Midway’s upcoming racing/acting/shooting/explosion game, The Wheelman, looks to be a Hollywood blockbuster of Vin Diesel proportions. Whether or not it’s of The Fast and the Furious or The Pacifier proportions is yet to be determined, but I enjoyed what I played at E3 enough to defend it a bit. It's also being made by Tigon Studios, and they are known for putting out the only quality content attached to Vin Diesel. I was excited for the release this year, but it has been pushed back to 2009 and given an official February 16th release date. Woo!

But, like most 2008 delays, this isn’t that troubling. It would be hard to find time for the game in the crowded holiday season to begin with, so slipping to a calmer period isn't terrible. I liked what I saw, but asking me to stop playing Fallout 3 for a Vin Diesel game would be like trying to take food away from a rabid dog. Seriously, I just might bite.

Here's the full press release, for anyone interested:

MIDWAY CONFIRMS FEBRUARY 16, 2009, SCHEDULED AS GLOBAL SHIP DATE FOR WHEELMAN™

Action-Packed Open-World Driving Game Featuring Vin Diesel Expected To Be Available On Store Shelves by Feb. 20 In North America and Europe

Chicago - November 19, 2008 – Midway Games Inc. (NYSE: MWY), a leading interactive entertainment software publisher and developer, today announced a planned global ship date of February 16, 2009, for Wheelman™, the upcoming open-world driving game starring action-film megastar Vin Diesel as an expert driver for hire. Set in picturesque Barcelona, the game is scheduled to be available in stores everywhere by February 20, 2009, for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and personal computers.

Co-produced by Vin Diesel and created in close partnership with Diesel's video game production company Tigon Studios, Wheelman is being developed by Midway Studios - Newcastle Ltd., a Midway internal studio that has assembled an international world-class team fusing proven industry veterans with a AAA track record and future emerging talent focused on creating high quality, best-in-breed gaming experiences.

"We're designing Wheelman to play like a Hollywood blockbuster," said Vin Diesel, Wheelman star and executive producer, Tigon Studios. "Playing this game will be just like taking control of the greatest car chases from feature films, except this time you're in the driver's seat."

"Featuring Vin Diesel and set in Barcelona, Wheelman is a title with enormous sales potential," said Martin Spiess, executive vice president, international of Midway Games Ltd. "We're making a multi-million dollar marketing investment to make sure that gamers around the world are ready when Wheelman goes on sale worldwide, which we have planned for February 2009."

Midway is working closely with Vin Diesel and Tigon Studios to create an all-new property that is expected to eventually lead to a feature film, with a script that is already in development.

"This is not just another run-of-the-mill, licensed Hollywood knock-off," said Matt Booty, president and CEO, Midway. "Wheelman features revolutionary new game design mechanics like cinematic super moves and vehicular combat. Once you experience Wheelman's Vehicle Melee, you'll never want to play another driving game without it!"

Vehicle Melee allows gamers to sideswipe pursuing enemies with a simple flick of the joystick Wheelman's devastating "slam-n-ram" maneuvers can be carried out in all directions, just like you'd see in a Hollywood-style car chase.

Inspired by Hollywood's most famous action-sequences, Wheelman will deliver powerful cinematic moments throughout the game's compelling storyline.

For the most up-to-date information, screens and trailers for Wheelman, log onto www.wheelmangame.com.

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