[Pre-E3 2006] THQ's E3 L-I-S-T
Crappy headline, massive lineup!
Published: May 4, 2006
THQ isn't messing around anymore. THQ will straight pimp slap you if you dare cross them. Each and every staff member of the THQ marketing and PR departments have been training for 26 months with the greatest ninja Japan have to offer, and now they can descend from the rafters silently like a bat to snap your neck should you step out of line. They also have something of a killer E3 lineup this year, but who's talking about that?
Oh, wait, THQ president and CEO Brian Farrell is.
"THQ is positioned to deliver original content to all segments of the video game market and capitalize on industry growth opportunities over the next several years," Farrell squealed in girlish glee. "Our extensive studio system is building an impressive product pipeline of high-profile original and licensed properties that will keep THQ on the cutting edge of innovative development for all viable platforms."
That studio system is 14 developers owned directly by the company and 25+ others in their employ that will be cranking out products for every platform currently out or due out by November. No, really, observe... the list.
Frontlines: Fuel of War
Developed by THQ's Kaos Studios, Frontlines: Fuel of War is an open world infantry and vehicle-based First Person Shooter featuring advanced next-gen weaponry that places gamers in a desperate struggle set in the near future. A global war for oil is being waged between two superpowers, the Western Coalition (US/NATO) and the Red Star Alliance (Russia/China), and gamers will play both sides within the context of battle. The single player campaign will focus on this story, as players battle through intense scenarios with other squad members, moving the frontline through enemy territories in this war-torn universe.
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007
The eighth release in THQ/JAKKS' critically-acclaimed franchise, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 delivers the next generation of World Wrestling Entertainment experience with incredible high-definition graphics, intense action and unprecedented levels of choice and control. New additions this year include a brand new analog control grappling system, new high-impact movesets, user-controlled environmental hotspots and an interactive fighting area within the crowd. In addition, the game includes updated rosters for Raw and SmackDown, an expanded General Manager Mode and online multiplayer game play with voice chat support.
The Sopranos
A mob war is brewing as Philadelphia's and New Jersey's most powerful families are about to collide. As the illegitimate son of "Big Pussy," the gamer has been born into the organization and is now being given an opportunity to demonstrate loyalty to Tony Soprano. As a soldier, players must earn money on collections, protect turf through intimidation and gain admiration within their own family to move up in the ranks of the organization. Carry out orders from Paulie, Silvio, Christopher and Tony in familiar locations such as the Bada Bing!, Nuovo Vesuvio's and Satriale's. The storyline was created in collaboration with show creator David Chase, and the show's key cast members provide the voices.
Disney*Pixar Cars
Cars, the video game, is a high performance interactive experience in the open world created in the film, challenging players to relive the excitement created by Lightning McQueen and his friends. Fans will discover unique characters and environments inspired by the film with more than 10 playable characters and 30 races and minigames to choose from. The game features a fully immersive re-creation of all major environments introduced in the movie, including Radiator Springs and Ornament Valley, which will offer distinctive racing experiences to players while maintaining the artistic style of the film.
Destroy All Humans! 2
The plot for world domination is renewed as acclaimed developer Pandemic Studios transforms conventional expectations - allowing gamers to play as the Alien and take on the most feared enemy in the universe - mankind. Packed with non-stop action, an explosive arsenal of alien weaponry, advanced mental abilities and an irreverent personality that satires 1960's era icons and science-fiction mythology, Destroy All Humans! 2 uncovers an open-ended world where the player can unleash massive destruction on the ground or in their UFO.
SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab
In a unique and creative twist, SpongeBob SquarePants explores the peculiar world of Bikini Bottom as it transforms through a series of various unique visual styles. Continuing the popular sea sponge's reign as a gaming and TV property, SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab offers fans brand new gameplay mechanics through nine visually bizarre levels.
Monster House
Based upon the upcoming computer animated film from Columbia Pictures, the Monster House videogames will allow players to experience key moments of the movie as they unravel the creepy mysteries of old man Nebbercracker's possessed house. Players will encounter unique adventures as they explore a living, breathing house, full of traps and secrets. With three playable characters, fans of the film will enjoy seeing the movie come to life in their living rooms.
Bratz: Forever Diamondz
Yasmin, Cloe, Sasha, and Jade are back for a brand new adventure sending them across the country in search of the hottest fashion designer. Players will experience unique adventures through the eyes of the four playable characters, in detailed open world environments, as they compete for a spot in "America Rocks Fashion" TV show. Fans will discover new features that include a figure skating competition and the ability to adopt a pet to train, dress, accessorize and showcase in competitions.
Barnyard
Enter the world of Nickelodeon's newest adventure and bring the Barnyard movie to life. Players will interact with their favorite movie characters while trying to prove they are the biggest party animal of them all. The film is written, produced and directed by acclaimed comedy writer/producer Steve Oedekerk (Bruce Almighty, Ace Ventura, The Nutty Professor, Kung Pow) and Nickelodeon Movies, producers of the Oscar nominated Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Based on Nickelodeon's hottest new show, fans will play as Aang, Katara, Sokka and Haru as they grow into an unstoppable team utilizing the kung fu inspired bending arts through the Avatar universe. Players will explore the four Avatar nations in beautifully detailed environments and battle new enemies. Avatar: The Last Airbender is scheduled to ship for Wii, PlayStation 2 system, Nintendo GameCube, Xbox, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, PSP system and Windows PC in fall 2006.
Juiced: Eliminator
Developed by THQ's newly acquired studio Juice Games, real street racing speeds onto the PSP system, utilizing wireless functionality to offer never-before-seen multiplayer games. Building on the crew & pink-slip racing that established Juiced as a leader in the street-racing genre, the game offers two new 'ad-hoc' multiplayer modes, Eliminator & Relay, challenging gamers to put their hard-earned cars on the line. In addition, players will choose from new crew chiefs, locations, tracks, as well as new cars with tons of new body-kit components.
