Crash Bandicoot(R) Brings Mini-Game Mayhem to Nintendo DS(TM) Systems Worldwide In Crash(R) Boom Bang!

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Vivendi Games' Sierra Entertainment division has announced that Crash(R) Boom Bang! is now available at retail stores worldwide exclusively for the Nintendo DS(TM) system. Developed by critically-acclaimed Japanese developer Dimps, Crash Boom Bang! allows gamers to roll the dice and dive into wacky action-oriented, outrageously funny, single or multiplayer minigames. The game also enables players to communicate with and bet against opponents through the never before seen "Motion Panel Communication" in-game feature.

"The multitude of truly entertaining minigames in Crash Boom Bang! continues the Crash Bandicoot(R) tradition of wacky humor and cartoon style action fans have come to expect from the highly successful franchise with over 33 million units sold worldwide," said Pascal Brochier, president, global retail for Vivendi Games. "From its 3D graphics and rich stereo sound to its use of touch screen technology and wireless connectivity, Crash Boom Bang! takes full advantage of all of the cutting-edge technical capabilities offered by the Nintendo DS system."

In Crash Boom Bang!, Crash and his friends embark on a worldwide race in a quest for its multi-million dollar prize. With hidden intentions of finding an ancient lost city and the famed magical "Super Big Power Stone" that grants its user one wish, the race's sponsor Viscount Devil plans on using the contestants to solve the mystery. The map of the race checkpoints is based on the Viscount's ancient map, and the evil Dr. Neo Cortex, also an invitee to the race, has figured out the Viscount's master plan and in his own relentless pursuit for world domination, sets out to steal the map and retrieve the legendary stone. It's up to Crash and his friends to win the big race...and save the world!

  Key game features in Crash Boom Bang! include:

  * 40 action oriented minigames taking full advantage of the DS platform
    - 3D graphics, touch screen, microphone, wireless network

  * Exciting, never before seen "Motion Panel Communication" multiplayer
    gameplay
    - Communicate with or distract friends through motion panel messages
      (speech, sound, character)
    - Use wireless LAN to communicate with players mid-game, establish
      alliances, and 'bother' other players' gameplay

  * Unique betting and item collecting and trading takes player interaction
    to a new level
    - Betting on outcomes of multiplayer games to earn points to purchase
      items
    - 80 items to collect, trade or use to alter gameplay scenarios

  * Trademark Crash humor and 8 playable characters
    - Play as one of 8 of your favorite characters including Crash, Coco,
      Crunch and Neo Cortex

Crash Boom Bang! is currently available at retail stores nationwide exclusively for Nintendo DS for a suggested retail price of $29.99 with an ESRB "E" (Everyone) rating.

For more information, please visit the game's official website at http://www.crashbandicoot.com/.

About Vivendi Games

Vivendi Games (http://www.vivendigames.com/) is a global developer, publisher and distributor of multi-platform interactive entertainment. The company is the leader in the subscription-based massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPG) category, holds leading positions in the PC, console, handheld and mobile games markets, and is an emerging player in casual online games. Vivendi Games' two principal studios and publishing labels include Blizzard Entertainment, headquartered in Irvine, CA, the creator of World of Warcraft(R), Diablo(R), StarCraft(R), and Warcraft(R); and Sierra Entertainment, headquartered in Los Angeles, which includes Radical Entertainment, Swordfish Studios, High Moon Studios, and Massive Entertainment. Sierra's IPs include Crash Bandicoot(R), Spyro The Dragon(R), Empire Earth(R), SWAT(R), Darkwatch(TM), TimeShift(TM), Ground Control(R) and Leisure Suit Larry(R). Vivendi Games is also home to Vivendi Games Mobile, publishing games for the mobile market, and Sierra Online, dedicated to publishing casual games for online play and distribution on all platforms. Vivendi Games maintains strategic relationships with industry leading content partners, including Universal Music Group, NBC Universal, Twentieth Century Fox, and Ludlum Entertainment. The company has 16 offices around the world conducting business in 75 countries.

"Crash Boom Bang" interactive game (C) 2006 Universal Interactive, Inc. Crash Bandicoot, Crash and related characters are (TM) and (C) Universal Interactive, Inc. All rights reserved. Sierra and the Sierra logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sierra Entertainment, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Vivendi Games and the Vivendi Games logo are trademarks of Vivendi Games, Inc. (TM), (R) and Nintendo DS are trademarks of Nintendo. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

CONTACT: Lisa Douet, Sierra Entertainment, [phone], [e-mail]

Web site: http://www.vivendigames.com/ http://www.crashbandicoot.com/