Prepare to Hit and Run as Two Vivendi Universal Games' Top Titles Crash onto PlayStation® 2's Platinum and XboxTM Classics Ranges Reading, England (July 21, 2004). Vivendi Universal Games (VU Games) today announced the release of its chart-storming success stories, 'The Simpsons: Hit & Run' for the PlayStation 2 Platinum and Xbox Classics ranges, and 'Crash Nitro Kart' for the PlayStation 2 Platinum range. Scheduled for release in the UK on August 27th, both titles are sure to have gamers racing into stores to get their hands on these motoring mayhem bargains. The Simpsons: Hit & Run on PlayStation®2 Platinum and XboxTM Classics Originally released in October 2003, 'The Simpsons: Hit & Run' has remained a permanent fixture within the All Formats Top 40 chart, making it the best-selling Simpsons game ever in the UK! 'The Simpsons: Hit & Run' is a hilarious mission based driving game with exciting out-of-the-car platform gameplay, the signature satire of The Simpsons and the interactive world of Springfield. As strange things are happening in Springfield, players are invited to play as Homer, Bart, Apu, Marge, and Lisa to solve the biggest mystery to rock Springfield since Who Shot Mr. Burns. Taking part in over 56 driving and on-foot missions in seven huge levels spread out over the familiar Springfield landmarks, they explore the interiors of numerous locations including: the Kwik-e-mart, the Power Plant, and even the Simpsons' house and can drive as 17 different characters including Cletus, Comic Book Guy, and Principal Skinner with his nagging Mother as a backseat driver! Penned by the show's award-winning writers, the game contains animated gags and hidden jokes which give the genuine feel of being in a completely unique episode of The Simpsons. Fans will also be rewarded with hidden pick-ups containing episode-specific bonus material from the last 14 seasons! Crash Nitro Kart on PlayStation®2 Platinum Developed by Albany, NY-based studio Vicarious Visions, 'Crash Nitro Kart' was originally released in November 2003, and becomes the second Crash Bandicoot title to enter the PlayStation 2 Platinum range. The first title, 'Crash Bandicoot: Wrath of Cortex', was the UK's biggest-selling All Formats budget title in 2003. The game sees Crash hit the track in his fastest-paced adventure yet! Kidnapped by the ruthless Emperor Velo and forced to race in his galactic coliseum, Crash must speed his way to victory in order to save Earth from destruction...but of course things are never that simple and he must compete against foes both old and new before a final showdown with evil Velo himself! The game invites players to race as virtually any character from the Crash universe and zip their way over 17 high-speed raceways through four unique worlds featuring lush jungles, erupting volcanoes and futuristic cities and space stations. Single player action in adventure, arcade and time trial modes will provide numerous hours of exciting gameplay, while intense multiplayer action allowing up to four players to race against each other makes 'Crash Nitro Kart' an ideal party game. One of the top character-based franchises in video game history, the Crash Bandicoot series has sold more than 29 million units to date worldwide, generating in excess of $700 million in revenue. 'The Simpsons: Hit & Run' on PlayStation®2 Platinum and XboxTM Classics and 'Crash Nitro Kart' on PlayStation®2 Platinum will release in the UK on August 27th 2004, each with SRP's of £19.99. "Crash Nitro Kart" interactive game © 2004 Universal Interactive, Inc. Crash Bandicoot and related characters and "Crash Nitro Kart" are TM and © Universal Interactive, Inc. All rights reserved. ©2004 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Fox Interactive, The Simpsons, The Simpsons Hit and Run are registered trademarks or trademarks of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox Live, the Xbox Live logo and the Xbox logos are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. About Vivendi Universal Games Headquartered in Los Angeles, VU Games is a leading global developer, publisher and distributor of multi-platform interactive entertainment. Its development studios and publishing labels include Blizzard Entertainment, Sierra Entertainment, Fox Interactive and Massive Entertainment. VU Games' library of over 700 titles features multi-million unit selling properties such as Warcraft, StarCraft and Diablo from Blizzard; Crash Bandicoot, Spyro The Dragon, Ground Control, Tribes and Leisure Suit Larry.