THQ Press Release: New Features

[Smacktalks]

WWE® SmackDown® vs. Raw® 2010 Enters the Virtual Ring with Announcement of Key Features and Franchise Updates

AGOURA HILLS, Calif., Aug 24, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- THQ Inc. (NASDAQ:THQI) and JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ:JAKK) today announced the first gameplay details surrounding WWE® SmackDown® vs. Raw® 2010, the 11th edition to the distinguished fighting videogame franchise. Poised to feature the most authentic, entertaining and compelling simulation of WWE programming to date across multiple videogame platforms, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 will introduce inspiring creative and online freedom, significant franchise improvements and a comprehensive roster of today's most prominent WWE Superstars and Divas. WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 is currently in development 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™ and Nintendo DS™, with a scheduled release date of October 20, 2009.

"WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 will put the power of created freedom and shareable, user-generated content directly into the players' hands, giving them the ability to control the action beyond anything ever witnessed in WWE programming," said Brian Coleman, vice president, global brand management, THQ. "Combined with new Road to WrestleMania storylines, an impressive roster and other major franchise updates, including our new gameplay experiences on Wii and Nintendo DS, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 will be the must-have game for players on October 20."

"WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 is certain to take the renowned WWE SmackDown vs. Raw videogame franchise to the next level," said Nelo Lucich, senior vice president of interactive, JAKKS Pacific. "The vast array of creative and online options allow players the ability to create their own unique Superstars, right down to their tattoos and customized ring gear, to formulate original finishing moves, to craft their own storylines and then to share it all through the WWE Community Creations interface. The possibilities for total distinctive gameplay are endless for our tremendous fan base around the world."

About WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 - Creative and Online Freedom

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 will introduce 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 who are comparable in quality with their in-game WWE counterparts. Adding to the creative mix, a new Paint Tool will enable detailed creation of tattoos, logos and other unique designs, while a franchise-first Superstar Threads feature will let 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 will now 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, the mode will deliver an extensive assortment of new moves from the front grapple position.

Taking creativity even further, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 will also mark the debut of the WWE Story Designer. In this new mode, players will embrace a directorial role to create and customize their own storylines and cut scenes, including the ability to select talent and scene locations, write their own dialogue, adjust camera angles, select from over 100 scene animations, determine talent emotions and much more. Players will also be able to construct each night's show card with matches, unique match stipulations, interference events and other story twists and turns.

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 is set to empower 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 will enable players to upload their creations online, including created Superstars and Divas, story designs, finishing moves, entrance movies and highlight reels, 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 will be able to 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 will include a number of key franchise updates. The WWE Training Facility will provide players with 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 game's Road to WrestleMania story-based mode, introduced last year to high acclaim by consumers and press alike, returns with interactive cut scenes showcased within six brand new storylines, including a Create-a-Superstar storyline and a Divas storyline. 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 "Still Unbroken," the new single from Lynyrd Skynyrd's upcoming album, God & Guns, as well as songs from artists such as Skillet, Sick Puppies, Adelita's 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 will support the Wii Remote™ and Nunchuk™, Classic Controller™ and the Nintendo GameCube™ controller, allowing players to get to the heart of the WWE videogame experience in a number of ways. In addition, the game will offer 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 will also offer 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 will earn a variety of collectible cards to gain power-ups and unlock content, including arenas, backstage areas and Superstar profiles. In Story Mode, players will 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 will see players attempt to lock their opponents inside an ambulance to attain victory.

Source: THQ.com

[Guest bob]

it goin to be sick but is the 60 playable superstars be also the legends

that the questions everyone askin right now

[seanironmaiden]

Created Entrance videos!! excellent... it's about time they took another page from Raw 2's book

[The Don]

A high-profile soundtrack rounds out the gameplay experience, including "Still Unbroken," the new single from Lynyrd Skynyrd's upcoming album, God & Guns,

FTW

[phil]

I jizzed at the GC controller being confirmed as a substitute to the Wiimote as well as the inclusions of actual movesets, CAF and an improved CAW.

[Guest Iain]

The game is gonna rock because we get to customize! Nothing else has changed though.