‘GUNBIRD™ SPECIAL EDITION’ – legendary 2D-shooter arcade classic arrives on PlayStation®2 for first time

Xplosiv | London, January 2005, Xplosiv announce the forthcoming release of Gunbird Special Edition the latest release in the Xplosiv £9.99 value range for PlayStation^®2. Gunbird Special Edition brings players one of the most popular arcade series for the first time ever on PlayStation^®2.

The first installment of the game in Gunbird Special Edition involves the player in a shoot-em-up adventure to get the ATLERS mirror - which possesses a magical power to grant any wish to those who attain it! Five adventurers are ready to go in search of the treasure, and ready to go into battle with any who attempt to stop them; only bravery, skill and sheer determination can prevail. Little do they know that a secret underground organization is ready to stop them at all odds. Can you take to the sky and battle your way to gaining the treasure?

In the second installment of the game in Gunbird Special Edition the player sets off on a crusade for the magical, wish-fulfilling HOLY ELIXIR. The potion can only be found once all elements from the Sun, Moon and Stars are uncovered and taken to the holy temple. Hot on your tail for the Elixir are the infamous Sky Pirates. You must defeat the pirates and fulfill the challenges set before you in order to make all your dreams come true. Let the Gunbird Adventure begin!

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"GUNBIRD SPECIAL EDITION adds to the already existing great variety at great prices that the XPLOSIV range offers," commented Jo Fawell, European Product Manager Xplosiv, "Xplosiv on PC has been hugely successful by offering budget titles at £9.99 and £4.99. We are seeing the same two tier pricing trend on PlayStation^®2 with titles at £19.99 (typically 2 for £30) and titles at £9.99. Our aim is to provide a flexible and effective multi-platform value solution to retail. This also means we are delivering the best possible quality, value and choice for consumers".

Xplosiv's portfolio now boasts 20 titles on PlayStation^®2 with a further ten new European releases planned for 2005. Together with the core range of over 60 titles for PC, with over 30 new releases planned for this fiscal. Xplosiv has also taken its first steps into value software for Xbox and Gamecube with 5 titles available on these platforms

Notes for editors

About Xplosiv

Empire launched Xplosiv as a value brand selling low-price PC software in mid 2000 and PS2 in 2002, proving a great success in the UK and overseas due to the group's license wins with, Sega, Ubisoft, Taito, Activision, Microsoft, Vivendi and CDV, Altus, Psyiko and Success. Further information on Xplosiv products can be found at www.xplosiv.net

About Empire Interactive

Empire Interactive is a leading publisher of interactive entertainment software that has been established for 14 years. The company floated on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) of the London Stock Exchange in July 2000. Headquartered in the UK, Empire Interactive also has offices in the US, Germany, Italy and Spain. The company develops and publishes a varied range of titles across all platforms in the US, Europe and Asia. Further information about Empire Interactive and its products can be found at: www.empireinteractive.com

For further information please contact Adam Hartley at NICE PROMOTIONS email [email protected] t 07739 127450