Xbox 360 Treats Movie Buffs This Summer

If you’re a complete movie buff who owns an Xbox 360, this summer has quite a sweet treat in store for you. With potentially awesome movies such as Shrek the Third, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, Ratatouille and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, just around the corner, Microsoft plans on cashing in by releasing games based on these movies this summer. Here’s a little about each of these games:

* “Shrek the Third” (Activision). Those who can’t get enough of “Shrek the Third” should not despair. Xbox 360 lets players experience the signature humor and outrageous adventures of the lovable hero long after the movie credits roll. Play as Shrek, Donkey, Puss In Boots, Fiona, Arthur and fellow fairy-tale heroine Sleeping Beauty to save Far Far Away from Prince Charming and his army of villains. Gamers will be challenged to rescue their pals, face off against Charming’s henchmen, gather collectibles, test their gaming skills in 20 movie-based and game-exclusive levels, and engage in various single-player and multiplayer minigames.

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Rated E10+; ERP: $49.99 (U.S.); game release date: May 15, 2007;
Movie release date: May 18, 2007

* “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” (Disney Interactive Studios). Based on both the second and third films of the blockbuster franchise,“Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” brings players deeper into the pirates’ world with a chance to play as their favorite stars: crafty Captain Jack Sparrow, swordsmith Will Turner or daring Elizabeth Swann. Gamers will relive the swashbuckling adventures of the crazed pirates and creative swordsmanship of the silver screen, and then go beyond the film to experience new locations, an extended story and a unique ending. They will also enjoy sword-assisted acrobatics, swashbuckling action and classic dueling with unique gameplay.

Rated T; ERP: $59.99 (U.S.); game release date: May 22, 2007;
Movie release date: May 25, 2007

* “Ratatouille” (THQ Inc.). Summer starts cooking with Disney/Pixar’s “Ratatouille,” the story of a young rat named Remy who dreams of becoming a great French chef, despite the obvious problem of being a rat. With this game, players can relive all the film’s most thrilling and hilarious moments. From the underground sewers to the bustling streets of Paris, they will dash, swim, glide and slide through five action-packed, visually stunning worlds filled with dangerous enemies, intense heists and perilous missions. Gamers can go head-to-head with their friends in multiplayer minigames or navigate their way through a sensational rat race that turns the culinary world of Paris upside down.

_Rated E; ERP: $49.95 (U.S.); game release date: June 26, 2007;
_Movie release date: June 29, 2007

* “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” (Electronic Arts Inc. and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment). Magic makes a colossal comeback as Harry returns for his fifth year of study at Hogwarts in the most authentic Harry Potter game to date. Players will explore the many key locations at Hogwarts in precise detail, each one a visual match to its film equivalent, while being engrossed in the thrilling adventures outlined in the rich narrative of the book. They can choose to go to class, or play Gobstones or Wizard Chess, with no prescribed way to complete the game; the choice is theirs as they experience more freedom than ever before to customize their time at Hogwarts.

_Rated E10+; ERP: $59.99 (U.S.); game release date: June 25, 2007;
_Movie release date: July 13, 2007

If that’s not enough, Microsoft (in partnership with FOX) plans on promoting the Simpsons Movie by offering fans a chance to win one of 100 limited-edition Simpson Xbox 360 Pro units through a number of special promotional events and competitions.