Rugby League Sequel At Armageddon

A Kiwi-made exclusive heads the videogame lineup at this year�s Armageddon Pop Culture Expo in Wellington. Rugby League 2, developed by Sidhe Interactive, is the sequel to 2003's Stacey Jones Rugby League, which debuted in Australasian charts at number one.

Wellington-based Sidhe has spent over 12 months creating a brand new sequel for Playstation 2 and PC, packed with all new functionality and refined gameplay, graphics, controls, and competitions. Players, sponsors, and stadiums have all been updated to reflect the 2005 season.

"We were very pleased with the success of the first game" said Mario Wynands, Managing Director of Sidhe Interactive "Armageddon is a great opportunity to give the gaming public an early taste of the many improvements that have gone into the sequel."

"We're rapt to be unveiling Rugby League 2 at the show," said Bill Geradts, Armageddon Director. "It's the pick of this year's sports games and it's a local production to boot: the perfect combo for us."

"Sidhe are bringing the house with this, too, " Bill continued. "The developers will be on hand: it's a real chance for anyone interested in game development to find out about the New Zealand industry. And, of course, to let the Warriors thump the Bulldogs."

The Lineup:
The rest of Armageddon�s gaming lineup mixes overseas exclusives, the latest handheld devices, and lightsabers, with plenty of chances for gamers to show their skills.

-Tekken 5, the newest instalment of the legendary fighting series, will be available to play on PS2 for the first time in New Zealand.

-The Nintendo DS Girls will show off Nintendo's best-selling portable gaming machine.


-With Episode III just around the corner, and Ray 'Darth Maul' Park guest-starring at the Wellington show, Star Wars Lego continues the lightsaber theme in block form.

-Juiced, meanwhile, brings the noise and speed of high-octane racing to Armageddon's giant screens.

Other featured titles include the Mars Attacks-style Destroy All Humans, petrolhead Forza Motorsport, and Jade Empire, a martial arts roleplaying epic from legendary developers BioWare.

"It's the deepest lineup we've ever had at Armageddon," commented Bill Geradts, "and with the number of console units we've got lined up, everyone's going to get a go."

Gaming Tournaments:
While most of the featured titles will be playable at the show, the real head to head will be in the 4 gaming tournament areas. Players of all ages can match their skills at titles like Dragon Ball Z: Budokai and V8 Supercars 2. Competitions will be held throughout Armageddon weekend, with great Xbox and Atari prizes on offer.

"We really wanted to up the excitement level with the games, make people say 'I have to be at that show', whether they're in downtown Wellington or Invercargill," said Bill Geradts.

"When the opportunity for Rugby League 2 came up, we knew we had the anchor. Nothing beats a world-class Kiwi exclusive. Then you've got Tekken, you've got the DS, you�ve got absolutely mad stuff like Destroy All Humans�"

"Overall, and especially on the gaming side, Wellington Armageddon's looking like a monster. And the Warriors are still going to beat the Bulldogs."

Armageddon
Armageddon expo returns with a bang to the Wellington Events Centre on April 16/17th. Begin the school holidays by bringing the family to meet film and TV stars from Harry Potter, Star Wars, Star Trek and Farscape.

Meet the voices from DragonballZ, Yu-Gi-Oh and Duel Masters. Special events include Anime screenings, live wrestling, massive computer gaming areas, BMX bike jumping, comics, sci-fi and much more.

Queens Wharf event Centre - April 16/17th 2005, 9am to 6pm

Entry fees - Adult $14, Child (12 and under) $10, Family pass (2 adults and 2 child) $40

For further information on Armageddon's videogame lineup please visit www.pulpexpo.com