Xbox 360 Has Movie Fans Seeing Stars Xbox takes the leading role in living-room entertainment, bringing summer's

biggest movie-inspired games to life.

    REDMOND, Wash., May 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The summer blockbuster
 movie season is quickly approaching, and soon fans everywhere will be
 lining up around the block for four exciting new Xbox 360(TM) games
 inspired by this summer's big-screen favorites and a limited-edition
 console that will have fans of "The Simpsons" dreaming of donuts.
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     Whether gamers want to save the universe, explore a new one or just
 escape from the summer heat, Xbox 360 lets them jump into the cast as they
 become the lovable Shrek(R), infamous Captain Jack Sparrow, master magician
 Harry Potter or aspiring French chef Remy the rat. Gamers will control
 their destiny as they experience firsthand the action, adventure, fun and
 romance that have made these films a hit with all ages. Gamers can dim the
 lights, grab some popcorn and create their own summer blockbuster magic
 with Xbox 360.
     Lights, Console, Action - D'oh!
     Gamers will have the best seat in the house when "Shrek the Third(TM),"
 "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End," "Ratatouille" and "Harry Potter
 and the Order of the Phoenix" arrive on Xbox 360 for star-studded gameplay.
 With this cast of characters, players and movie fans of all ages can count
 on fun on Xbox 360. The entire family will be clamoring for encore
 performances -- perfect for an evening of family fun.
     * "Shrek the Third" (Activision). Those who can't get enough of "Shrek the
       Third" should not despair. Xbox 360 lets players experience the
       signature humor and outrageous adventures of the lovable hero long after
       the movie credits roll. Play as Shrek, Donkey, Puss In Boots, Fiona,
       Arthur and fellow fairy-tale heroine Sleeping Beauty to save Far Far
       Away from Prince Charming and his army of villains. Gamers will be
       challenged to rescue their pals, face off against Charming's henchmen,
       gather collectibles, test their gaming skills in 20 movie-based and
       game-exclusive levels, and engage in various single-player and
       multiplayer minigames.
 
       Rated E10+; ERP: $49.99 (U.S.); game release date: May 15, 2007; movie
       release date: May 18, 2007
 
     * "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" (Disney Interactive Studios).
       Based on both the second and third films of the blockbuster franchise,
       "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" brings players deeper into
       the pirates' world with a chance to play as their favorite stars: crafty
       Captain Jack Sparrow, swordsmith Will Turner or daring Elizabeth Swann.
       Gamers will relive the swashbuckling adventures of the crazed pirates
       and creative swordsmanship of the silver screen, and then go beyond the
       film to experience new locations, an extended story and a unique ending.
       They will also enjoy sword-assisted acrobatics, swashbuckling action and
       classic dueling with unique gameplay.
 
       Rated T; ERP: $59.99 (U.S.); game release date: May 22, 2007; movie
       release date: May 25, 2007
 
     * "Ratatouille" (THQ Inc.). Summer starts cooking with Disney/Pixar's
       "Ratatouille," the story of a young rat named Remy who dreams of
       becoming a great French chef, despite the obvious problem of being a
       rat. With this game, players can relive all the film's most thrilling
       and hilarious moments. From the underground sewers to the bustling
       streets of Paris, they will dash, swim, glide and slide through five
       action-packed, visually stunning worlds filled with dangerous enemies,
       intense heists and perilous missions. Gamers can go head-to-head with
       their friends in multiplayer minigames or navigate their way through a
       sensational rat race that turns the culinary world of Paris upside down.
 
       Rated E; ERP: $49.95 (U.S.); game release date: June 26, 2007; movie
       release date: June 29, 2007
 
     * "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" (Electronic Arts Inc. and
       Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment). Magic makes a colossal comeback
       as Harry returns for his fifth year of study at Hogwarts in the most
       authentic Harry Potter game to date. Players will explore the many key
       locations at Hogwarts in precise detail, each one a visual match to its
       film equivalent, while being engrossed in the thrilling adventures
       outlined in the rich narrative of the book. They can choose to go to
       class, or play Gobstones or Wizard Chess, with no prescribed way to
       complete the game; the choice is theirs as they experience more freedom
       than ever before to customize their time at Hogwarts.
 
       Rated E10+; ERP: $59.99 (U.S.); game release date: June 25, 2007; movie
       release date: July 13, 2007
     "These action-packed Xbox 360 games let kids and adults alike take all
 the adventure and excitement of this summer's hottest films home with
 them," said "Xbox Dad" columnist and family gaming expert Duncan Mackenzie.
 "I can't think of a better way to spend some quality time with the kids
 than to turn our favorite movies into an interactive experience, chatting
 and laughing as we take on the role of our favorite characters."
     In addition, people everywhere will be seeing yellow as "The Simpsons"
 takes Xbox 360 by storm later this summer in advance of the famous
 Springfield family's big-screen debut on July 27, 2007. Xbox 360 is
 partnering with FOX to help promote "The Simpsons Movie," offering fans the
 chance to get their hands on one of 100 limited-edition "Simpsons" Xbox 360
 Pro consoles through a series of special events and promotions. For anyone
 who is drooling like Homer about how to win, more details will be available
 at http://www.xbox.com.
     Beyond gaming, Xbox 360 is an all-in-one entertainment center that
 allows people to watch their favorite DVDs, listen to cinematic
 soundtracks, or put their friends and family in the spotlight with photo
 slide shows. They can also download popular movies and TV shows (available
 only in the U.S.) and sneak a peek at trailers for upcoming movie releases
 on Xbox LIVE(R), while the Xbox(R) Family Settings feature helps families
 feel confident that children are playing in a safer, more secure gaming
 environment. Boasting the largest social network in the living room, with
 more than 6 million users, Xbox LIVE connects members across 25 different
 countries, making it easy to find the friends, games and entertainment they
 want from the moment they power on their Xbox 360 system.
     About Xbox 360
     Xbox 360 is the most powerful video game and entertainment system,
 delivering the best games, the next generation of the premier Xbox LIVE
 online gaming network and unique digital entertainment experiences that
 revolve around gamers. Xbox 360 has a catalog of more than 160
 high-definition games and is available in 37 countries. More information
 can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/xbox360.
     About Microsoft
     Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq:   MSFT) is the worldwide leader in
 software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize
 their full potential.
     NOTE: Microsoft, Xbox 360, Xbox Live and Xbox are trademarks of the
 Microsoft group of companies.
     The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the
 trademarks of their respective owners.
 
 

SOURCE Microsoft Corp.

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