John Travolta is everywhere man, there is no escape! (From Deus Ex)

Sierra announced that it has accepted corporate branding once again. This time you'll find three roller coasters from the Hersheypark amusement park in their upcoming 3-D Ultra Pinball: Thrill Ride game. The coasters include caloric and caffeinated fan-favorites like The Great Bear, The Wildcat and the Lightning Racer. Additionally, Hershey Product placement, such as concessions, will be rampant all over the main pinball table.

Sierra gets to participate in Hershey's massive back-to-school promotion in exchange. Purchase three bags of candy and get a coupon for a free demo CD and a coupon for $5 toward any of Sierra's fine products.

Ted Mandelkorn, director of partner promotions for Havas Interactive, added the following load of dung: "The consumer promotion offers Hershey's customers a chance to play a product before it even hits retail shelves. This is truly an exclusive experience. And, this is what true 'partnership' is all about: both sides leveraging their respective strengths in compelling and creative ways for the benefit of both parties and more importantly, the customer."

What's missing here is the "benefit" to game consumers. We get to look at Hershey branding in the pinball game but that appears to be it. It won't lower the game's price, and it won't increase the game's fun. Will it at least come with a free Hershey bar? I doubt it.