THQ Ships ``Toxic Grind'' Exclusively for Xbox
Posted by benadmin on Monday, October 21 2002

CALABASAS HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 21, 2002--THQ(R) Inc. (Nasdaq:THQI) today announced that "Toxic Grind," the first story-driven, mission-based BMX game, has shipped exclusively for the Xbox(TM) video game system from Microsoft. "Toxic Grind" immerses players in a completely unique, story-driven experience, where they must "ride for their life" as fictional BMX rider Jason Hayes. "Toxic Grind" is now available at major retail outlets nationwide.

"`Toxic Grind' brings something different to the extreme sports videogame genre," said Peter Dille, Vice President of Marketing, THQ. "`Toxic Grind' is more than just learning how to pull off tricks. Mission- and story-based gameplay adds another level of interactivity rarely seen in action sports games."

About "Toxic Grind"

"Toxic Grind" is a mission-based game set in a dark futuristic world, where contestants are snatched from the past to compete in the future's deadly new television program. Jason Hayes, a pro rider from the year 2002 and other rogue riders have been injected with a deadly toxin by Dixon Von Blass. With poison in their veins, Hayes and the other riders are forced to compete as contestants on a show where death equals ratings. The only way to survive is to avoid deadly obstacles like spike pits and furious lightning bolts, pull off insane tricks and avoid Dixon's evil henchmen.

"Toxic Grind" features 10 diverse worlds, each with different themes set to locations from the past, present and future. Areas include a futuristic New York City, the ancient Greek Pools and the mysterious Sherwood Forest. A dynamic playfield enables gamers to launch off ramps, traverse moving platforms and grind rails that change shape to expose hidden areas. The storyline unfolds through comic book-style cinematics that maintain the feel of a twisted and futuristic world. Two-player competition will allow riders to compete head-to-head through seven levels of action and adventure.

About THQ

THQ Inc. is a leading, worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software for a variety of hardware platforms including PC CD-ROM, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Nintendo and Microsoft. The THQ web site is located at www.thq.com. The THQ Wireless site is located at www.thqwireless.com.

This press release contains statements that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about THQ's business based, in part, on assumptions made by its management. These statements are not guarantees of THQ's future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements due to numerous factors, including, but not limited to, those described above and the following: changes in demand for THQ's products, product mix, the timing of customer orders and deliveries, the impact of competitive products and pricing and difficulties encountered in the integration of acquired businesses. In addition, such statements could be affected by growth rates and market conditions relating to the interactive software industry and general domestic and international economic conditions. Specific information concerning these and other such factors is contained in THQ's Prospectus dated March 26, 2002 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 27, 2002. A copy of this filing may be obtained by contacting THQ or the SEC. The forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date on which they are made, and THQ does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.