Highly Anticipated G.I. JOE The Rise of Cobra Video Game Lands at
Retail as Movie Hits Theaters Worldwide
REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Aug 04, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) today released the G.I. JOE(TM) The
Rise of Cobra(TM) video game for all major video game platforms as well
as mobile devices unleashing an elite team of G.I. JOE characters to
fight the evil forces of the COBRA organization. Releasing alongside its
film counterpart, G.I. JOE: THE RISE OF COBRA from Paramount
Pictures and Spyglass Entertainment, in association with Hasbro, the
video game presents an all-new storyline that weaves in key elements
from the film and, for long-time G.I. JOE enthusiasts, adds a layer of
nostalgia inspired by the animated cartoon series, comic books and
action figure toy line delivering the ultimate adrenaline-pumping,
action-packed G.I. JOE experience. The accessible third person
action-arcade shooter allows G.I. JOE fans to step into the boots of 16
playable characters as they battle through 20 levels of intense gameplay
armed with high-tech gadgetry, weapons and vehicles.
"G.I. JOE The Rise of Cobra is one of those games that screams
fun from the first shot due to its fast paced action that never slows
down until you've taken out the last COBRA boss," said Chip Lange,
General Manager of EA's Hasbro Division. "We expect the excitement to
carry over from the theater to the living room as fans re-create
legendary G.I. JOE action, tapping an arsenal of well-known characters,
never-before-seen vehicles and futuristic weapons inspired by the iconic
IP. Whether gamers choose to play solo or enlist reinforcements with our
two-player co-op mode, forceful battles will unfold at every turn. This
is big summer action at its best."
Do You Have the Mettle to Join the Elite G.I. JOE Team?
G.I. JOE The Rise of Cobra picks up where the movie leaves off as
the COBRA organization unfurls its deadliest plot to date. Players must
counter the COBRA team's every move over the course of 20 levels
spanning four different environments including the snowy arctic and
balmy jungles. As the high stakes battle begins to let loose, selecting
the best-suited G.I. JOE characters and their accompanying gear and
skillset becomes a pivotal strategic decision when facing the dark
forces of COBRA such as STORM SHADOW, a soulless and powerful enemy. It
may be a job for DUKE, a well balanced combat soldier or perhaps the
mission should be handed off to SNAKE EYES based on his lethal martial
arts skills. Better yet, co-op play lets players find the best
combinations with any two characters for an over the top tag-team
showdown.
When selecting a G.I. JOE team, players can handpick members from three
units: Heavies, who can zero in and pick off specific targets from a
distance; Commandos, who are Ninja-like and can eliminate the enemy at
close range; and Combat Soldiers, who offer balanced skillsets at both
distances.
Adding to the action, players are also challenged to find 75 file cards
and various intelligence items that are buried deep within the game in
order to unlock new characters, special missions, achievements and
trophies. In addition, defeating each of the four COBRA bosses will earn
the player the ability to unlock four of the classic 20-year old G.I.
JOE Public Service Announcements (PSAs), other bonus content and the
ability to play the game with the COBRA boss characters.
The G.I. JOE High Tech Edge
The G.I. JOE brand has long been known for its high tech gadgets,
weapons and vehicles and the video game brings these futuristic wares to
life for both new and long-time fans alike. The game offers up a mix of
original creations by EA as well as historic classics built directly
from blueprints unearthed in Hasbro's toy line archives. Whether you're
hopping into the film-inspired Accelerator Suit for a lightening burst
of speed, or behind the controls of the inimitable H.I.S.S. Tank,
players will get a full-blown G.I. JOE brand experience all the way.
"G.I. JOE defined the action figure category 45 years ago and EA just
defined how to re-imagine the powerful toy line to create a blockbuster
video game experience for today's digital consumer," said Mark Blecher,
Senior Vice President and General Manager of Digital Media and Gaming at
Hasbro. "The video game tightens the grip that the G.I. JOE brand has on
fans with a fresh and compelling storyline inspired by the film,
cartoons, comics and toys combined with 'pick-up-and-play' gameplay
mechanics that will appeal to gamers of all skill levels."
Availability & Pricing
G.I. JOE The Rise of Cobra is available now on the Xbox 360(R)
videogame and entertainment system, PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment
system, and Wii(TM) for a MSRP of $49.99; the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable)
for a MSRP of $39.99; the PlayStation(R)2 video game and entertainment
system and Nintendo DS(TM) for a MSRP of $29.99; and a variety of mobile
devices.
G.I. JOE The Rise of Cobra for the Nintendo DS features six G. I.
JOE and five COBRA characters. Built from the ground up specifically for
this platform, the title serves up more than 20 missions across four
environments, playable vehicles and up to four-player wireless play.
About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is
the world's leading interactive entertainment software company. Founded
in 1982, the Company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive
software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, cellular
handsets and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under
four brand names: EATM, EA SPORTSTM, EA MobileTM
and POGOTM. In fiscal 2009, EA posted GAAP net revenue of
$4.2 billion and had 31 titles that sold more than one million copies.
EA's homepage and online game site is www.ea.com.
More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can
be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.
About Hasbro
Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS) is a worldwide leader in children's and family
leisure time products and services with a rich portfolio of brands and
entertainment properties that provides some of the highest quality and
most recognizable play and recreational experiences in the world. As a
brand-driven, consumer-focused global company, Hasbro brings to market a
range of toys, games and licensed products, from traditional to
high-tech and digital, under such powerful brand names as TRANSFORMERS,
PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER, CRANIUM and
WIZARDS OF THE COAST. Come see how we inspire play through our brands at http://www.hasbro.com.
(C) 2009 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
EA, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS and Pogo are trademarks or registered
trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries.
G.I. JOE and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro and are
used with permission. Nintendo DS and Wii are trademarks of Nintendo.
Microsoft, Xbox and Xbox 360 are trademarks of the Microsoft group of
companies. "PlayStation", "PLAYSTATION" and PSP are registered
trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are
the property of their respective owners.
SOURCE: Electronic Arts Inc.
EA Hasbro
Alexis Mervin, 650-628-7703
amervin@ea.com
or
Foghorn PR (For EA)
Mary Leddy, 508-872-3369
mleddy@foghornpr.com
or
Hasbro Corporate Communications
Julie Duffy, 401-727-5931
jduffy@hasbro.com
Copyright Business Wire 2009