E3 2003: Vivendi Universal Games Unleashes Its Line-Up
...and boy is it a doozy!
Published: May 10, 2003
We here at PSX2.com have been wowed by the amount of game announcements made by Vivendi Universal Games. And while announcing a game is one thing, debuting it is another. And after going over the extensive list of their E3 2003 showcase games, VU Games should have no problem stepping up to the plate come May 14. With highly anticipated blockbusters such as The Hulk, The Fast and the Furious and StarCraft: Ghost, Vivendi Universal Games has truly prepared a line-up that could quite possibly take this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo by storm!
"The breadth and depth of our publishing portfolio are clearly represented in our E3 line-up, and we are very proud of the high caliber of our brands and products," said Luc Vanhal, President and COO, North America for VU Games. "Our cross-platform support is illustrated by our well-balanced mix of PC titles and video games for PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube and Game Boy Advance -- several of which will offer online multi-player capabilities. Additionally, many of our products shown at E3 will be available later this year in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, which further underscores our commitment to bringing gamers around the world great interactive content on multiple platforms."
Vivendi Universal Games' PlayStation 2 showcase for E3 2003 will include:
Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance II
Set in the Forgotten Realms world, the most popular Dungeons & Dragons campaign setting, Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance II will use the 3rd Edition Dungeons & Dragons rules set. The game will feature more monsters, graphically stunning environments and five new and unique customizable player characters to choose from, hidden areas to explore, as well as a new item creation system that will allow players to create their own ultimate magical artifacts. This unique action/role-playing game will be released for the PlayStation 2 (and Xbox). Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance II is scheduled to be available at retail for holiday 2003.
Battlestar Galactica
Based on the universe of the classic science fiction TV series, the Battlestar Galactica interactive game is a story-driven space action-adventure that takes place at the end of the Cylon-Colonial Wars, 40 years prior to the setting of the original TV series. In the game, players will assume the role of Ensign William Adama in his critical first assignment as a pilot aboard the great warship Battlestar Galactica. It is the turning point of the war and the tragic making of a hero. Battlestar Galactica will debut on the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system (and on Xbox) in fall 2003.
Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Chaos Bleeds
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Chaos Bleeds, developed by Eurocom Entertainment Software, is a third-person fighting adventure game based on the successful cult television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Just like the show, the adventure takes place at ground zero for all things vampire -- Sunnydale, California. Developed with the show's sanctioned writers as a 'lost episode' from season five, Chaos Bleeds involves an unraveling tale in which a dimensional bleed has been enabled by Pure Evil to consume humanity once and for all. It's up to Buffy and her friends to stop it all from happening ... again. Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Chaos Bleed will be available for the PlayStation 2 (as well as Xbox and Gamecube) in late August of 2003.
Cold Winter
Cold Winter is an action first-person shooter set in a dark world of global espionage, full of international intrigue, action and suspense. This story of a disavowed secret agent unfolds through three different threads and takes place in eight distinct environments that are as gritty as they are beautiful. Thirteen single player missions are woven into the three story threads of the game; Cold Winter will also incorporate a variety of immersive environments, from the dank hopelessness of a Chinese prison, to the exotic beauty of cities like Cairo and Hong Kong. Cold Winter will be available on the PlayStation 2 (as well as Xbox). The title is slated to ship to retail in the third quarter of 2004.
Crash Nitro Kart
Crash hits the track in his most fast-paced adventure yet -- Crash Nitro Kart! Kidnapped by the ruthless Emperor Velo and forced to race in his galactic coliseum, Crash must race his way to victory in order to save the Earth from destruction ... but it won't be easy, as he must compete against foes both old and new before a final showdown with Velo himself! Mixing luscious next-gen graphics and incredible gameplay with the playability and fun of classic kart-racing titles, Crash Nitro Kart is scheduled for its multi-platform release in fourth quarter 2003.
Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat
Inspired by the upcoming Universal Pictures/DreamWorks Pictures/Imagine Entertainment presentation of Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat, the interactive game will allow fans to step into the role of the mischievous Cat and interact with characters from the film like Thing 1, Thing 2 and the Fish, as well as encounter opponents created specifically for the game. Unique gameplay abilities, including the Umbrella Glide, the Hat-Shield Bounce and the Bubble Goo Gadget, help players to navigate through thirteen wild levels in a wacky Seussian world. Developed by Magenta Software, Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat interactive game will make its multi-platform debut in the fourth quarter 2003.
Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel
Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel is a gritty and darkly humorous third person action adventure game that transports players into the post-apocalyptic wasteland of the highly acclaimed and successful Fallout PC franchise. Utilizing a combination of intense combat strategies integrating melee, ranged weapons and explosives, one to two players can assume membership in The Brotherhood of Steel, warriors determined to bring their own sense of order to a nuked-out wasteland. Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel will be released this fall for the PlayStation 2 (and Xbox).
Futurama
Futurama, developed by Unique Development Studios in Sweden, is a comprehensive third-person platform action game. It features four playable characters, over twenty levels, puzzles and platform gameplay, and special combat moves all combined with the humor, character development and innovation of the highly popular and award winning television show. The gameplay and detailing have been developed in conjunction with series creator Matt Groening to ensure an authentic Futurama experience. Futurama will be available in late August of 2003 for the PlayStation 2 (as well as Xbox).
Hunter: The Reckoning Wayward
Hunter: The Reckoning Wayward continues the story of the successful action adventure franchise Hunter: The Reckoning. High-speed action combined with top-notch graphics translate the dark fantasy world of the White Wolf role-playing game and bring the essence of the game to life, fully submerging the player into the realm of The World of Darkness. Wayward comes to the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system in Summer 2003 with an all-new story, game-play features, weapons and terrifying monsters.
Judge Dredd: Dredd Vs. Death
Judge Dredd: Dredd Vs. Death is an intense first-person shooter set in the post-apocalyptic megalopolis of Mega-City One. This 22nd century melting pot is home to 400 million citizens, every one a potential criminal, and the only thing preventing the city from descending into complete anarchy is the group of elite law enforcers known as the Judges. The player takes the role of Judge Dredd as he patrols the overcrowded streets of the city, arresting lawbreakers and dealing with the breakdown of law and order, as vampires, the undead and the Dark Judges are let loose onto an unsuspecting population. Judge Dredd: Dredd Vs. Death is being developed for the PlayStation 2 (as well as Xbox, Gamecube, and PC) and is planned for release in the second-half of 2003.
StarCraft: Ghost
StarCraft: Ghost is a tactical-action console game set in Blizzard's epic StarCraft universe. In StarCraft: Ghost, players take the role of Nova, a lethal Ghost operative skillfully trained in the arts of espionage and tactical combat. Twenty years of ruthless physical conditioning and techno-psychological instruction have made Nova a being of terrifying potential. With the help of a determined group of allies, players follow a series of story-driven missions, engaging in a deadly mix of planetary battles and dangerous solo operations. To complete their mission objectives, players must execute intelligent tactical decisions while mastering an advanced arsenal of sophisticated weaponry. StarCraft: Ghost is currently under development and is scheduled for a worldwide release on multiple console systems.
SWAT: Global Strike Team
SWAT: Global Strike Team is a squad-based FPS that takes the player to hot spots all over the world during five chapters (21 missions) linked by a powerful storyline. Gamers can also team-up with a friend and battle through 10 multiplayer only co-op missions. Gamers can even use the optional microphone attachment to issue instructions to their teammates while yelling compliance commands at suspects. SWAT: GST is scheduled to ship in fall of 2003 for the PlayStation 2 (and Xbox)
The Fast And The Furious
An action-driven game, The Fast And The Furious will authentically recreate the turbo-charged world of street racing as an interactive experience featuring fully licensed vehicles on drag, street and closed circuit courses. Players will undertake more than 80 missions enabling them to earn cash, increase their street credibility and further the game's original story. The game will feature both cars and characters from the original The Fast And The Furious movie as well as Universal Pictures' upcoming theatrical sequel, 2 Fast 2 Furious, set to debut in theatres on June 6, 2003. The Fast And The Furious racing game is scheduled for release for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system in fourth quarter 2003.
The Hobbit
The Hobbit is a third-person action-adventure game set in the world of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth. In the game, players take the persona of Bilbo Baggins, an unassuming Hobbit who has been unwittingly thrust into an epic adventure. In the game, players explore the magical world of Middle-earth where they'll need to jump gaping chasms, climb treacherous mountains, solve mind-bending puzzles and battle hordes of enemies just to survive. They'll also meet enchanting Elves, battle-ready Dwarves, a powerful Wizard, massive Trolls, bloodthirsty Goblins, and more as they traverse from the peaceful lands of the Shire to the harrowing forests of Mirkwood. The Hobbit will be released this Fall on all major platforms.
