Backed By a Blockbuster Marketing Campaign, Midway Delivers Ultimate First-Person Action Experience

Midway Games Inc. a leading developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software, announced today that AREA 51 the story-driven, first-person action thriller has shipped to retail outlets nationwide for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and the Xbox video game system from Microsoft. AREA 51 will also be available for PC and is scheduled to ship on May 23, 2005. Midway has created an action-thriller that features an intense storyline packed with scripted events, an arsenal of both human and alien weapons, and powerful multiplayer modes that allow up to 16 players to battle it out online.

"Midway is a company with a deep vault of classic gaming franchises and reinventing some of those, such as AREA 51, is a core part of Midway's strategy for 2005 and beyond," said Steve Allison, chief marketing officer, Midway. "Delivering riveting and suspenseful gameplay that no console or PC owner should pass by, AREA 51 is the only first-person action thriller to be set within the confines of the U.S.'s most secret military base."

Rounding out the complete entertainment experience, AREA 51 features a blockbuster line-up of Hollywood voice talent. Cast in the lead role is David Duchovny, star of the ultimate conspiracy-theory television show, The X-Files, will bring his instantly recognizable voice to AREA 51's lead character Specialist Ethan Cole, a special forces soldier specializing in hazardous materials investigations. Powers Boothe, who currently appears in the HBO mini-series Deadwood, will provide the voice of Major Bridges, while shock-rocker Marilyn Manson will deliver an unforgettable performance as Edgar, the gray alien.

AREA 51 Reviews:

"This one [AREA 51] could just be your second HALO." Electronic Gaming Monthly

"...an extremely fast-paced shooter that also manages to look nothing short of gorgeous." 4/5: Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine Cover Story

"With guns firing at full tilt, and mindless carnage taking center stage, Midway has a surefire hit on its hands." 8.5/10 Game Informer

"The action is intense and immediate..." 5/5 Top Play! Maxim

"Gorgeous graphics, an excellent physics model, tons of action, and atmospheric environments all contribute to the formula." IGN.com

"...a visual powerhouse." GameSpot.com

"...exceptional first-person shooter." 8.7/10 PSE!

"...PS2's surest, sharpest shooter..." Fun Factor 4.5/5 GamePro

AREA 51's Major Marketing Highlights Include:

National television advertising campaign on multiple mainstream broadcast and cable networks including MTV, E!, Comedy Central, WWE and Fox, Fox Sports Network, Sci-Fi, FX and more

Aggressive online campaign to top-tier enthusiast and mainstream consumer sites including Gamespot.com, IGN.com, UGO.com, amongst others

Dedicated web presence at www.area51-game.com

Participating in several nationwide game tours including GameRiot and GAME LIVE

Print advertising campaign across multiple major video game and consumer publications

National pre-sell programs at select game retailers, where gamers can pre-order a copy of AREA 51 and receive a copy of Midway Arcade Treasures 2, for free

About AREA 51

The U.S. Army has received a distress signal from Area 51 where a viral outbreak has just shut down the research facility and the automated quarantine procedures have locked all scientific and military personnel inside. A small Special Forces unit led by Specialist Ethan Cole of the HAZMAT (hazardous materials) Division is sent to investigate. As Cole, players will delve into five massive levels within the confines of Area 51, discovering a deadly mutagenic side effect of the virus that controls the minds of those infected, as well as an ancient alien colony buried beneath the facility. With a multitude of human and alien weapons, players must explore chilling conspiracies such as the extraterrestrial crash at Roswell and the faked lunar landing, in order to solve the enigma of Area 51 before the viral mutagen is released and irrevocably mutates all life on Earth.