See? Told you THQ don't mess around.
Oh, wait, THQ president and CEO Brian Farrell is.
"THQ is positioned to deliver original content to all segments of the video game market and capitalize on industry growth opportunities over the next several years," Farrell squealed in girlish glee. "Our extensive studio system is building an impressive product pipeline of high-profile original and licensed properties that will keep THQ on the cutting edge of innovative development for all viable platforms."
That studio system is 14 developers owned directly by the company and 25+ others in their employ that will be cranking out products for every platform currently out or due out by November. No, really, observe... the list.
Frontlines: Fuel of War
Developed by THQ's Kaos Studios, Frontlines: Fuel of War is an open world infantry and vehicle-based First Person Shooter featuring advanced next-gen weaponry that places gamers in a desperate struggle set in the near future. A global war for oil is being waged between two superpowers, the Western Coalition (US/NATO) and the Red Star Alliance (Russia/China), and gamers will play both sides within the context of battle. The single player campaign will focus on this story, as players battle through intense scenarios with other squad members, moving the frontline through enemy territories in this war-torn universe.
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007
The eighth release in THQ/JAKKS' critically-acclaimed franchise, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 delivers the next generation of World Wrestling Entertainment experience with incredible high-definition graphics, intense action and unprecedented levels of choice and control. New additions this year include a brand new analog control grappling system, new high-impact movesets, user-controlled environmental hotspots and an interactive fighting area within the crowd. In addition, the game includes updated rosters for Raw and SmackDown, an expanded General Manager Mode and online multiplayer game play with voice chat support.
The Sopranos
A mob war is brewing as Philadelphia's and New Jersey's most powerful families are about to collide. As the illegitimate son of "Big Pussy," the gamer has been born into the organization and is now being given an opportunity to demonstrate loyalty to Tony Soprano. As a soldier, players must earn money on collections, protect turf through intimidation and gain admiration within their own family to move up in the ranks of the organization. Carry out orders from Paulie, Silvio, Christopher and Tony in familiar locations such as the Bada Bing!, Nuovo Vesuvio's and Satriale's. The storyline was created in collaboration with show creator David Chase, and the show's key cast members provide the voices.
Disney*Pixar Cars
Cars, the video game, is a high performance interactive experience in the open world created in the film, challenging players to relive the excitement created by Lightning McQueen and his friends. Fans will discover unique characters and environments inspired by the film with more than 10 playable characters and 30 races and minigames to choose from. The game features a fully immersive re-creation of all major environments introduced in the movie, including Radiator Springs and Ornament Valley, which will offer distinctive racing experiences to players while maintaining the artistic style of the film.
Destroy All Humans! 2
The plot for world domination is renewed as acclaimed developer Pandemic Studios transforms conventional expectations - allowing gamers to play as the Alien and take on the most feared enemy in the universe - mankind. Packed with non-stop action, an explosive arsenal of alien weaponry, advanced mental abilities and an irreverent personality that satires 1960's era icons and science-fiction mythology, Destroy All Humans! 2 uncovers an open-ended world where the player can unleash massive destruction on the ground or in their UFO.
SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab
In a unique and creative twist, SpongeBob SquarePants explores the peculiar world of Bikini Bottom as it transforms through a series of various unique visual styles. Continuing the popular sea sponge's reign as a gaming and TV property, SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab offers fans brand new gameplay mechanics through nine visually bizarre levels.
Monster House
Based upon the upcoming computer animated film from Columbia Pictures, the Monster House videogames will allow players to experience key moments of the movie as they unravel the creepy mysteries of old man Nebbercracker's possessed house. Players will encounter unique adventures as they explore a living, breathing house, full of traps and secrets. With three playable characters, fans of the film will enjoy seeing the movie come to life in their living rooms.
Bratz: Forever Diamondz
Yasmin, Cloe, Sasha, and Jade are back for a brand new adventure sending them across the country in search of the hottest fashion designer. Players will experience unique adventures through the eyes of the four playable characters, in detailed open world environments, as they compete for a spot in "America Rocks Fashion" TV show. Fans will discover new features that include a figure skating competition and the ability to adopt a pet to train, dress, accessorize and showcase in competitions.
Barnyard
Enter the world of Nickelodeon's newest adventure and bring the Barnyard movie to life. Players will interact with their favorite movie characters while trying to prove they are the biggest party animal of them all. The film is written, produced and directed by acclaimed comedy writer/producer Steve Oedekerk (Bruce Almighty, Ace Ventura, The Nutty Professor, Kung Pow) and Nickelodeon Movies, producers of the Oscar nominated Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Based on Nickelodeon's hottest new show, fans will play as Aang, Katara, Sokka and Haru as they grow into an unstoppable team utilizing the kung fu inspired bending arts through the Avatar universe. Players will explore the four Avatar nations in beautifully detailed environments and battle new enemies. Avatar: The Last Airbender is scheduled to ship for Wii, PlayStation 2 system, Nintendo GameCube, Xbox, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, PSP system and Windows PC in fall 2006.
Juiced: Eliminator
Developed by THQ's newly acquired studio Juice Games, real street racing speeds onto the PSP system, utilizing wireless functionality to offer never-before-seen multiplayer games. Building on the crew & pink-slip racing that established Juiced as a leader in the street-racing genre, the game offers two new 'ad-hoc' multiplayer modes, Eliminator & Relay, challenging gamers to put their hard-earned cars on the line. In addition, players will choose from new crew chiefs, locations, tracks, as well as new cars with tons of new body-kit components.
See? Told you THQ don't mess around.
