Set Up. Locked Up.

Get Out. Get Even. New York City, 1978. You were the fastest wheelman on the street. You were a legend. You were money. Until they set you up and sent you down. Twenty eight years inside for someone else's crime. Now you're getting out. Guess what? You've got a new job...

...It's called revenge.

Source:

Magazine Ad

ATARI'S 'DRIVER' FRANCHISE SET TO BREAK NEW GROUND IN 2006

**- Genre-defining brand will return to its roots with 'Driver: Parallel Lines'-

LONDON, UK – 17 May 2005** – The video game franchise that defines the action-driving genre and is the standard for interactive Hollywood car chases is back as Atari today announced that Driver: Parallel Lines, the next game in the Driver series, is currently in development by its award-winning studio, Reflections Interactive.

The Driver brand is a global phenomenon that has achieved sales in excess of 11 million units worldwide. Driver: Parallel Lines is scheduled to ship in early 2006 for play on the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft, and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and personal computer.

"The approach, style and gameplay of the original Driver game spawned a multi-million selling global video game franchise that set the pace for the action driving genre explosion of recent times, " said Cyril Voiron, Marketing Director, Atari Europe. "For the return of the franchise that started it all, we are focusing on the key qualities that attract millions of fans to the Driver brand and make it the success that it is."

Without yet revealing details, the brand will return to its game play roots with a highly sophisticated, adrenaline-pumping car chase AI and unprecedented vehicle dynamics and physics. Driver: Parallel Lines is set in a photorealistic interpretation of New York City, features a seamless open mission structure integrated around a central storyline, and will be one of the first games of the genre to incorporate online play for console versions.

Information about Atari's current product line can be found at www.atari.com.

Source:

Press release (17th May 2005)

Atari Heats Up The Streets With Details On Driver: Parallel Lines

**Premiere Hollywood-Style Action-Driving Franchise to Feature Dual Eras and Revenge Tale

NEW YORK, Dec. 22**: Atari, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATAR) today revealed further details on the storyline behind Driver: Parallel Lines, the upcoming Hollywood-style action driving game. Driver: Parallel Lines is the next installment of Atari's legendary action driving franchise.

Currently in development by award-winning studio Reflections Interactive, Driver: Parallel Lines is set for release this Spring for PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and the Xbox® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Driver: Parallel Lines offers an open, fast-paced driving action-movie experience and features an unfolding storyline of double crossing and revenge.

"While returning to its roots with adrenaline-pumping Hollywood-style car chases and unprecedented vehicle dynamics and physics, Driver: Parallel Lines will offer fans a whole new intriguing storyline that is full of twists and surprises," said Gareth Edmondson, Studio Manager, Reflections Interactive.

The first half of Driver: Parallel Lines is set in New York City during the 1970s and centers on TK, an 18 year-old driving prodigy seeking fortune and fame. Gifted, popular and arrogant as hell, TK is one of the best drivers-for-hire in town and is known by everyone - from the pimped-out street hustlers, petty criminals, and racer boys to the shadowy crime figures that pay for his skills at the wheel.

TK gets involved with a scheming group bent on taking down one of the biggest names in the underground crime scene. With TK as the getaway driver and the crew as back up, nothing could possibly go wrong. However, in a matter of moments, TK's life dramatically changes. No longer is he a free-wheeling hotshot. Instead he has been double crossed and ultimately is imprisoned for 28 years.

Fast forward to 2006 where the action kicks back in, and TK is older, meaner, and hell bent on settling some serious scores. TK needs to call on every driving trick in his considerable repertoire to tame the over-powered road machines that 2006 presents him. After twenty-plus years in jail, it's time to hit the streets once again.

Driver: Parallel Lines tempts gamers to modify and juice up cars while engaging in the most thrilling Hollywood-style car chases ever. Driver: Parallel Lines provides a free roaming, stylized New York City. With over 35 diverse missions that load without wait times, incredibly realistic driving physics, and a brand new story, Driver: Parallel Lines will be a must-have title for action driving fans.

