Publisher: THQ

Developer: Volition, Inc.

Release Date: January 17, 2005

Genre: Action

ESRB: (M) Mature

Available for: XB PS2 PC

CALABASAS HILLS, Calif., Jan. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- THQ Inc. (Nasdaq: THQI) today announced the release of the highly anticipated title The Punisher for the PlayStation(R) 2 computer entertainment system, Xbox(R) videogame system from Microsoft, and PC. The Punisher is based on Marvel's darkest antihero, a revenge-driven vigilante from the popular comic book series. Developed by THQ's Volition studio, The Punisher has shipped nationwide with a suggested retail price of $49.99 on console and $39.99 on PC.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041118/LATH093LOGO)

"Our main focus when developing The Punisher was to create an experience long-standing fans of the graphic series would appreciate, while introducing innovative game play to excite today's gamer," said Dan Cermak, vice president of product development, Volition. "With the help of the original comic creators, we have developed a hardcore game that stays true to The Punisher's roots."

What the press is saying about The Punisher:

"The Punisher game makes Grand Theft Auto look like Super Mario Kart. 5 out of 5 stars." -Maxim

"Mechanically, the interrogation system is easy to use and the array of actions that The Punisher can utilize is quite impressive." -Game Informer

"Not since Max Payne's arrival in 2001 have I seen such unabashed hard-hitting fun in a third-person shooter. The ultra controllable interrogation system brings a level of dark visceral gaming unlike any before it." -IGN

"THQ is out to show that they're not taking the license lightly and that they know where to go to get the talent necessary to please the fans out there." -Popcultureshock.com

The Punisher mobile game from THQ Wireless Inc., THQ's wireless subsidiary, is also currently available through most major carriers and for almost all data-enabled phones. While seeking revenge for their family's death in the mobile game, fans can unlock exclusive ringtones and wallpapers by reaching high scores. More Punisher mayhem and information may be found at www.thqwireless.com.

About The Punisher

Fueled by the murder of his family, Frank Castle, The Punisher, sets out on a mission to clean up the streets in one of the most gripping storylines to hit the videogame market. The ingenious writings of Punisher creators Jimmy Palmiotti and Garth Ennis combined with Volition Inc.'s visual interpretation give players an opportunity to step into the vengeful shoes of The Punisher spanning a 30-year history. A gameplay first, the innovative interrogation system allows gamers direct control over the amount of "punishment" enemies receive before releasing important information. With more than 120 unique kills, The Punisher promises to deliver hours of vigilante justice.

About Marvel Enterprises, Inc.

With a library of over 4,700 proprietary characters, Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: MVL) is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies. Marvel's operations are focused in five divisions: entertainment (Marvel Studios), licensing, toys (Toy Biz), comic book publishing and Internet/New Media. Marvel facilitates the creation of entertainment projects, including feature films, television, home video and the Internet, based on its characters and also licenses its characters for use in a wide range of consumer products and services including video and computer games, apparel, collectibles, snack foods and promotions. Marvel's characters and plot lines are created by its comic book division which continues to maintain a leadership position in the U.S. and worldwide while also serving as an invaluable source of intellectual property. For additional information visit the Marvel Web site at http://www.marvel.com.

About THQ

THQ Inc. is a leading, worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software for a variety of hardware platforms including PC CD-ROM, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Nintendo and Microsoft. The THQ web site is located at www.thq.com. THQ, THQ Wireless, and their respective logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.

Volition, Inc. is a trademark and/or registered trademark of Volition, Inc.

This press release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the business of THQ Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as "THQ") and may include, but are not limited to, statements related to the release of The Punisher. Such statements are based upon management's beliefs and certain assumptions made by management and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements, including, but not limited to economic, competitive and technological factors affecting the operations, markets, products, services and pricing of THQ. Unless otherwise required by law, THQ disclaims any obligation to update its view on any such risks or uncertainties or to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements. Readers should carefully review the risk factors and the information that could materially affect THQ's financial results, described in other documents that THQ files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2004, and particularly the discussion of risk factors that may affect results of operations set forth therein. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.

For further information please contact: Tom Stratton, THQ/Media Relations, +1-818-871-8503, or Julie MacMedan, THQ/Investor Relations, +1-818-871-5095.

SOURCE
THQ Inc.

-0-

01/18/2005

/CONTACT:
Tom Stratton, THQ/Media Relations, +1-818-871-8503, or
Julie MacMedan, THQ/Investor Relations, +1-818-871-5095/

/Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041118/LATH093LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
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/Web site: http://www.thqwireless.com /
/Web site: http://www.marvel.com /
/Web site: http://www.thq.com / (THQI MVL)

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Posted: January 18, 2005