Days of Thunder: NOTNASCAR Edition coming to XBLA 'this winter'

We feel you. You've been waiting all year to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the formative "romantic drama" Days of Thunder. Well, hang tight, your opportunity is coming -- just maybe not before 2011: Paramount Digital Entertainment and Piranha Games today assured patient fans that Days of Thunder: Arcade will be released on Xbox Live Arcade "this winter" (which means it could show up on a late-December Wednesday, or it would otherwise debut in early 2011).

Days of Thunder: Arcade is, naturally, an arcade-style romantic drama -- er, make that: racing game. Under the guidance of Rowdy Roddy Burns (was that the name?), players compete in an unlicensed racing circuit, careful to watch for "reckless, aggressive driving" by the movie's star, Cole Trickle, who is not voiced by Mr. Cruise in the game.

The PS3-exclusive licensed version, Days of Thunder: NASCAR Edition, adds a bit more authenticity to the "pedal-to-the-metal, adrenaline-fueled arcade racing" with the likes of modern day wheelmen Denny Hamlin, Greg Biffle, Ryan Newman and Tony Stewart, among others. Earlier this month, NASCAR Edition was dated for release on PSN this fall -- that's right, in time for the anniversary! We figured we'd save the best news for last. You're welcome.

Update: Uh-oh. A representative for the game informs us: "NASCAR Edition for PSN is now scheduled for a winter release date, as well." But there's hope! "Both games will be releasing around the same time and should be within the next couple of months (Nov./Dec.). However, we are still waiting on an official date."

As for the PC/Mac Arcade version expected to be released via Steam? "At the moment, the PC/Mac version is still TBD as far as release date."

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Days Of Thunder: Arcade Arriving This Winter for XBLA

Players Will Compete for Top Standings Against the Film's Iconic Drivers and Take On Up to 11 Players Online


LOS ANGELES - Oct. 27, 2010 - Paramount Digital Entertainment and Piranha Games today announced the development of Days of Thunder: Arcade, which will be available for download this winter on Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Taking inspiration from Paramount Pictures' iconic film "Days of Thunder," the Days of Thunder: Arcade video game is chock-full of pedal-to-the-metal, adrenaline-fueled arcade racing that lets players experience the thrills and chills of life behind the wheel of a stock car.

"This year marks the 20th anniversary of 'Days of Thunder,' and the film continues to be one of the most popular racing movies of all time," said John Kavanagh, Senior Vice President of Paramount Digital Entertainment. "What better way to celebrate the film's enduring impact on racing in popular culture than by putting its iconic drivers, Cole Trickle, Rowdy Burns and Russ Wheeler behind the wheel again in Days of Thunder: Arcade."

Days of Thunder: Arcade teams players with Rowdy Burns as the latest recruit to hit the high-octane racing circuit. With Rowdy as their coach, players will learn to drop the hammer, hit the pit and trade paint with other cars. Rowdy Burns is voiced by Michael Rooker, known for his roles in "Mallrats," "Eight Men Out," "Cliffhanger," and of course, "Days of Thunder." As players advance, they'll compete against the characters from the film, each with AI designed to match their driving style and personality seen in the film.

Players will need to watch for Cole Trickle's reckless, aggressive driving, Rowdy Burns' ruthless, veteran skills and Russ Wheeler's hot head. To steer clear of otherwise unavoidable crashes, gamers can take advantage of the focus feature, which temporarily puts surroundings into slow-motion. The adrenaline soon kicks back into gear as players drop the hammer by drafting behind other cars and whipping past them to get an extra burst of speed.

Days of Thunder: Arcade features road tracks for both single and multiplayer challenges. Road tracks allow players to race outside the speedway for an added challenge and variation in turning and car control. Up to twelve players can race online, pushing the limits to log the fastest times on the leader boards. There are four different modes - Quick Race, Time Trial, Career, with circuits of varying difficulty, and Derby Mode, where players are encouraged to deal as much damage as they can.

As players race to the top, they will unlock car customization options and tracks. Depending on how players place in races, take the lead in laps, and pick up new sponsors, they will win in-game currency necessary to refuel, make pit stops, and upgrade their cars. Additionally, as players outperform opponents and progress in the game, their achievements will be monitored using an in-game tracking system. Based on their driving style, players will be approached by a variety of sponsors.

Days of Thunder: Arcade will be available this winter on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360. The game is rated E10+ by the ESRB. For more information please visit http://bhimpact.gamespress.com/.


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TM and © 2010 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies and are used under license from Microsoft.Other company and product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.


About Paramount Digital Entertainment
Paramount Digital Entertainment (PDE) is a division of Paramount Pictures Corporation. PDE develops and distributes filmed entertainment across worldwide digital distribution platforms including online, mobile and portable devices, videogames, and emerging technologies.

Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. The company's labels include Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Digital Entertainment, Paramount Famous Productions, Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., Paramount Studio Group and Paramount Worldwide Television Distribution.


About Piranha Games
Piranha Games, based in Vancouver, British Columbia, is leading developer of console games specializing in full development and co-productions. Founded in early 2000, the company has worked on a string of successful titles including Need for Speed: Shift, Need for Speed: Undercover, and Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen. More information can be found about Piranha Games on the company's website, www.piranha-games.com.