Atari And Rising Star Games Announce PAL Territories Deal

Author: Bandai Namco

LYON, FRANCE - 25 October 2005 - Atari and Rising Star Games today announced a deal which will see Atari distributing a growing range of console and handheld titles from the new publisher. Rising Star Games Limited (Rising Star) is a joint venture between Japanese publisher Marvelous Interactive Inc. and long-standing Japanese Nintendo distributor Bergsala AB. Rising Star's mission is to bring the very best Japanese titles to PAL territories worldwide, including Europe and Australasia, a goal now made possible through the deal with Atari.

"Working with Rising Star presented us an exciting opportunity to bring a wealth of appealing titles to the European and PAL markets," said Jean Michel Perbet, President of Atari Europe. "We're certain that our relationship will prove fruitful, generating sales that might have otherwise eluded this valuable marketplace."

"Atari has a first rate distribution network and wealth of expertise gained through many years experience of publishing and marketing a diverse range of interactive entertainment," said Martin Defries, Chief Operations Officer, Rising Star Games. "There is significant amount of high quality and popular Japanese video game software that the European and other PAL markets have long since demanded, and will now be able to enjoy as a result of our cooperation in bringing these titles to market."

The first wave of releases resulting from thedeal include titles for PSPTM (PlayStationPortable), Nintendo DSTM and PlayStation 2, introducing new games alongside enhanced and updated versions of some of interactive entertainment's best loved franchises.

Space Invaders: Evolution (PSP)

Developed by Dreams for Rising Star Games, Space Invaders: Evolution is a surprising update of Taito's timeless classic and one of the most recognisable brands in video game history. Gameplay includes both the classic offering plus a totally re-designed invasion rendered in full 3D. The two player multiplayer makes use of PSP in a completely unexpected way by allowing two opponents to take up positions at either end of a single PSP, mirroring the vintage café tabletop console gameplay from the golden age of arcade machines. Scheduled for release across Europe in January 2006.

Bubble Bobble: Revolution (Nintendo DS)

A next-generation version of the classic title from Taito, Bubble Bobble: Revolution makes full use of the Nintendo DS touch screen, giving players the opportunity to interact with the game's vibrant environments in spectacular and innovative ways. As well as 100 new levels, new characters and a multiplayer mode for 2-4 players, the Nintendo DS version includes an entire additional game in the form of the classic Bubble Bobble original. Scheduled for release across Europe in November 2005.

Bubble Bobble: Evolution (PSP)

A distinctly different version of the Taito classic to that created for Nintendo DS, Bubble Bobble: Evolution boasts a design specifically created to take advantage of PSP, delivering a highly original gameplay experience and making full use of the console's wide screen. The gameplay, level design and game structure are differ greatly from all other iterations of the title. Scheduled for release across Europe in February 2006.

Rainbow Islands: Revolution (Nintendo DS)

The next-generation remake of Taito's classic arcade follow up to Bubble Bobble, Rainbow Islands: Revolution takes full advantage of the Nintendo DS touch screen to provide a captivating gameplay experience. Advanced game design makes the most of the console's unique interface, and players must use the stylus and touch screen to draw rainbows and carry the game characters through each level. Scheduled for release across Europe in February 2006.

Swords of Destiny (PlayStation 2)

An original PlayStation 2 hack and slash adventure, Swords of Destiny offers some of the most finely-honed combat and lavish environments yet seen on the Sony console. With an engine which makes the most of the PlayStation 2 hardware, players are treated to beautifully designed environments, rich in visual flair and atmosphere. The lock-on based fighting system is satisfying and simple enough to understand within a few seconds play, but deep enough to provide lasting appeal. Scheduled for release across Europe in January 2006.

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About Infogrames Entertainment and Atari:

Infogrames Entertainment (IESA), the parent company of the Atari Group, is listed on the Paris Euronext stock exchange (ISIN code: FR-0000052573) and has two principal subsidiaries: Atari Europe, a privately-held company, and Atari, Inc., a United States corporation listed on NASDAQ (ATAR).

The Atari Group is a major international producer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment software for all market segments and in all existing game formats (Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony) and on CD-ROM for PC. Its games are sold in more than 60 countries.

The Atari Group's extensive catalogue of popular games is based on original franchises (Driver, Alone in the Dark, V-Rally, Test Drive, Roller Coaster Tycoon, etc.) and international licenses (Matrix, Dragon Ball Z, Dungeons & Dragons, etc.).

For more information: http://www.atari.com

About Rising Star Games:

Rising Star Games is a joint venture between Marvelous Interactive Inc of Japan and Bergsala AB of Sweden. Established in 2005, the company aims to find a balance between European and Japanese philosophies of video games production by using the vast experience and know how of its respective parent companies. Rising Star Games is charged with publishing the best products for the current generation machines across the entire PAL market place as well as designing and developing challenging games for the next gen machines.

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PSP is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. "PlayStation" is a registered trademark and "PSP" is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

2005 Atari Europe SASU. All Rights Reserved.

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