Source:

Press release (22nd December 2005)

Driver®: Parallel Lines

Platform: Xbox™ & PS2®

Release Date: March 2006

Developer: Reflections Interactive

Publisher: Atari

Genre: Action Driving

Rating: TBC

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:

Driver®: Parallel Lines is the next instalment of Atari's legendary action driving game franchise. It's the only game that offers an open, fast-paced driving action-movie experience and features an unfolding storyline of double crossing and revenge.

The first half of Driver: Parallel Lines is set in a photorealistic interpretation of New York City during the 1970's as players take on the role of TK, a notorious 18 year-old who, free from conscience and rules, is the most sought after driver-for-hire in town.

TK gets involved with a scheming group bent on taking down one of the biggest names in the underground crime scene. As the getaway driver, TK gets double crossed and is imprisoned for 28 years.

Fast forward to 2006 and TK is older, meaner, and hell bent on settling some serious scores. He needs to call on every driving trick in his considerable repertoire to tame the over-powered road machines that 2006 presents him. After twenty-plus years in jail, it's time to hit the streets once again.

Modify and juice up your cars before engaging in the most thrilling Hollywood-style car chases ever. With over 35 diverse missions, incredibly realistic driving physics, and a brand new story with an unforeseen twist, Driver: Parallel Lines is a must-have title for action driving fans.

PRODUCT FEATURES:* Driver: Parallel Lines is an entirely new story with over 35 diverse missions as well as on-the-fly mini-games such as destruction derby and cops and robbers; * Pulse-pounding, non-stop driving action with Hollywood-style car chasing experiences; * Highly intuitive character control, improved physics and an expansive arsenal of weaponry; * An incredibly detailed photo-realistic New York City 'living world' city to explore in the 1970's and 2006; * Seamless open mission structure integrated around the central storyline with no load times what-so-ever; * Incredible vehicle damage system with unprecedented detail and level of destruction; * 80 drivable vehicles including cars, bikes trucks, buses and construction equipment, each with authentic physics; features comprehensive vehicle tuning with performance and visual customization.

Source:

Fact sheet (18th January 2006)

Atari Launches Driver: Parallel Lines Official Website

**Latest Sequel in Atari's Blockbuster Driving Franchise Speeds onto the Information Super Highway

Jan 23, 2006**: Atari, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATAR) today announced the launch of the website for Driver: Parallel Lines, the upcoming Hollywood-style action driving game. Located at www.atari.com/driver, the site navigates a virtual road of high-speed car chases, riveting videos, explosive screenshots, exclusive content, and additional VIP content including music videos and music artist interviews.

The Driver brand is a global phenomenon that has achieved sales well over 10 million units worldwide across all platforms. Driver: Parallel Lines, the next installment of Atari's legendary action driving franchise, features an open, fast-paced driving action-movie experience and an unfolding storyline of double crossing and revenge. Currently in development by award-winning studio Reflections Interactive, Driver: Parallel Lines is set for release in March 2006 for PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and the Xbox® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

"The Driver: Parallel Lines web site offers gamers a first-rate opportunity to get a taste of the latest Driver experience," said Marc Metis, senior vice president, marketing, Atari Inc. "Starting with an exclusive trailer only available here, the web site will include weekly updates and information on what gamers can expect from Driver: Parallel Lines including fast-paced, action driving, a compelling storyline of revenge, and great driving music from two distinct eras."

The website also offers visitors the chance to sign up for VIP access, giving rights to exclusive trailers, music videos and interviews from recording artists featured in the game. A downloadable fansite development kit is also available for Driver enthusiasts to create their own web sites.

Driver: Parallel Lines tempts gamers to modify and juice up cars while engaging in the most thrilling Hollywood-style car chases ever. Driver: Parallel Lines provides a free roaming, stylized New York City. With over 30 diverse core missions, nearly 50 optional mini-missions, immediate loading time, incredibly realistic driving physics, and a brand new story, Driver: Parallel Lines will be a must-have title for action driving fans. For more information visit www.atari.com/driver.

Source:

Press release (23rd January 2006)

Atari Announces Pre-Order Offer for Driver: Parallel Lines

Starting today, January 30th, gamers who pre-order their copy of Driver: Parallel Lines at their local GameStop or on BestBuy.com will receive a free retro-styled Driver: Parallel Lines T-shirt. The look is retro, but the time to pre-order is now – the offer is only available while supplies last.

