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Walmart Prepares Gamers to 'Talk Tough' and Get Ready for Madden NFL 10

BENTONVILLE, Ark., Aug. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- As sports fans and gamers eagerly await the Aug. 14 arrival of Madden NFL 10, Walmart (NYSE: WMT) is preparing for what is always one of the biggest video game releases of the year. This week, the retailer is prepping more than 2,500 24-hour stores for a 12:01 am Aug. 14 midnight release of the game. In addition, the retailer is adding celebrity advice on its web site for how to challenge opponents, introducing special offers, and even rolling back the price of flower bouquets to help guys smooth things over with their loved ones once "Madden madness" strikes.

To celebrate the game's release, Walmart is adding an extra level of fun, with new elements and tips for gamers getting ready for Madden NFL 10:

Game Tip #1: Learn a little "Turf Talk" from the Pros

Walmart's dedicated micro site www.Walmart.com/madden is committed to providing gamers with a "home field advantage" with inspiration from current and former NFL players and celebrities. Hosted by actor-comedian Chris Marrs from Walmart's TV ad campaign, the exclusive film clip is only viewable online to give fans a few additional "turf talking" vignettes and tips from the players, with quick wit and counsel to "psyching out" your opponent. The vignettes are inspired by the extended version of the Madden ad only available online. The retailer's TV advertising for Madden NFL 10 begins today.

Game Tip #2: Look Sharp and Play Smart

Recognizing that extreme Madden fans often indulge in days of prolonged gaming sprees - possibly to the dismay of their loved ones - Walmart has partnered with Gillette and Electronic Arts to keep guys looking sharp with an incentive. A limited edition Gillette Fusion NFL razor will be available only at Walmart in a featured store area, complete with a custom handle of favorite team logos and a code to download a Mini Madden Strategy Guide.

Game Tip #3: Stay out of the "Doghouse" with a Dozen Roses

With thousands of men likely to be glued to the game after Friday, Walmart is rolling back the price of a dozen roses to $8 and making them easily available in the Electronics department, so guys, who may need some early forgiveness, can remember their gals who don't want to feel "left out." An easy to send and thoughtful "early apology email" is also available at Walmart.com/madden.

Game Tip #4: Get it Fast and Don't Spend More. (Get a Bonus $10 eGift Card)

Don't wait for your friends to get ahead on their plays. The game will be available at 12:01 am August 14 at all 24-hour Walmart stores. For those who can't make it to the store, pre-orders can be made at Walmart.com/madden, where a bonus $10 Walmart.com eGift Card will be included with each order while supplies last.

About Madden NFL 10

Madden NFL 10, for Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3, allows players to experience first-hand what it's like to fight for every yard. With the all-new Pro-Tak(TM) animation technology, players have more control over the outcome of each play. Whether driving a receiver towards the first down, or battling for a fumble at the bottom of a pile, the play won't end until the whistle blows. Add to that the most immersive broadcast presentation and online innovation to date and Madden NFL 10 captures the authenticity and emotion of the NFL like never before. On the Wii, Madden NFL 10 arrives with breath-taking visuals that will captivate both seasoned veterans and newcomers to the franchise. Completely redesigned and built from the ground up, Madden NFL 10 introduces a unique art style that defines the look of sports games on the Wii.

Madden NFL 10 will be available for the Xbox 360(R) video game system from Microsoft, PlayStation(R)2 and PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment systems, Wii(TM), PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) handheld entertainment system and is rated E by the ESRB.

About Walmart

Every week, millions of customers visit Walmart stores, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam's Club locations across America or log on to its online store at www.walmart.com. The company and its Foundation are committed to a philosophy of giving back locally. Walmart (NYSE: WMT) is proud to support the causes that are important to customers and associates right in their own neighborhoods, and last year gave more than $378 million to local communities in the United States. More information about Walmart can be found by visiting www.walmartstores.com .

SOURCE Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.