LOS ANGELES, Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Vivendi Games' Sierra Entertainment division has announced the development of M.A.C.H.(TM) (Modified Air Combat Heroes), the first flight combat/racing game exclusively for the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system. Gamers will become outlaw pilots as they compete in deadly aerial contests of skill, speed and weaponry in this sky-high race to own the air. Players will also have the option to engage in thrilling multiplayer action against up to eight real-world rivals over an Ad hoc wireless network or via Game Sharing mode. Developed by UK-based Kuju Entertainment, M.A.C.H. is scheduled to ship in North America on February 20, 2007, followed by Europe and Australia shortly thereafter.

M.A.C.H. is slated to ship first in Japan in late January, and has been very well-received by Japan's leading gaming magazine Weekly Famitsu. The well-known and widely respected publication praised the upcoming aerial combat/racing game in its October 20, 2006 issue:

- "The Ultimate Racing Battle" - "Once you experience the thrills to control the fighter jet at a violent speed you get addicted!"

"We are proud of the accolades M.A.C.H. has received from a highly respected gaming publication such as Weekly Famitsu," said Cindy Cook, chief strategy and marketing officer for Vivendi Games. "This endorsement of M.A.C.H.'s thrilling aerial combat and racing action reinforces our goal of providing an arcade-style gameplay experience that will deliver intense pick-up-and-play excitement for any PSP or flying fan."

M.A.C.H. Prologue

In the year 2049, the governments of the world switched to unmanned aircraft for combat in an attempt to save lives. By doing so, they decommissioned thousands of jets and their fighter pilots, ironically destroying the livelihood of those they were trying to save. Years later, these planes appeared on the black market and were sold to the highest bidders. It wasn't long before an underground emerged, featuring ex-fighter pilots, smugglers and wealthy hobbyists piloting the decommissioned aircraft. In a competition of fight and flight, these pilots heavily modify their jet fighters to outrace and outduel the competition to win fame, glory and fortune. Welcome to the world of M.A.C.H.

M.A.C.H. Key Features

Modified Air Combat Heroes rise through the ranks by defeating rivals and unlocking customized parts and planes -- 180 over-the-top configurations possible across 11 planes -- for enhanced speed and weaponry. Gamers will take to the skies for intense aerial racing action and deadly air-to-air combat throughout a variety of environments and can choose from multiple gameplay modes including:

* Arcade - Arcade mode is designed to throw gamers into the action as quickly as possible and, although only one plane will be available initially, progressing through the Career mode to unlock other planes will gradually give access to the full Arcade experience. * Career - This mode consists of a collection of high-octane tournaments spread over various landscapes. As gamers progress through their career from a Rookie through Pro, Ace, Elite and finally to a combat Hero, they'll gradually win access to enemies' planes and earn cash, which will enable players to upgrade capabilities and keep up with the competition. * Challenge - Each tier consists of five challenges -- MACH Melee, MACH Dash, Time Check, MACH LAP and Dog Tag -- in different locations in the quest for ultimate glory. * Multiplayer - Players race or dogfight against up to eight opponents over an Ad hoc wireless network or via Game Sharing with rival PSP system owners for the ultimate deathmatch experience! (Game sharing mode requires only one copy of M.A.C.H.)

M.A.C.H. (Modified Air Combat Heroes) is expected to ship nationwide on February 20, 2007 exclusively for the PSP system for a suggested retail price of $39.99, with an ESRB "E10+" (Everyone 10 and older) rating.

For more information, please visit the game's official website at http://www.machpsp.com/.

About Vivendi Games

Vivendi Games (http://www.vivendigames.com/) is a global developer, publisher and distributor of multi-platform interactive entertainment. The company is the leader in the subscription-based massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPG) category, holds leading positions in the PC, console, handheld and mobile games markets, and is an emerging player in casual online games. Vivendi Games' two principal studios and publishing labels include Blizzard Entertainment, headquartered in Irvine, CA, the creator of World of Warcraft(R), Diablo(R), StarCraft(R), and Warcraft(R); and Sierra Entertainment, headquartered in Los Angeles, which includes Radical Entertainment, Swordfish Studios, High Moon Studios, and Massive Entertainment. Sierra's IPs include Crash Bandicoot(R), Spyro The Dragon(R), Empire Earth(R), SWAT(R), Darkwatch(TM), TimeShift(TM), Ground Control(R) and Leisure Suit Larry(R). Vivendi Games is also home to Vivendi Games Mobile, publishing games for the mobile market, and Sierra Online, dedicated to publishing casual games for online play and distribution on all platforms. Vivendi Games maintains strategic relationships with industry leading content partners, including Universal Music Group, NBC Universal, Twentieth Century Fox, and Ludlum Entertainment. The company has 16 offices around the world conducting business in 75 countries.

"M.A.C.H." interactive game (C) 2007 Sierra Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved. M.A.C.H., Sierra and the Sierra logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sierra Entertainment, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. "PlayStation", "PS" Family logo, and "PSP" are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Memory Stick Duo(TM) may be required. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

CONTACT: Lisa Douet of Sierra Entertainment, +1-310-431-4385,
lisa.douet@sierra.com

Web site: http://www.machpsp.com/