Microsoft Features Its Most Impressive and Compelling PC Games Lineup to Date
LOS ANGELES, May 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Microsoft Game Studios today
announced its powerful lineup of PC games showcased at the Electronic
Entertainment Expo (E3), including such anticipated games as "Age of
Mythology(TM)," "Combat Flight Simulator 3" and "Asheron's Call(R) 2."
Bolstered by the strongest portfolio to date, Microsoft Game Studios
experienced double-digit growth and is expected to increase its overall sales
at a rate three times greater than that of the industry.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO )
These projections are driven by Microsoft Game Studios, which is committed
to partner and work with the most talented and creative game developers in the
business. Its success in forging exciting alliances was recently demonstrated
by the announcement of an anticipated agreement with Sigil Games Online Inc.,
a newly formed company founded by the co-creators of the popular role-playing
game "EverQuest." By joining forces with the best in the business, Microsoft
Game Studios is able to develop and expand talented teams while evolving and
nurturing franchises.
"We believe in the creative power of talented developers to realize their
vision and produce fantastic games," said Stuart Moulder, general manager of
Microsoft Game Studios at Microsoft Corp. "Microsoft works with the best
developers in the world to ensure that gamers will be offered the richest and
most innovative games as exemplified by titles such as 'Age of Mythology' and
'Asheron's Call 2.' We see E3 as an exciting venue for Microsoft and other
industry leaders to demonstrate the strength and diversity of PC gaming."
Continuing its momentum and adding to its current portfolio, Microsoft
today unveiled two new PC games: the critically acclaimed "RalliSport
Challenge" and "MechWarrior(R) 4: Mercenaries." These titles complement an
extensive PC games library that displays leadership across a variety of genres
and builds on legendary Microsoft(R) franchises.
"RalliSport Challenge," an arcade-style racing game, will put players in
the driver's seat for rally racing excitement this holiday season.
"MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries" is the continuation of the extremely popular
"MechWarrior" franchise and allows gamers to return to the action-packed
lifestyle of a gun for hire engaging in full-scale 'Mech warfare. The title is
expected to hit stores this fall.
Featured Games
Microsoft is highlighting the following PC games at E3:
"Age of Mythology"
"Age of Mythology," scheduled for U.S. release in the fall, transports
players to a time when heroes battled with monsters of legend, and gods
intervened in the affairs of mortals. Complete with both single-player and
multiplayer capabilities, "Age of Mythology" enables gamers to create armies,
develop civilizations over the ages, and manage economics through resource
gathering and trade. The mythological excitement begins when players call upon
the gods to act on their behalf or reinforce their armies by choosing from
among more than 25 mythological creatures. The advanced 3-D engine developed
by Ensemble Studios Inc. allows for incredible graphical detail and special
effects in this real-time strategy (RTS) game based on ancient Greek, Norse
and Egyptian mythologies.
"Asheron's Call 2"
"Asheron's Call 2," the sequel to the popular massively multiplayer online
role-playing game (MMORPG) "Asheron's Call," will advance the MMORPG genre
with the advanced Turbine Engine G2 graphics engine, providing some of the
most sophisticated graphics available on a PC. Scheduled for U.S. release this
winter, "Asheron's Call 2" features a dynamic, evolving fantasy world that
reacts to players' behavior and actions. Developed by Turbine Entertainment
Software Corp., the game includes features such as a revamped combat system
and new in-depth crafting system that gives players a chance to pursue
noncombative skills.
"Combat Flight Simulator 3"
Built with the "Flight Simulator 2002" physics engine, "Combat Flight
Simulator 3" furthers Microsoft's reputation for building the best-selling
PC-based flight simulators franchise.** Developed by Microsoft, "Combat Flight
Simulator 3" puts players in a dynamic 3-D world and features a new advanced
graphics engine designed to showcase realistic low-level terrain, ground
objects and superbly detailed aircraft during high-speed, down-and-dirty
combat missions. "Combat Flight Simulator 3" also updates the franchise with
more than 18 realistically rendered World War II aircraft with stunning 3-D
cockpits. Combat missions are created dynamically with tactical objectives
changing each time the enemy is engaged. Cooperative multiplayer action also
brings a heightened sense of excitement and challenge; a squadron's success or
failure is tallied into the new Campaign Server, making each mission an
important part of "history" in the European Theater.
"Freelancer"
Set in the outer reaches of the planetary system, "Freelancer(TM)" plunges
players into a vibrant 3-D universe filled with political intrigue, space
combat and an unknown alien menace. Slated for U.S. release in spring 2003 and
developed by Digital Anvil, the epic adventure allows players to choose the
life of a bounty hunter, trader, pirate or explorer, earning the spoils and
enemies that come with each experience. The open-ended style of gameplay gives
gamers a choice between following a linear storyline or determining how the
story will unfold. The multiplayer component enables players around the globe
with their own servers to fly missions or explore space together. An enhanced
mouse and keyboard interface simulates the realistic feel of flying a
spaceship while making the game accessible to a wide range of gamers.
"Impossible Creatures"
Set in the 1930s, "Impossible Creatures" is a 3-D RTS game that pits
players against an evil madman in a desperate campaign across a chain of
remote and diverse islands. Using Earth's most formidable animals as building
blocks, players create an army of genetically altered mutant monsters in a
struggle to protect an unsuspecting world. "Impossible Creatures" takes the
RTS genre to the next level with streamlined, fast-paced combat gameplay.
Developed by Relic Entertainment Inc., the title is scheduled for U.S. release
in early 2003.
