AGOURA HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Global videogame publisher 505 Games today announced the first game to release in its partnership with Michael Phelps, Michael Phelps – Push the Limit, one of the most realistic and intense sports simulation video games ever, coming to Kinect™ for Xbox 360® in June 2011. Take a competitive sports journey with one of the most celebrated athletes in history through Michael Phelps – Push the Limit, the first controller-free swimming experience to capture your true movements and translate them into accurate gameplay. The game, developed by Blitz Games, puts you in complete control of an up-and-coming swimmer entering the exciting and grueling world of competitive swimming in the hope of taking down Michael Phelps.
“Push the Limit is a fun, innovative, and physical way to game that is complete with elements that will challenge serious gamers, swimmers and casual fans,” said Phelps. “I’m really excited to help bring a one-of-a-kind swimming video game to the market that is reflective of my competitive nature and passion for swimming. This definitely isn’t your typical video game; much like my training in the pool, Push the Limit is about improving and mastering every race element - from controlling your adrenaline on the block to perfectly timing your finish. In my world, it takes a lifetime of dedication to get one-hundredth of a second ahead and I believe Push the Limit offers players a unique journey inside swimming that will challenge themselves as much as their in-game competitors.”
Check out Michael Phelps – Push the Limit in the first game trailer which can be viewed at www.michaelphelpsgame.com. The trailer was filmed on location at Loyola University Maryland in Phelps’ hometown of Baltimore and features the first time he has been captured utilizing the innovative Phantom HD, a high-speed camera that is often used for movies and sports to garner the visual quality of high definition imaging with frame rates up to 1000 per second to capture incredible detail.
With more than 8 million Kinect for Xbox 360s sold since its launch, the demand for a controller-free experience is high and Michael Phelps – Push the Limit utilizes Kinect for Xbox 360’s unique capabilities to let players go beyond the pool in one of the most realistic and intense sports simulations ever created. The entirely new gameplay mechanic lets players accurately master the action of gold medal swim strokes and learn techniques that help Michael Phelps dominate his sport. With one-hundredth of a second often the difference between winning and losing, every stroke’s importance is amplified and the room for error is razor thin.
“It is an honor for myself and everyone here at 505 to work with Michael Phelps, a truly transcendent athlete who has brought unprecedented glory to competitive swimming,” said Ian Howe, President of 505 Games. “His guidance and feedback have proven invaluable to the development process, and in-game he will mentor players in their journey from an unknown challenger to a powerful swimmer capable of beating the best in the world.”
In Career Mode, players compete in successive tournaments and travel to some of the most breathtaking locales the sport has seen. Race in progressively more challenging competitions, trekking from heated outdoor pools set against icy mountain ranges, to a Japanese dojo, to a huge, 80,000 seat outdoor arena as Phelps guides players along the way with tips and tricks of the trade. The path to glory culminates with the Annual Games tournament where players can find themselves up against the best swimmers in the world – including Michael Phelps!
505 Games also supports the Michael Phelps Foundation and its efforts to help grow the sport of swimming and encourage active lives, especially for children. For more information on Michael Phelps – Push the Limit, please visit www.michaelphelpsgame.com and be sure to follow us on Twitter #505_Games.
About 505 Games
Based in Los Angeles, CA, 505 Games (U.S.) is the North American division of 505 Games, a global videogame publisher. The U.S. operations launched in May, 2008 to bring quality interactive entertainment to North America on all game platforms including Microsoft Xbox 360®, PlayStation®2 system, PlayStation®3 system, PSP, Nintendo Wii™ and DS, as well as PC, online, and mobile. With the company’s deep experience and proven success in interactive entertainment worldwide, 505 Games is looking to drive the industry forward with innovative game experiences that integrate next generation game play, immersive stories and integrated brands that can take the business to a new level. The company offers a broad selection of videogame titles in all genres for players of all ages.
For more information on 505 Games and its products, please visit www.505games.com.
About Michael Phelps Foundation
Michael Phelps Foundation is a nonprofit organization focused on growing the sport of swimming and promoting healthy and active lives, especially for children. Established in 2008 by World Champion and Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps, the Foundation developed the program in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, KidsHealth.org, and Michael Phelps Swim School, which offers children water safety courses, recreational pool activities, swim training as well as health and wellness education. In addition, the Foundation established Level Field Fund – Swimming, a grant giving program that strives to bridge gaps in funding for uniquely talented swimmers whose opportunity to pursue excellence in the sport would otherwise be limited by their financial situation. For more information, please visit www.michaelphelpsfoundation.org or www.facebook.com/michaelphelpsfoundation.
About Blitz Games
Blitz Games is dedicated to creating engaging, mass-market, boxed console titles for all ages and across all platforms. A division of Blitz Games Studios, Blitz Games staff are experts in developing games for some of the world’s highest profile brands. www.BlitzGames.com
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