Vivendi Universal Games Expands The Hulk Movie Experience in the Next Generation Video Game
2003-04-10 09:00 ET - News Release
Also News Release (U-MVL) MARVEL ENTERPRISES
LOS ANGELES, April 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Vivendi Universal Games' The Hulk video game, based upon Universal Pictures' highly anticipated film version of one of Marvel Comics' most memorable and popular Super Hero(R) series, will ship to retailers beginning June 3, 2003. The action-packed game is being developed by Vancouver, Canada-based Radical Entertainment for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox(TM) video game system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube(TM) and the PC. The Valhalla Motion Pictures/Good Machine Production will hit theatres June 20, 2003.
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 game play as either Bruce Banner or The Hulk as they battle lead characters from the film, familiar enemies from the Marvel Universe(TM) 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.
"We have worked side by side with our theatrical partners to extend the Hulk experience beyond the big screen and deliver it to the hands of gamers," said Luc Vanhal, President & COO of VU Games, North America. "The movie uses CGI to create a fully-realized character onscreen and we have developed a game that brings all the power and personality of the movie character to gamers everywhere across a variety of platforms. You can expect The Hulk video game to be every bit as powerful as the film will be."
"The Hulk videogame represents a three-pronged approach in building the ultimate action Super Hero franchise -- from comic book to film to interactive entertainment," said Tim Rothwell, senior vice president, Universal Studios Consumer Products Group. "Our goal is to provide fans everywhere with a massive Hulk experience that will launch in the theater and on video games screens simultaneously."
"The transition for our characters from the Marvel Universe to the interactive universe is virtually seamless and only helps to enhance the overall experience," said Russ Brown, Executive Vice President, Consumer Products, Promotions & Retail Sales, Marvel Enterprises, Inc. "The Hulk has worldwide recognition and appeal, He is one of the most physically powerful and emotionally compelling Super Hero characters ever created. By extending this franchise across these mediums we are able to create exciting new chapters in Hulk lore."
Interactive Extension of Movie Story
With a brand new storyline distinct to the game and set after the events of the film, The Hulk follows the plight of troubled scientist Bruce Banner and his enraged alter ego, Hulk, as they battle against familiar enemies from the Marvel Comics world and new villains specific to this adventure. Betrayed by his long-time colleague and mentor, Professor Crawford, Bruce unwittingly releases the essence of the Hulk into an Orb, falling prey to the Leader, a villain intent on using the Hulk's energy to unleash a relentless army of "gamma" creatures. Now Bruce must pursue his new foe through San Francisco, into Alcatraz, out of heavily guarded military installations and finally to the terrifying, surreal Freehold of the Leader himself. Only by facing his own shattered identity and gaining control of the beast within him will Bruce have the ability to destroy the insane intentions of the Leader.
Dual Gameplay and Action
The Hulk game allows players to master two different gameplay styles unique to both Bruce Banner and The Hulk. As Bruce Banner, the player must employ the powers of logic and stealth while struggling to contain the Hulk inside of him in order to successfully complete missions. As the Hulk, the player must power their way through 25 massive, highly-detailed and immersive environments, directly inspired by the film and exclusive to the game. They will face five intense boss battles, smash up to 10 enemies at once and destroy foes with over 45 devastating attacks.
Real-World Simulation
While the player controls the incredible power and rage of the Hulk, objects react to damage as they would in the real world, displaying behaviors consistent with the real effects of mass, matter and gravity. For example cars bounce off walls to show body damage, glass shatters, broken pipes roll. The smashing gameplay is enhanced as virtually any object can be manipulated, destroyed or used as a weapon.
About The Hulk Film
Universal Pictures presents in association with Marvel Entertainment Group a Valhalla Motion Pictures/Good Machine Production of an Ang Lee film, The Hulk. Acclaimed filmmaker Ang Lee's concept for his film adaptation of the classic Marvel Comics series, The Incredible Hulk, combines all the elements of a blockbuster visual effects-intensive superhero movie with the brooding romance and tragedy of Universal's classic horror films. In depicting The Hulk as both a superhero and a monster, a wish fulfillment and a nightmare, Lee and his team have stayed true to the subversive spirit of the classic comic book character while completely updating The Hulk and projecting him into the dangers and aspirations of contemporary times.
Eric Bana stars as scientist Bruce Banner, whose inner demons transform him in the aftermath of a catastrophic experiment. Bana plays both the human Banner and -- through groundbreaking visual effects technology provided by the Oscar(R)-winning Industrial Light and Magic -- the superhuman Hulk. Jennifer Connelly portrays Betty Ross, whose scientific genius unwittingly helps unleash The Hulk; Nick Nolte plays Banner's brilliant father, who unwittingly passes on a tragic legacy to his son, and Sam Elliot portrays the commander of a top-secret military research center.
Universal Studios Consumer Products Group (USCPG) is responsible for global licensing and retail strategies as well as building brand recognition. USCPG is a unit of Universal Pictures, a division of Vivendi UNIVERSAL Entertainment (VUE) ( http://www.universalstudios.com/ ), the U.S.-based film, tele