Drive Hard. Look Good. Pre-Order Today!

For more information on Driver: Parallel Lines and to download the fan site kit, please visit the official website at www.atari.com/driver/

Source:

Press release (30th January 2006)

Driver: Parallel Lines - A Fast Ride Needs Hot Tunes

**Premiere Hollywood-Style Action-Driving Title Features Era Defining Music From Seventies and Now, With Licensed Material and Exclusive Productions

LYON, FRANCE – 6 March 2006** – Atari today revealed details about the soundtrack to its forthcoming Hollywood-style action-driving blockbuster Driver: Parallel Lines. Alongside over 70 stunning licensed tracks which bridge the two gameplay eras with effortless cool, Atari have secured the services of a number of exceptional world-renowned artists from the worlds of hip hop, punk rock and dance to produce brand new music exclusively for Driver: Parallel Lines. The music and artists have been chosen to reflect the two distinct eras of gameplay and also the great city of New York which has contributed immeasurably to the musical wealth of the world.

Working with Nimrod Productions Ltd, one of the most established audio production companies in the video game industry, Atari has selected a number of top artists to supply new exclusive material for Driver: Parallel Lines including Public Enemy, Grandmaster Flash, Suicide, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Arthur Baker, Mylo, Paul Oakenfold, Lifesavas featuring Vernon Reid and the Audio Bullys. Interviews with some of the artists involved in Driver: Parallel Lines are available exclusively for subscribers to the official website www.atari.com/driver.

In addition to the brand new exclusives, the two eras will be underscored by a remarkable roster of licensed music, with David Bowie, Blondie, Iggy Pop, WAR, The Temptations, Funkadelic, Marvin Gaye, Parliament, and Average White Band amongst those scoring the 1978 era, and bands including The Roots, LCD Soundsystem, TV on the Radio, Kaiser Chiefs, Secret Machines, and The Dead 60's lend their visceral sounds to the New York cityscape of 2006.

"Driver: Parallel Lines gives players two eras of hard driving in one of the greatest cities on earth, and so the music had to be right. The artists who have produced tracks exclusively for the game barely need an introduction to anyone with a musical bone in their body, and to have secured their services is testament to the potency of the Driver brand," said Cyril Voiron, Marketing Director, Atari Europe. "The right in-game music can transform a gaming experience from great to unforgettable and the tracks we have picked for Driver: Parallel Lines will literally keep players in the cars just to hear what the next tune is."

"The melting pot of the New York music scene stretches across so many musical boundaries that it seems to effortlessly create an infectious mix, from obscure 70's gems to classic tracks, and important new bands to the modern day musical heroes," said Marc Canham, game soundtrack composer and music producer for Driver: Parallel Lines.

Developed by award-winning studio Reflections Interactive, Driver: Parallel Lines is the next instalment of Atari's legendary action driving franchise. Players can modify and juice up cars while engaging in the most thrilling Hollywood-style car chases ever across a free roaming, stylized New York City with over 35 diverse missions, no loading times, incredibly realistic driving physics, and a brand new story set in 1978 and 2006.

Set for release on PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and the Xbox® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Driver: Parallel Lines will be a must-have title for action driving fans. The Driver: Parallel Lines Collector's Edition will include a soundtrack CD featuring tracks written exclusively for the game from hip-hop legends Grandmaster Flash and Public Enemy alongside licensed music. Further information about the Collector's Edition will be revealed prior to launch.

For more information about Driver: Parallel Lines and to sign up for exclusive content including bi-weekly artist interviews, trailers and more, visit www.atari.com/driver. Additionally, the site features a live MP3 player where visitors can select and play tracks from the game soundtrack.

