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AGOURA HILLS, Calif., March 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- THQ Inc. (Nasdaq: THQI) today announced The Outfit(TM), from critically acclaimed internal studio Relic Entertainment, has shipped for the Xbox 360(TM) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Combining explosive squad-based combat, the freedom of total destruction and an over-the-top attitude to bring a thrilling new gaming experience to the World War II genre, The Outfit recently set the standard for next generation online gaming as the first Xbox 360 title to offer a pre-launch online multiplayer demo via Xbox Live(R) online game service. More than 200,000 consumers downloaded the demo during the first week with over one million total games played, according to Xbox Live Marketplace data. Gamers can now purchase the complete game, which includes both an intense single player campaign and a robust multiplayer experience, for a suggested retail price of $59.99.

"Relic Entertainment has created an innovative, next generation experience that truly pushes the Xbox 360 hardware to its limits, giving players the freedom to destroy everything in sight, call in Destruction on Demand at a moment's notice and have hundreds of units battling it out simultaneously," said Brad Carraway, director of global brand marketing, THQ. "The critical and consumer anticipation for The Outfit has been tremendous and exemplifies the game's groundbreaking originality and intense multiplayer action, which will give gamers something the World War II genre has never seen before."

"The Outfit puts players in the shoes of three allied heroes who are faster, stronger and more bad-ass than your every day soldier," said Ron Moravek, vice president, THQ, General Manager, Relic Entertainment. "Just when players realize how explosive, over-the-top and truly fun the game is they'll be introduced to three axis leaders in what we believe will be one of the most exciting multiplayer experiences ever."

The Outfit allows gamers to choose from three playable squad leaders -- each with their own unique skills and abilities, as they lead a squad of soldiers behind enemy lines to battle the Nazi war machine. With interactive and fully destructible environments, players have the freedom to shoot, blow up or demolish anything in their path. As players complete mission objectives, they'll gain field units (FUs) that can be used to order "Destruction on Demand" -- air-dropped into the action at any time. Items available for purchase include tanks, half-tracks and other combat vehicles, machinegun nests and anti-tank emplacements, squad reinforcements, air strikes and artillery strikes. The cinematic intensity of WWII combat can be experienced through 12 epic single-player missions or online through a variety of Multiplayer modes, pitting the Allies against the Axis, with three playable Axis leaders in addition to the Allied heroes. With 720p HD, 16:9 Widescreen and 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound -- The Outfit takes full advantage of Xbox 360's High Definition gaming experience.

The Outfit has received high scores in both enthusiast and mainstream publications, reflecting the growing anticipation surrounding the title:

"A fascinating look into the future of online gaming ... a startlingly forward-looking title that is one of the most original we've seen in years."

- Game Pro -- 4.5 out of 5

"The Outfit, does not aspire in the slightest to reflect the sights and sounds of real-life combat ... It aspires to be one thing and one thing only: fun. And you know what? It is. Loads of it."

- Official Xbox Magazine -- 8.5 out of 10

"Take charge of one of three field commanders and enter a fictionally exaggerated Nazi occupied European universe where you're welcome to call in all the whoop-ass needed to scorch everything you see."

- Maxim Magazine -- 4 out of 5

About Relic Entertainment

Founded in 1997 and acquired by THQ in 2004, Relic Entertainment is a leader in the development of innovative real-time strategy games for the PC. Relic's first title, "Homeworld" (1999), was received to widespread acclaim, garnering several "Game of the Year" and "Strategy Game of the Year" awards from major industry publications including PC Gamer and Computer Gaming World. Since then, Relic has released "Homeworld: Cataclysm" (2000, co-developed with Barking Dog Studios), "Impossible Creatures" (2003), and "Homeworld 2" (2003). The studio's most recent release, "Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War" (2004), won numerous accolades including "Strategy Game of the Year" from Computer Gaming World. Today, Relic is building on this legacy by developing multiple groundbreaking PC and next-gen console projects in the RTS and action genres including "Company of Heroes" and "The Outfit."

About THQ

THQ Inc. (Nasdaq: THQI) is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. The company develops its products for all popular game systems, personal computers and wireless devices. Headquartered in Los Angeles County, California, THQ is a top producer of original intellectual properties including titles such as Destroy All Humans!(TM), Juiced(TM) and Full Spectrum Warrior(TM) as well as The Outfit(TM) and upcoming titles Saints Row(TM), Titan Quest(T)M and Company of Heroes(TM). More information about THQ and its products may be found at www.thq.com and www.thqwireless.com. THQ, Relic Entertainment, The Outfit, Destruction on Demand, Destroy All Humans, Juiced, Saints Row, Titan Quest, Company of Heroes and their respective logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.

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