LONDON, March 17th, 2003 - Thrustmaster infiltrates Splinter Cell, the long-awaited PlayStation 2 title from Ubi Soft Entertainment, and will be releasing an official Splinter Cell gamepad and cheatcodes.

Fans of the cutting-edge spy thriller will be keen to pick up these two special weapons, both of which will be available for the game's scheduled release at the end of March 2003.

"Thrustmaster is very pleased to be teaming up with Ubi Soft Entertainment to release these two official accessories for Splinter Cell on PS2," states Jean-Michel Detoc, Thrustmaster's General Manager. "The incredible success of the Xbox and PC versions of the game and the excitement the PS2 edition is generating thus far demonstrate just how big an impact Splinter Cell is making around the world."
"With the release of these essential Thrustmaster accessories, 'Splinter Cell' wannabes everywhere - gamers, if you prefer! - now have access to the two very best tools with which to carry out their infiltration operations and succeed in their missions".

"Ubi Soft is delighted with these Thrustmaster accessories which have been manufactured to the highest quality and faithfully retain the spirit of the Splinter Cell brand," said Alain Corre, Managing Director of Ubi Soft Entertainment for Europe, Asia Pacific and South America. "There is no question that they will immerse the PlayStation 2 gamer even further into the world of Sam Fisher."

Splinter Cell analog gamepad: Sam Fisher's life is in your hands

Bearing Sam Fisher's likeness and the official Splinter Cell logo, Thrustmaster's gamepad was designed with the ultimate in realism in mind, immersing gamers in the game's haunting landscapes of shadows and light: the handles are even printed with the same textured material found in the special agent's trademark uniform! Never-seen and exclusive phosphorescent mini-sticks and buttons add to the realism for spine-tingling, stealthy action ... just like Sam Fisher!

The Splinter Cell gamepad also includes all the features and functions of a standard PlayStation 2 gamepad.

Official Splinter Cell cheatcodes: infiltrate the game!

Special operations agents rely on intelligence information to achieve their difficult tasks. Now, with Thrustmaster's official cheatcodes for Splinter Cell on Playstation 2, gamers have the inside edge they need to allow them to become the very best agents on the planet.

Using the cheatcodes, players can access all areas of the game and obtain all of the most advanced gear for their character. Special features like the ability to disable cameras and use all weapons with maximum firepower and unlimited ammo access provide a wealth of options for highly-customisable gameplay.

This selection of cheatcodes has been developed in collaboration with Ubi Soft and is powered by Cheatcode S technology for a Splinter Cell experience like no other.

Splinter Cell PlayStation 2 storyline :

You are Sam Fisher. A lone shadow-operative in a world where lost seconds can allow terrorist plans to become deadly reality. You operate in the heart of hostile territory. Sent to execute desperate missions, you're the last resort of your government. Should you be captured or killed, all knowledge of your existence will be denied. You are a Splinter Cell.
When two CIA agents mysteriously vanish in the former Soviet republic of Georgia, the NSA's secret sub agency, Third Echelon, deploys Sam Fisher-its most capable splinter cell operative-to recover them. Fisher soon uncovers a deeper conspiracy: a plot that threatens to destabilize the world order and spark nuclear conflict.

For further information about the game please go the official website at http://www.splintercell.com

Availability
The official Splinter Cell gamepad and cheatcodes selection will be released in Europe at the end of March 2003, at the same time as the Splinter Cell game for PlayStation2. Both accessories will be available at a suggested retail price of EUR17.99.

About Thrustmaster
Founded in 1992, Thrustmaster has earned a strong reputation for designing and developing the ultimate in flight and motor sports simulation accessories. Thrustmaster's technological and marketing expertise provides PC and console gamers with a complete range innovative, perfectly-adapted accessories, including peripheral devices developed under official Xbox(tm) license.

Licensing agreements with prestigious brands such as Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets(tm), Ferrari®, NASCAR®, Top Gun(tm), 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan(tm) and close collaboration with the US Air Force fortify Thrustmaster's commitment to quality, excellence and industry-leading innovation. These act as Thrustmaster's guiding force in its quest to provide the very best to the international gaming community. Thrustmaster has been a division of Guillemot Corporation since 1999.

Guillemot Corporation designs and manufactures a complete range of PC hardware products and PC and gaming console accessories under the Hercules and Thrustmaster brand names. With an active presence in 17 countries, the group currently distributes its products throughout 45 countries worldwide. The Group's mission is to provide innovative, high-quality products which increase the sensations and pleasure gamers derive from their games. Guillemot Corporation is listed on the Paris Stock Exchange, Sicovam code 6672.