In a move that will no doubt surprise many, Vivendi are to release a new Incredible Hulk game in the summer of next year.

This is most astonishing, given that the previous Incredible Hulk game -based on the critically panned movie, quickly fell into bargain bins around the world.

However, there is some good news, Vivendi have handed over development of the title to Radical Games -the near-invincible creators of "Finest Simpsons Game Of All Time" The Simpsons Hit and Run.

With the turnaround in quality of "Hit and Run" from the previous games, it would be uncanny if they could perform another fantastic marvel on the jaded brand.

Read on for the full press release:

LOS ANGELES (December 17, 2004) � Vivendi Universal Games (VU Games) today announced the development of The Incredible HulkTM for the PlayStation�2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox� video game system from Microsoft and Nintendo GameCubeTM. Developed by Radical Games, creators of the critically-acclaimed The Simpsons: Hit & RunTM, the new action/adventure game will feature the ultimate in destructible environments, an awesome Hulk-powered ability to weaponize any object and a massive free-roaming, fully interactive world.

"Our collaboration with Marvel on The Incredible Hulk will give gamers the opportunity to play as one of the most powerful and exciting characters to ever exist," said Michael Pole, EVP, Worldwide Studios, VU Games. "The Incredible Hulk will deliver unlimited power and freedom immersed in an authentic world that will engage Hulk fans and core gamers."

"We are very excited to have Radical developing this new Hulk title, continuing another blockbuster Marvel game franchise," said Ames Kirshen, Director Of Video Game Development at Marvel Enterprises. "Vivendi Universal Games and Radical are creating an interactive world where the player will have all of the freedoms and larger than life abilities of the Hulk in enormous and interactive 'sandbox' environments which really capture the essence of the character."

In The Incredible Hulk, players can jump anywhere, climb anything and smash everything -- even destroy entire buildings -- as the Hulk, the strongest hero there is! Gamers will create their own Hulk-powered weapons from anything they can rip out of the environment, unlock new moves to battle huge enemies in epic boss fights and experience deep and varied game elements by exploring free-roaming non-mission and side mission gameplay.

Based on The Incredible Hulk character franchise from Marvel Enterprises, this action-packed game is brought to life through a compelling storyline written by Eisner Award-winning comic book writer Paul Jenkins (Hulk, Spider-Man) and high-quality original art created by signature comic artist Bryan Hitch (The Ultimates), providing an unprecedented integration with The Incredible Hulk universe.

The Incredible Hulk will be available at retail in Summer 2005.

We have to admit, fully destuctable environments sound interesting, plus with the talented Bryan Hitch on board, it should at least be novel graphically.

We'll give you more information on the new title as it breaks, just try and keep the green-eyed monster under a tight banner until then...