Gaming News - November 2006

Santa Monica, CA (November 29, 2006) -  The Game Factory today announced the release of Cartoon Network Racing for the PS2 and DS.

From The Game Factory:

Taking on the roles of the various characters, players compete in the First Annual Cartoon Network Racing Championship. Further adding to the entertainment value, both titles include several full-length episodes of classic Cartoon Network programs. Geared toward children seven and older and rated E for everyone, the game is available for a suggested retail price of $29.99 beginning today for Nintendo DS version and December 1, 2006 for the PlayStation 2 system.

“Just in time for the holidays we are thrilled to be releasing our first kart racing games,” said Vice President North America Leah Kalboussi. “We are confident that the combination of familiar characters, landscapes and comedy combined with multiple player modes, bonus games and even full-length cartoon episodes will provide players hours of fun.”

“The Game Factory’s ‘Cartoon Network Racing’ game is the perfect way to bring some of the best loved characters from Cartoon Network’s roster of original animation to our fans in an exciting new arcade format,” said Christina Miller, VP of US Consumer Products for Cartoon Network Enterprises, the global merchandising and licensing arm of Cartoon Network. “With all the innovative gaming features and unlockable full-length bonus episodes of these classic shows – it is sure to be very popular with our fans.”

Gamers race as their favorite Cartoon Network stars in an attempt to be the first to cross the finish line and gain the highest popularity score. Both platform versions include a variety of colorful show-themed Cartoon Network environments and locations such as Dexter’s Laboratory and Aron City, home of Johnny Bravo. The more successful players are at winning races, the more items such as new characters and fun bonus games they can unlock.

“As specialists in driving game development, we were so pleased to collaborate with The Game Factory to leverage our industry-leading racing engine to create a fun, engaging character-driven game for the PlayStation 2 where kids can race against familiar characters, friends and even themselves,” said Paul Jobling, Director of Marketing Eutechnyx.

“Cartoon Network Racing” details include:

PlayStation 2 –Gamers will race on 26 different Cartoon Network themed tracks which include 6 show-themed locations . All environments are interactive allowing gamers to open shortcuts, unleash hazards to delay opponents, collect and use weapons like oil slicks against their opponents, and even use a special character Toon Power to slow down their opponents. This version allows for numerous different modes like a “Versus” mode featuring 7 levels of two players interactive fun such as “battlemode”, “Kart Kurling”, “Mine, Mine, Mine” and “Bomb-Bastic”. Choosing from 24 different characters, players create their own vehicle driver/co-driver dream team, allowing over 500 different combinations. Twelve complete episodes of Cartoon Network classics are included as an unlockable bonus. Ages 7+. Suggested retail price of $29.99. (E)

Nintendo DS – Gamers choose from among 20 playable characters and vehicles to race through 16 environments. and take advantage of each characters exclusive Toon Power. The unique Sling shot move will boost the player’s speed when staying within the slipstream of other vehicles ahead. To extend playability, users can choose from multiple game modes: Championship mode, Time Trial mode, and Wireless Multiplayer mode. Two bonus mini-games, including Curling and Sketch Drawing take advantage of the stylus and touch screen. Three full-length episodes of “The Powerpuff Girls,” “Dexter’s Laboratory” and “Cow and Chicken” are included. Ages 7+. Suggested retail price of $29.99. (E)