Source:

Press release (6th March 2006)

Atari's 'Driver: Parallel Lines' Goes Gold

**Next Instalment in Blockbuster Series Featuring Hollywood-Style Action-Driving is Set for March launch Across Europe

FRANCE, LYON – 8 March 2006** – Atari today announced that development on Driver: Parallel Lines, the upcoming Hollywood-style action driving game, is complete and the title is on schedule to ship to retailers across Europe in March. Driver: Parallel Lines is the fourth instalment in the blockbuster Driver franchise that has achieved sales in excess of 12 million units worldwide. Developed by award-winning studio Reflections Interactive, Driver: Parallel Lines will be available for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and Xbox® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Driver: Parallel Lines offers an open, fast-paced driving action-movie experience and features an unfolding storyline of double crossing and revenge set over two distinct decades in New York City.

"Driver: Parallel Lines returns to its original franchise roots with a very heavy focus on driving, including unmatched driving physics," said Gareth Edmondson, Studio Manager, Reflections Interactive. "With its fast-paced driving, top-notch soundtrack, and a new storyline and cast of characters, Driver: Parallel Lines will be the Hollywood-style action driving game fans have been clamouring for."

Driver: Parallel Lines places gamers in New York City during two distinct eras – the 1970s and today – and centres on TK, an 18 year-old driving prodigy seeking fortune and fame. Gifted, popular and arrogant as hell, TK is one of the best drivers-for-hire in town and is known by everyone – from the pimped-out street hustlers, petty criminals, and racer boys to the shadowy crime figures that pay for his skills at the wheel. TK gets involved with a scheming group bent on taking down one of the biggest names in the underground crime scene. However, TK gets double crossed and ultimately is imprisoned for 28 years.

Fast forward to 2006 where the action kicks back in, and TK is older, meaner, and hell bent on settling some serious scores. TK needs to call on every driving trick in his considerable repertoire to tame the over-powered road machines that 2006 presents him. After twenty-plus years in jail, it's time to hit the streets once again.

Driver: Parallel Lines boasts a diverse in-game soundtrack consisting of 80+ songs from both eras. A number of hip-hop, punk, rock and dance tracks from a varied roster of artists including Blondie, David Bowie, The Damned, Marvin Gaye, TV on the Radio, and MF Doom are included on the soundtrack. Driver: Parallel Lines also features several newly commissioned tracks from Public Enemy, Grandmaster Flash, Suicide, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Arthur Baker, Mylo, Paul Oakenfold, Lifesavas and the Audio Bullys – tracks that were created exclusively for the video game.

Driver: Parallel Lines tempts gamers to modify and juice up cars while engaging in the most thrilling Hollywood-style car chases ever. Driver: Parallel Lines provides a free roaming, stylized New York City. With over 30 diverse missions and nearly 50 mini missions that load without wait times, incredibly realistic driving physics, a brand new story and a top-notch soundtrack, Driver: Parallel Lines will be a must-have title for action driving fans.

For more information on Driver: Parallel Lines please visit www.atari.com/driver

Source:

Press release (8th March 2006)

Driver: Parallel Lines - A Huge Soundtrack For The Big City Streets

**Exclusive Tracks and Licensed Rarities From Soundtrack of Hotly Anticipated Action-Driving Title to be Released in Two Electrifying Volumes

Oxfordshire, UK – 9th March 2006** – Nimrod Productions, in association with Atari and iTunes, today revealed details of the forthcoming release of the Original Soundtrack to the Hollywood-style action-driving title, Driver: Parallel Lines. With over 80 tracks of licensed and exclusive material from the likes of Public Enemy, David Bowie, Grandmaster Flash, Suicide, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Mylo and the Audio Bullys, the soundtrack to Driver: Parallel Lines is already proving to be one of the largest and most involved music and game productions to date. Nimrod Productions can now reveal that the 1st Volume of the soundtrack of Driver: Parallel Lines is to be released exclusively to iTunes for download, available from 14th March 2006.

The soundtrack will be split into two volumes, representing the two years in which the game action is set: 2006 and 1978.

The first volume is a selection of dazzling tracks, produced exclusively for the 2006 section of the game, by legends such as Public Enemy, Grandmaster Flash, Suicide and Arthur Baker, as well as exclusives from newer acts like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Audio Bullys and Narco.

The second volume is scheduled for release later in the month and reads like a roll call of musical greats from the 70s, including classics from The Stranglers, Funkadelic and Iggy Pop to rarities from Oscar Brown Jr, King Erisson and Johnny Hammond.

