Activision Inc. has shipped CALL OF DUTY 2: BIG RED ONE to stores nationwide. Developed by Treyarch, the game allows players to put on the boots of the highly decorated WWII heroes of the U.S. Army's famed Fighting 1st Infantry Division, known as The Big Red One. In a departure for the CALL OF DUTY franchise, players will get to know their squadmates more than ever before as they fight alongside a single squad to accomplish a variety of missions spanning from Northern Africa to Nazi-occupied Western Europe. CALL OF DUTY 2: BIG RED ONE rated "T" (TEEN blood, mild language and violence) by the ESRB is available for PlayStation 2, Xbox and Nintendo GameCube for a suggested retail price of $49.99.
"As a highly decorated unit that served in a variety of combat theaters, The Big Red One offered plenty of action, heroism, danger and grit for us to draw from during the creation of the game," said Christian Busic, creative director, Treyarch. "We were able to take the 'No One Fights Alone' theme from the CALL OF DUTY series and create an even more personal experience for players by following one member of a single squad through some of the epic encounters and amazing battles that defined the war."
Through the game's enhanced A.I. an A.I. system tailored from the original award-winning PC game adapted specifically for play on consoles squads maximize use of environmental cover and tactical maneuvers, such as flanking, envelopment and fire-and-maneuver behaviors. Additionally, Treyarch employs a new context-sensitive battle chatter system allowing players to hear their squadmates bark helpful orders, updates and communicate as events unfold in the heat of battle. As the missions continue, the A.I. will also harden squad members, maturing their performance skills on the battlefield over time as they become more experienced in combat.
From the blistering desert expanses of Tunisia and Algeria to the skies of Northern Africa and the deadly countrysides of Italy, France, Belgium and Germany, the story follows the actual route of the Big Red One through Operation Torch (North Africa), Operation Husky (Italy) and Operation Overlord (Europe). With new territories come new enemies, including the Vichy French and the Italian Fascists, as well as a host of more than three dozen authentic American, Italian, French and German weapons, all of which are based on actual working models some so rare, that they've never before been seen even in some of Hollywood's biggest war epics.
"Cinematic intensity and the chaos of battle return with CALL OF DUTY 2: BIG RED ONE, an authentic WWII story that captures the camaraderie and heroism of the real members of the US Army's 1st Infantry Division," said Dusty Welch, vp of global brand management, Activision Inc. "Treyarch delivers amazing detail in each mission, and by working with military advisors and conducting extensive research, has brought the authentic stories and bravery of the Big Red One to life on consoles."
CALL OF DUTY 2: BIG RED ONE players may go online for intense Axis vs. Allies team-based multiplayer action on Xbox Live and PlayStation 2 Online. The game features four modes of play: Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Domination and Capture the Flag for up to 16 players. Additionally, multiplayer mode offers access to exclusive weapons and maps, as well as vehicle gameplay. For more information, visit www.CallofDuty.com.
A limited Collector's Edition of CALL OF DUTY 2: BIG RED ONE is also available for $59.99. The Collector's Edition includes additional content on the game DVD, featuring interviews with actual members of the Big Red One Fighting 1st Infantry Division, commentaries, a special making of the game feature, bonus footage and more.
Brady Games' CALL OF DUTY 2: BIG RED ONE OFFICIAL STRATEGY GUIDE is available at electronics, book and software retailers nationwide, and online at bradygames.com.
CALL OF DUTY 2: BIG RED ONE was also featured in the half-hour special that celebrates the history of The Big Red One, as well as the making of the highly-anticipated first-person-action game. THE BIG RED ONE: BEHIND THE GAME premiered Nov. 1 at 9:00 pm/EST on the Military Channel. Doing its part to help add to the historical authenticity of the game, The Military Channel has also produced a series of historical vignettes that are featured in the game.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products. Founded in 1979, Activision posted net revenues of $1.4 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005. Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Australia, Scandinavia, Spain and the Netherlands. More information about Activision and its products can be found at www.activision.com.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
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