More Than One Million Heroes Created in Acclaimed MMO, Champions Online(TM)

- Atari and Cryptic Studios' Ultimate Superhero Universe, Champions Online,
Garners High Accolades -

NEW YORK, Oct. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Atari, Inc., one of the world's most
recognized videogame publishers, and Cryptic Studios, creators of the
acclaimed City of Heroes and City of Villains are pleased to announce that
more than one million characters have been created in their ultimate superhero
universe, Champions Online(TM). Additionally, the title has garnered numerous
high accolades and acclaim. Available on PC and based on the award winning
pen-and-paper role-playing game, Champions, from HERO Games and powered by the
groundbreaking Cryptic Engine, Champions Online taps into a rich universe of
heroes and villains with unparalleled intrigue and adventure. Gamers
everywhere will be able to enjoy a free trail of Champions Online between
October 30 and November 2, coinciding with the recently announced Blood Moon
Halloween Event.

To date, some of the most notable critics within the gaming industry have
praised the game, stating:

-- "First, tremendous credit goes to the robust character creation
tools...Champions Online delivers some fantastic instanced content and
some fun public quests." - IGN

-- "Champions Online makes you feel like a hero, and its intensely robust
superhero creation tool ensures that you can stand out in a sea of
other
online prima donnas clad in skintight spandex and hardy power armor."
-
GameSpot

-- "Champions Online is a colorful, action-packed title with the finest
character creation system yet seen in an online RPG." - G4

-- "Champions Online is an unusual game....it quickly grows on you, and
becomes surprisingly endearing." - Games Radar

-- "Champions Online is one of the best MMO releases in years that will
wow
you with its character creator." - GameZone

-- "One major bright spot the game has to offer is the Nemesis system,
which is a feature that truly sets Champions Online apart from all
other
MMO's." - Big Download

Cryptic Studios, already a leading developer and publisher of massively
multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), has taken the genre to new
heights with Champions Online's fastpaced, "real-time" action combat and the
power of total customization. Through Champions' unique character
customization tool the player can create and individualize every component of
their hero: name, back story, costume, powers and abilities can all be
modified in countless ways. In addition to allowing players to transform into
the ultimate hero, gamers can craft an enemy of the extreme opposite, concoct
a villainous history for their ultimate foe and guarantee themselves a truly
unique experience.

"We are very pleased with the wonderful praise Champions Online is receiving,"
said Jim Wilson, CEO, Atari, Inc. "We credit the great MMO fan base and look
forward to seeing what players create as the game continues to grow and
develop. We are working hard on new content and updates that will expand the
universe and give Champions fans more to explore."

Champions Online brings epic heroism back to the MMORPG genre with depth that
will certainly challenge the most experienced online gamers, while its fast
paced action promises to engage new entrants to the online superhero universe
Enter a world where the diabolical genius Dr. Destroyer has returned to wreak
havoc. After he single-handedly destroyed the city of Detroit, many thought he
had perished in the colossal explosion, but he is back to inflict his evil
plans on the unsuspecting world. Join with Defender and the legendary
Champions to stop Dr. Destroyer and his minions in an ultimate showdown of
good versus evil.

About Cryptic Studios
Based in Los Gatos, CA, Cryptic Studios is a leading developer of massively
multiplayer online games committed to delivering the next level of MMO
gameplay. Cryptic develops AAA titles for PC and consoles, including Star Trek
Online and Champions Online. For more information on Cryptic Studios, please
visit the official website at: www.crypticstudios.com. Cryptic word mark and
logo are trademarks owned by Cryptic Studios, Inc.

About Atari, SA
Atari group is a global creator, producer and publisher of interactive
entertainment for interactive game platforms that include PC, online, consoles
from Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony and advanced smart phones (i.e. iPhone).
Divisions of Atari, SA include Cryptic Studios, Atari London Studio, Eden
Studios, Atari Interactive, Inc. and Atari, Inc.

Atari benefits from its global brand and an extensive catalogue of popular
games based on classic owned game franchises (Asteroids, Centipede, Missile
Command, Lunar Lander), original owned franchises (Test Drive, Backyard
Sports, Deer Hunter), MMO games from Cryptic Studios (Star Trek Online,
Champions Online) and third party franchises (Ghostbusters, Dungeons and
Dragons).

For more information please visit www.atari.com
© 2009 Atari Europe SASU. All rights reserved.
Atari word mark and logo are trademarks owned by Atari Interactive, Inc.

SOURCE Atari, Inc.

Alissa Bell, Atari, +1-212-726-4217, alissa.bell@atari.com; or Debra Duffy,
Dan KloresCommunications, +1-212-981-5219, debra_duffy@dkcnews.com