Nimrod Productions have spent the last year working closely with artists and record labels to produce one of the most exciting game soundtracks around. From original conception, to composition of original material, to production, remixing and mastering of exclusive material from world-renowned artists, to licensing of tracks from the most thrilling new acts around today, Nimrod Productions have overseen the complete musical experience of Driver: Parallel Lines.

The result is a dazzling soundtrack of amazing variety and depth.

"As the composer for the original score for Driver: Parallel Lines it's been an eye opening experience working with some of the acts featured on the soundtrack – I can see why they are often referred to as the greats... it's been a fantastic project to work on as I have had the enviable role of choosing my favourite tracks from today's music scene as well as some obscure gems from the 70s. It's important for me to not only focus on the great established acts, but to also introduce gamers to new and exciting talent as that's where the future is for music."
- Marc Canham, Director, Nimrod Productions

For more information about Driver: Parallel Lines and to sign up for exclusive content including bi-weekly artist interviews, trailers and more, visit www.atari.com/driver. Additionally, the site features a live MP3 player where visitors can select and play tracks from the game soundtrack.

Source:

Press release (9th March 2006)

• Dual Time Periods – Experience New York’s gritty underworld as the most lethal wheelman for hire in the both the 70’s of the past and the modern times of today.

• Experience White Knuckle Steering – Features realistic steering and 80 cars and motorcycles including old school classics and modern day marvels.

• Replicate Real Gun Movements – Shoot, smash and steal your way through New York City’s underground using an arsenal of short and long range assault weapons.

• Fully Customizable Vehicles – Build your perfect ride with custom body work, engine upgrades, tunable suspensions, custom paints and accessories like bullet proof glass and tinted windows.

• Mini-Games and Side Missions – Earn extra cash to upgrade your vehicles by completing side missions and mini-games like Hitman, Street Racing, Motocross and Demolition Survival.

• High Speed Hollywood Action – The perfect combination for high speed driving - fast cars, open level missions with no loading time, realistic physics and destructible environments.

Source:

www.ubi.com - Wii

You were the fastest wheelman on the street. You were a legend. You were money. Until they set you up and sent you down. Twenty-eight years inside for some else's crime. Now you’re getting out. Guess what? You have a new job … it's called revenge.

If you're an action driving gamer, Driver: Parallel Lines is the only game that gives you an open, fast-paced driving action-movie experience featuring an unfolding story line of double cross and revenge set over two distinct eras of New York City.

• Action-movie experience: Go back to the roots of the Driver brand.
• Immersive environments: The game is set in two distinct time periods of a photorealistic New York City, the seventies and modern day.
• Vehicle selection: Eighty drivable, customizable vehicles including cars, bikes, and trucks are available to drive with an unmatched vehicle damage system.
• Cinematic experience: Watch an entirely new cast of characters and an unfolding storyline of double cross and revenge.
• Upgraded interface: Massive improvements have been implemented in everything from character control to A.I. to weapon selection and effects.

Source:

www.xbox.com

Действие гоночного экшена разворачивается в Нью-Йорке в двух временных пластах.

В 1978 году главный герой игры, юный гонщик, по воле судьбы оказывается вовлеченным в преступные дела одной из местных банд. Из-за коварного предательства он попадает в тюрьму, где вынужден провести 28 лет жизни.

Отбыв заключение, он возвращается на дороги Нью-Йорка, чтобы отомстить. Город, который он видит теперь из окна своего автомобиля, стал совсем другим.

В игре представлен десяток типов свободных миссий, зависящих от выбранной эпохи. Уличные и кольцевые гонки, работа таксистом и прочие развлечения перемешаны с угоном автомобилей на заказ, перегонкой авто по определенному маршруту и даже охотой за головами других водителей.

Особенности игры

• Интерактивный мир и выбор невероятных способов прохождения 32 уникальных миссий.
• Захватывающая история в духе голливудских боевиков.
• Два абсолютно разных города - Нью-Йорк’78 и Нью-Йорк’06.
• Умопомрачительные автопогони с участием более восьмидесяти средств передвижения.

Source:

games.1c.ru (Publisher's website)