The Hulk
Based on Universal Pictures' highly anticipated film version of one of Marvel Comics' most memorable and popular Super Hero series, The Hulk video game will be released on the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system (as well as Xbox, Gamecube, and PC). With a brand new storyline set after the events of the film, The Hulk video game will deliver gamers an incredible experience beyond the movie. The game combines visuals from the original comic book illustrations with the film's remarkable digitally created graphics and environments, along with new imagery created exclusively for the game. Players can master two types of gameplay as either Bruce Banner or The Hulk as they battle lead characters from the film, familiar enemies from the Marvel Universe or new villains created specifically for the game. With fully destructible and interactive environments, players can virtually manipulate, destroy or use anything as a weapon. With his superhuman power fueled by rage, The Hulk can smash through any physical obstacle and annihilate his foes with over 45 devastating attacks. The game is scheduled to ship to retailers in late-May 2003. In addition to being showcased at the Vivendi Universal Games booth, The Hulk will also be featured in the Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo booths at E3.
The Lord of the Rings: The Treason of Isengard
The Lord of the Rings: The Treason of Isengard is an action-adventure game for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system (and Xbox). The game's title derives from J.R.R. Tolkien's original subtitle for the first part of this segment of "The Lord of the Rings" story and is spoken in the books by Gandalf the wizard who describes Saruman's terrible betrayal saying: "Nothing that we have endured of late has seemed so grievous as the treason of Isengard." By utilizing the author's original title, the game promotes Tolkien's vision and supports VU Games' license to create official games based on Tolkien's literary works. The Lord of the Rings: The Treason of Isengard is scheduled for release in fall 2003.
The Simpsons Hit & Run
The Simpsons Hit & Run, developed by Radical Entertainment, is the hilarious mission-based driving game that features all-new out-of-the-car gameplay and the signature humor of The Simpsons set in the interactive world of Springfield. Hit & Run combines a brand new story written by award-winning The Simpsons writers and voiceovers by the original show cast for full brand authenticity. The Simpsons Hit & Run will be available in early September of 2003 for the PlayStation 2 (as well as Xbox and Gamecube).
The X-Files: Resist or Serve
The X-Files: Resist or Serve, developed by Black Ops, is a true 3-D survival horror game experience that spans three original episodes created by the executive producers of The X-Files television show. In addition, The X-Files: Resist or Serve features the likenesses and authentic voiceovers from the majority of the cast, including David Duchovny (Mulder) and Gillian Anderson (Scully). The X-Files: Resist or Serve will be available in Q4 of 2003 for the PlayStation 2 (and Xbox).
Phew! This plethora of titles from VU Games will be among the thousands of games making an appearance at E3 2003, so stay tuned to PSX2.com as we bring you live coverage starting May 14!
"The breadth and depth of our publishing portfolio are clearly represented in our E3 line-up, and we are very proud of the high caliber of our brands and products," said Luc Vanhal, President and COO, North America for VU Games. "Our cross-platform support is illustrated by our well-balanced mix of PC titles and video games for PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube and Game Boy Advance -- several of which will offer online multi-player capabilities. Additionally, many of our products shown at E3 will be available later this year in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, which further underscores our commitment to bringing gamers around the world great interactive content on multiple platforms."
Vivendi Universal Games' PlayStation 2 showcase for E3 2003 will include:
Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance II
Set in the Forgotten Realms world, the most popular Dungeons & Dragons campaign setting, Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance II will use the 3rd Edition Dungeons & Dragons rules set. The game will feature more monsters, graphically stunning environments and five new and unique customizable player characters to choose from, hidden areas to explore, as well as a new item creation system that will allow players to create their own ultimate magical artifacts. This unique action/role-playing game will be released for the PlayStation 2 (and Xbox). Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance II is scheduled to be available at retail for holiday 2003.
Battlestar Galactica
Based on the universe of the classic science fiction TV series, the Battlestar Galactica interactive game is a story-driven space action-adventure that takes place at the end of the Cylon-Colonial Wars, 40 years prior to the setting of the original TV series. In the game, players will assume the role of Ensign William Adama in his critical first assignment as a pilot aboard the great warship Battlestar Galactica. It is the turning point of the war and the tragic making of a hero. Battlestar Galactica will debut on the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system (and on Xbox) in fall 2003.
Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Chaos Bleeds
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Chaos Bleeds, developed by Eurocom Entertainment Software, is a third-person fighting adventure game based on the successful cult television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Just like the show, the adventure takes place at ground zero for all things vampire -- Sunnydale, California. Developed with the show's sanctioned writers as a 'lost episode' from season five, Chaos Bleeds involves an unraveling tale in which a dimensional bleed has been enabled by Pure Evil to consume humanity once and for all. It's up to Buffy and her friends to stop it all from happening ... again. Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Chaos Bleed will be available for the PlayStation 2 (as well as Xbox and Gamecube) in late August of 2003.
