolitionLocated in Champaign, Illinois, Volition is one of THQ’s premier internal game development studios responsible for high-end creations on next generation systems and PC. Its credits include the best-selling Red Faction, the original Summoner, the acclaimed Freespace and Freespace 2, as well as the award-winning Descent and Descent 2 as a part of Parallax Software.

About Cranky Pants GamesLocated in Seattle, Washington, Cranky Pants Games is THQ’s newest internal game development studio focusing exclusively on next generation console systems. The studio is currently working on Summoner 2 for Nintendo Gamecube and a second unannounced title on Gamecube.

About THQ THQ Inc. is a leading, worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software for a variety of hardware platforms including PC CD-ROM, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Nintendo and Microsoft. The THQ web site is located at www.thq.com . The THQ Wireless site is located at www.thqwireless.com.

This press release contains statements that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about THQ’s business based, in part, on assumptions made by its management. These statements are not guarantees of THQ’s future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements due to numerous factors, including, but not limited to, those described above and the following: changes in demand for THQ’s products, product mix, the timing of customer orders and deliveries, the impact of competitive products and pricing and difficulties encountered in the integration of acquired businesses. In addition, such statements could be affected by growth rates and market conditions relating to the interactive software industry and general domestic and international economic conditions. Specific information concerning these and other such factors is contained in THQ’s Prospectus dated March 26, 2002 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 27, 2002. A copy of this filing may be obtained by contacting THQ or the SEC. The forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date on which they are made, and THQ does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.



For More Product Information
Summoner 2 (GC)
Summoner 2 (PS2)