Atari, Inc. announced today that Test Drive: Eve of Destruction has shipped to retailers throughout North America and is available for the Xbox video game system from Microsoft and PlayStation2 computer entertainment system.

"Test Drive is a world recognized brand in the racing genre featuring some of today's hottest music and Atari is proud to release the exciting next chapter, Test Drive: Eve of Destruction," said Nancy MacIntyre, Vice President of Marketing for Atari's Beverly Studios. "This over-the-top racing game allows players to break the rules and race how they want to race - wide open, peddle to the floor, putting all challengers on their bumpers."

"We are thrilled to work with Atari on Test Drive: Eve of Destruction," said Carmen Liu, Senior Director, Strategic Marketing & Development, The Island Def Jam Music Group. "Video games are a great place to introduce a wider audience to developing artists like Autopilot Off, Thrice, and Thursday and at the same time gives platinum acts like Sum 41 and Hoobastank a valuable outlet for their music outside of radio." Since its unveiling, gaming media have been raving about Test Drive: Eve of Destruction:

"Test Drive: Eve of Destruction delivers more fender annihilation than you can imagine." 4.5 out of 5 review score - GamePro Magazine, October issue

"This game has arcade-style madness written all over it." IGN.com

"We haven't seen a demolition-derby game this feature packed and fun since the original Destruction Derby by Psygnosis." - Official Playstation Magazine, September issue

Video games are a great place for labels to launch up-and-coming bands and to rediscover new music by favorite artists. Featured on the Test Drive: Eve of Destruction soundtrack will be:

Artists and Songs:

Test Drive: Eve of Destruction is the first Test Drive game to feature: vehicle damage, dirt tracks, crazy events and unorthodox vehicles like school buses, ambulances and hearses. Since its debut in 1987, the Test Drive series has sold through more than $160 million worth of product on console and PC.

Test Drive: Eve of Destruction blends the best elements of racing and demolition and is packed with 25 different events, including Demo Derby, where the last car standing wins; Gauntlet, where the player climbs behind the wheel of a hearse and tries to finish a set number of laps while the rest of the field attempts to stop him; Trailer Race, a new brand of racing event, where the player competes while towing various types of trailers and must finish the race with something resembling a trailer still attached. The Xbox version of Test Drive: Eve of Destruction will support the ability to create custom soundtracks using players own music libraries.

Additionally, Test Drive: Eve of Destruction offers players a selection of more than 30 nontraditional, custom vehicles, an in-game track announcer and a split-screen multiplayer mode for up to four players.