Cold Winter
Cold Winter is an action first-person shooter set in a dark world of global espionage, full of international intrigue, action and suspense. This story of a disavowed secret agent unfolds through three different threads and takes place in eight distinct environments that are as gritty as they are beautiful. Thirteen single player missions are woven into the three story threads of the game; Cold Winter will also incorporate a variety of immersive environments, from the dank hopelessness of a Chinese prison, to the exotic beauty of cities like Cairo and Hong Kong. Cold Winter will be available on the PlayStation 2 (as well as Xbox). The title is slated to ship to retail in the third quarter of 2004.
Crash Nitro Kart
Crash hits the track in his most fast-paced adventure yet -- Crash Nitro Kart! Kidnapped by the ruthless Emperor Velo and forced to race in his galactic coliseum, Crash must race his way to victory in order to save the Earth from destruction ... but it won't be easy, as he must compete against foes both old and new before a final showdown with Velo himself! Mixing luscious next-gen graphics and incredible gameplay with the playability and fun of classic kart-racing titles, Crash Nitro Kart is scheduled for its multi-platform release in fourth quarter 2003.
Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat
Inspired by the upcoming Universal Pictures/DreamWorks Pictures/Imagine Entertainment presentation of Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat, the interactive game will allow fans to step into the role of the mischievous Cat and interact with characters from the film like Thing 1, Thing 2 and the Fish, as well as encounter opponents created specifically for the game. Unique gameplay abilities, including the Umbrella Glide, the Hat-Shield Bounce and the Bubble Goo Gadget, help players to navigate through thirteen wild levels in a wacky Seussian world. Developed by Magenta Software, Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat interactive game will make its multi-platform debut in the fourth quarter 2003.
Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel
Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel is a gritty and darkly humorous third person action adventure game that transports players into the post-apocalyptic wasteland of the highly acclaimed and successful Fallout PC franchise. Utilizing a combination of intense combat strategies integrating melee, ranged weapons and explosives, one to two players can assume membership in The Brotherhood of Steel, warriors determined to bring their own sense of order to a nuked-out wasteland. Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel will be released this fall for the PlayStation 2 (and Xbox).
Futurama
Futurama, developed by Unique Development Studios in Sweden, is a comprehensive third-person platform action game. It features four playable characters, over twenty levels, puzzles and platform gameplay, and special combat moves all combined with the humor, character development and innovation of the highly popular and award winning television show. The gameplay and detailing have been developed in conjunction with series creator Matt Groening to ensure an authentic Futurama experience. Futurama will be available in late August of 2003 for the PlayStation 2 (as well as Xbox).
Hunter: The Reckoning Wayward
Hunter: The Reckoning Wayward continues the story of the successful action adventure franchise Hunter: The Reckoning. High-speed action combined with top-notch graphics translate the dark fantasy world of the White Wolf role-playing game and bring the essence of the game to life, fully submerging the player into the realm of The World of Darkness. Wayward comes to the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system in Summer 2003 with an all-new story, game-play features, weapons and terrifying monsters.
Judge Dredd: Dredd Vs. Death
Judge Dredd: Dredd Vs. Death is an intense first-person shooter set in the post-apocalyptic megalopolis of Mega-City One. This 22nd century melting pot is home to 400 million citizens, every one a potential criminal, and the only thing preventing the city from descending into complete anarchy is the group of elite law enforcers known as the Judges. The player takes the role of Judge Dredd as he patrols the overcrowded streets of the city, arresting lawbreakers and dealing with the breakdown of law and order, as vampires, the undead and the Dark Judges are let loose onto an unsuspecting population. Judge Dredd: Dredd Vs. Death is being developed for the PlayStation 2 (as well as Xbox, Gamecube, and PC) and is planned for release in the second-half of 2003.
StarCraft: Ghost
StarCraft: Ghost is a tactical-action console game set in Blizzard's epic StarCraft universe. In StarCraft: Ghost, players take the role of Nova, a lethal Ghost operative skillfully trained in the arts of espionage and tactical combat. Twenty years of ruthless physical conditioning and techno-psychological instruction have made Nova a being of terrifying potential. With the help of a determined group of allies, players follow a series of story-driven missions, engaging in a deadly mix of planetary battles and dangerous solo operations. To complete their mission objectives, players must execute intelligent tactical decisions while mastering an advanced arsenal of sophisticated weaponry. StarCraft: Ghost is currently under development and is scheduled for a worldwide release on multiple console systems.
