New Halo Toys Unveiled at Toy Fair

CENTURY CITY, CA - (February 16, 2009) - The highly anticipated release of “Halo Wars”, the newest video game in one of the most successful entertainment franchises, is just a few weeks away.  In preparation of its release, Twentieth Century Fox Licensing & Merchandising (Fox L&M), licensing agent for Microsoft Corp., will unveil an all-new toy line-up from partners USAopoly, MEGA Brands and McFarlane Toys at Toy Fair. 

USAopoly and MEGA Brands join the “Halo” franchise for the first time as Fox L&M continues its expansion for one of the most popular video game properties in the world. Speaking to the brand’s global appeal, Michael Peikoff, Senior Vice President, U.S. Licensing for Fox L&M, commented, “‘Halo’ has become much more than a video game franchise, it’s a true entertainment franchise.  Our goal is to add value to this intellectual property by extending it with blue chip partners whose interpretation of the brand is seamless and will be embraced by the legion of fans worldwide”

Making its debut at Toy Fair for the “Halo” franchise, USAopoly will introduce the old world to the new world as it melds the “Halo Wars” storyline with the classic and best selling Hasbro branded Risk board game.  Available at retail in Spring/Summer 2009, this groundbreaking execution will combine elements of two strategy games - “Halo Wars” adversaries will engage in strategic battle for domination of Arcadia. 

MEGA Brands will develop the first-ever construction toy sets based on “Halo Wars”, available in Fall 2009.  The line is comprised of buildable playsets ranging from 65 to over 350 pieces, and features the most recognizable and iconic elements from the video game, with highly detailed vehicles, weapons and articulated micro-scale action figures for a true “build and play” experience.  Each set also includes UNSC Spartans or Flame Marines, and Covenant Elites or Grunts.  The Halo Wars Collection of licensed product offerings will be marketed under the Mega Bloks umbrella.

Following the success of the 2008 “Halo 3″ figures, McFarlane Toys extends its partnership with “Halo” with the release of new “Halo Wars” specific action figures and vehicle collections.  Available in March 2009, this set of exquisitely crafted figurines, promises to raise the bar for detail and realism in the collectible toy genre.  Friends can collect and/or trade the figures and build up an army from the battlefield.  The heroic-sized figures are 2.5-inches tall and have mobility at the waist.  Each 3-pack includes “Halo Wars” characters in different colors and poses, with weapons.

“Halo Wars” is an action strategy game based on the legendary Halo universe and created exclusively for Xbox 360.  It is slated for release in the US on March 3, 2009.  Players will be immersed in an early period of “Halo”, allowing them to experience events leading up to the story told in “Halo: Combat Evolved” for Xbox.  They will take command of UNSC armies during mankind’s first encounters with the Covenant, an alien coalition threatening to obliterate the universe.  “Halo Wars” is developed by Ensemble Studios, the team responsible for the best-selling and critically-acclaimed “Age of Empires” franchise on PC.  The “Halo” series as a whole has sold more than 25 million copies worldwide.

Pre-orders for “Halo Wars” are taking place at participating retailers nationwide now.  Fans who pre-order will receive an exclusive in-game Warthog with flame decals. The Limited Collector’s Edition is also available and includes a special in-game “Honor Guard” Wraith, a graphic novel, six Leader cards and a “Spirit of Fire” patch.  As an additional exclusive, LCE owners will get early access to the in-game “Halo 3″ Mythic Map Pack for exciting new multiplayer action.

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