"Links 2003"
Expanding on the best-selling golf simulator franchise of all time,**
"Links(R) 2003" continues the tradition of creating the most realistic golf
experience on the PC with improved graphics, a new real-time swing system,
six new championship courses, new tour players, high-resolution 3-D characters
and expanded online capability. PC golfers will feel as if they are truly on
the course surrounded by realistic shadows and chirping birds; gamers will
play on detailed grass, sand and water textures. Additional features include
"Links" Match Maker, an online service that enables inside-out matchmaking;
E-mail Tourney, which lets players set up tournaments via e-mail; a new
single-player career mode; and an updated 3-D course designer that gives
golfers the freedom to create their own golf course and share it online with
friends. Developed by Microsoft, "Links 2003" is scheduled to hit stores in
the United States this fall.
"MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries"
"MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries," the latest installment of the hugely popular
"MechWarrior" franchise, combines the popular gun-for-hire theme with an
advanced graphics and gameplay engine. Following the rise to power of a newly
formed Mercenary MechWarrior Company, "MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries" allows
players to affiliate with the Northwind Highlanders, Gray Death Legionnaires,
Kell Hounds or Wolf's Dragoons to experience a captivating story line that
evolves based on players' actions during the game. Features include four new
weapons, new multiplayer options and a revamped single-player campaign.
Developed by Cyberlore Studios Inc. in conjunction with Microsoft's FASA
Studio, "MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries" challenges players to decide whether to
remain a neutral party in the conflict or intentionally accept contracts that
will set them firmly against one of the great Noble Houses. Completing
missions for either side ultimately determines the fate of the players' bands
of mercenaries, leading up to a final, perilous mission.
"RalliSport Challenge"
The critically acclaimed off-road rally racing game from Xbox(TM) has made
its way to the PC. Developed by Digital Illusions C.E., "RalliSport Challenge"
offers gamers and racing fans a comprehensive, action-packed racing
experience. The game provides pulse-pounding excitement by combining four
types of rally competition into one game: Hill Climb, Traditional Rallies,
RallyCross and Ice Racing. The game challenges players to race 29 fully
licensed cars on 48 tracks on all types of terrain. Driving expertise is put
to the test as players make their way through a robust career mode with four
classes of racing to conquer: Pro, Expert, Classic and Unlimited. Points are
earned for each race, which in turn unlocks new cars and allows qualification
onto the upper race circuits. The PC version will support network play for up
to four competitors. "RalliSport Challenge" is scheduled to hit the stores in
time for the holiday season.
"Rise of Nations"
"Rise of Nations(TM)" combines the epic scope of "Civilization" with the
fast-paced action of RTS games. In "Rise of Nations," players build a city and
then improve its infrastructure, create new cities and expand national
borders. Gamers have the option to win through military might, using
everything from slingshots and cannons to stealth bombers, or they can corner
the market on key commodities as they wheel and deal with a wide variety of
civilizations. Unlike other historical RTS games, "Rise of Nations" allows
gamers to quickly play through history, from early civilization to the modern
age. This latest title from Big Huge Games Inc. founder Brian Reynolds
(designer of "Civilization 2" and "Alpha Centauri"*) is scheduled for U.S.
release in spring 2003.
"Zoo Tycoon: Dinosaur Digs"
Now on store shelves, "Zoo Tycoon(TM): Dinosaur Digs" is the latest
addition to the "Zoo Tycoon" franchise. A fun and creative expansion pack,
"Dinosaur Digs" works with the existing "Zoo Tycoon" game by enabling players
to evolve their zoos with more than 20 ferocious dinosaurs and prehistoric
beasts. The family-friendly PC game allows players to uncage their
imaginations and create the ultimate zoo -- using dinosaur-themed buildings
and attractions, new staff members and prehistoric objects such as volcanoes
and tar pits -- while six new scenarios test their zoo management skills. "Zoo
Tycoon: Dinosaur Digs" was developed by Blue Fang Games LLC.
About Microsoft Game Studios
Microsoft Game Studios is a leading worldwide publisher and developer of
games for the PC, Xbox video game system and online platforms. Comprising a
network of top developers, Microsoft Game Studios is committed to creating
innovative and diverse game portfolios for the PC
( http://www.microsoft.com/games/ ), including such franchises as "Age of
Empires(R)," "Flight Simulator" and "Zoo Tycoon"; Xbox
( http://www.xbox.com/ ), including such franchises as "Halo(TM)" "Project
Gotham Racing(TM)" and "NFL Fever"; and Zone.com ( http://zone.msn.com/ ), the
official games channel for the MSN(R) network and home to such hits as
"Bejeweled" and "Outsmart(TM)."
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in
software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business
computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed
to empower people through great software -- any time, any place and on any
device.
* Although actually designed by Brian Reynolds, the games "Civilization
II" and "Alpha Centauri" were originally marketed under the "Sid Meier" brand,
e.g., as Sid Meier's "Civilization II" and Sid Meier's "Alpha Centauri."
** NPDTechworld, August 1992-March 2002. Based on total U.S. retail sales.
The information contained in this press release relates to prereleased
software products that may be substantially modified before first commercial
release. Accordingly, the information may not accurately describe or reflect
the software products when first commercially released. The press release is
provided for informational purposes only, and Microsoft makes no warranties,
express or implied, with respect to the press release or the information
contained in it.
NOTE: Microsoft, Age of Mythology, Asheron's Call, MechWarrior,
Freelancer, Links, Xbox, Rise of Nations, Zoo Tycoon, Age of Empires, Halo,
Project Gotham Racing, MSN and Outsmart are either registered trademarks or
trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
"CIVILIZATION" is a registered trademark of Hasbro Interactive. ALPHA
CENTAURI is a registered trademark of Firaxis Games.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the
trademarks of their respective owners.
SOURCE Microsoft Corp.
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