SWAT: Global Strike Team
SWAT: Global Strike Team is a squad-based FPS that takes the player to hot spots all over the world during five chapters (21 missions) linked by a powerful storyline. Gamers can also team-up with a friend and battle through 10 multiplayer only co-op missions. Gamers can even use the optional microphone attachment to issue instructions to their teammates while yelling compliance commands at suspects. SWAT: GST is scheduled to ship in fall of 2003 for the PlayStation 2 (and Xbox)
The Fast And The Furious
An action-driven game, The Fast And The Furious will authentically recreate the turbo-charged world of street racing as an interactive experience featuring fully licensed vehicles on drag, street and closed circuit courses. Players will undertake more than 80 missions enabling them to earn cash, increase their street credibility and further the game's original story. The game will feature both cars and characters from the original The Fast And The Furious movie as well as Universal Pictures' upcoming theatrical sequel, 2 Fast 2 Furious, set to debut in theatres on June 6, 2003. The Fast And The Furious racing game is scheduled for release for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system in fourth quarter 2003.
The Hobbit
The Hobbit is a third-person action-adventure game set in the world of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth. In the game, players take the persona of Bilbo Baggins, an unassuming Hobbit who has been unwittingly thrust into an epic adventure. In the game, players explore the magical world of Middle-earth where they'll need to jump gaping chasms, climb treacherous mountains, solve mind-bending puzzles and battle hordes of enemies just to survive. They'll also meet enchanting Elves, battle-ready Dwarves, a powerful Wizard, massive Trolls, bloodthirsty Goblins, and more as they traverse from the peaceful lands of the Shire to the harrowing forests of Mirkwood. The Hobbit will be released this Fall on all major platforms.
The Hulk
Based on Universal Pictures' highly anticipated film version of one of Marvel Comics' most memorable and popular Super Hero series, The Hulk video game will be released on the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system (as well as Xbox, Gamecube, and PC). With a brand new storyline set after the events of the film, The Hulk video game will deliver gamers an incredible experience beyond the movie. The game combines visuals from the original comic book illustrations with the film's remarkable digitally created graphics and environments, along with new imagery created exclusively for the game. Players can master two types of gameplay as either Bruce Banner or The Hulk as they battle lead characters from the film, familiar enemies from the Marvel Universe or new villains created specifically for the game. With fully destructible and interactive environments, players can virtually manipulate, destroy or use anything as a weapon. With his superhuman power fueled by rage, The Hulk can smash through any physical obstacle and annihilate his foes with over 45 devastating attacks. The game is scheduled to ship to retailers in late-May 2003. In addition to being showcased at the Vivendi Universal Games booth, The Hulk will also be featured in the Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo booths at E3.
The Lord of the Rings: The Treason of Isengard
The Lord of the Rings: The Treason of Isengard is an action-adventure game for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system (and Xbox). The game's title derives from J.R.R. Tolkien's original subtitle for the first part of this segment of "The Lord of the Rings" story and is spoken in the books by Gandalf the wizard who describes Saruman's terrible betrayal saying: "Nothing that we have endured of late has seemed so grievous as the treason of Isengard." By utilizing the author's original title, the game promotes Tolkien's vision and supports VU Games' license to create official games based on Tolkien's literary works. The Lord of the Rings: The Treason of Isengard is scheduled for release in fall 2003.
The Simpsons Hit & Run
The Simpsons Hit & Run, developed by Radical Entertainment, is the hilarious mission-based driving game that features all-new out-of-the-car gameplay and the signature humor of The Simpsons set in the interactive world of Springfield. Hit & Run combines a brand new story written by award-winning The Simpsons writers and voiceovers by the original show cast for full brand authenticity. The Simpsons Hit & Run will be available in early September of 2003 for the PlayStation 2 (as well as Xbox and Gamecube).
The X-Files: Resist or Serve
The X-Files: Resist or Serve, developed by Black Ops, is a true 3-D survival horror game experience that spans three original episodes created by the executive producers of The X-Files television show. In addition, The X-Files: Resist or Serve features the likenesses and authentic voiceovers from the majority of the cast, including David Duchovny (Mulder) and Gillian Anderson (Scully). The X-Files: Resist or Serve will be available in Q4 of 2003 for the PlayStation 2 (and Xbox).
Phew! This plethora of titles from VU Games will be among the thousands of games making an appearance at E3 2003, so stay tuned to PSX2.com as we bring you live coverage starting May 14!
