Press release: 1994-05-16: SPECTRUM HOLOBYTE INC. FEATURES NEW WORLDS OF ENTERTAINMENT AT SUMMER CES

This is an unaltered copy of a press release, for use as a primary source on Sega Retro. Please do not edit the contents below. Language: English third-party Original source: The Free Library

'Sid Meier's Colonization(TM)' from MicroProse to Debut
Booth 6717, McCormick Hall North, Chicago, Illinois
June 23 through June 25

ALAMEDA, Calif., May 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Spectrum HoloByte Inc. (Nasdaq: SBYT) and its family of companies announced plans today for presenting an exciting line-up of products, currently under development, at the Summer Consumer Electronics Show.

Explore the New World in "Colonization(TM)," MicroProse's(R) latest IBM-PC product developed by innovative software designer Sid Meier. Based on the acclaimed "Sid Meier's Civilization(R)," "Colonization" focuses on a single era in history from 1500 to 1800 -- the discovery, exploration and colonization of the New World. Players control economic, military and political growth and strive to establish independence from the mother country while competing with other imperialist countries for dominance.

"Wild Blue Yonder(TM): An Epic Adventure Through the Age of Flight": A new CD-ROM-based series on the history of aviation. "Wild Blue Yonder," to be published by Spectrum HoloByte, was developed by Digital Ranch of Burbank, Calif., whose principals are the Emmy award-winning producers of the A&E Network's "Brute Force" TV show. It is a next-generation interactive CD-ROM product, and one of the first of the new products to come out of the synergy between Silicon Valley and Hollywood. "Wild Blue Yonder" combines network-quality, live-action color aviation footage, pilot interviews, and text written by Walter J. Boyne, former director of the National Air and Space Museum. It includes stunning graphics and a soundtrack covering more than 80 years of popular music.

"1942: The Pacific Air War(TM)": A new recreation of the epic dogfighting battles in the Pacific during World War II for the IBM-PC and CD-ROM. Pilot any of 10 historically accurate American or Japanese planes -- each with authentic cockpits and flight characteristics -- on hundreds of historically based missions. Experience a realistic pilot's perspective with MicroProse's unique virtual cockpit. Gamers can even create their own adventures with the mission builder feature.

"Across the Rhine(TM): Armored Combat in Western Europe 1944-1945": Take on the role of either an American or German tank battalion commander and lead the famous armored units in combat across western Europe. Follow in the steps of the American 4th, 7th and 10th Armored Divisions or the German 11th, 116th and Panzer Lehr Panzer Divisions, or command these units in a hypothetical campaign and change the course of the war. Command more than 45 of the most accurately researched vehicles, anti-tank guns and aircraft. Gamers may sharpen those winning tactical skills in set piece battles or even create their own battalions and battles with graphic-based Battle Builder. This new simulation on the IBM-PC and CD-ROM platforms, being developed by MicroProse, features SVGA graphics and a user-defined windowing interface.

"FALCON GOLD": Spectrum HoloByte's leading combat flight simulation product line just got better. New versions of "Falcon(R) 3.0," "Operation: Fighting Tiger(TM)," "MiG-29: Deadly Adversary of Falcon 3.0(TM)," "Hornet: Naval Strike Fighter(TM)," and "Art of the Kill(TM)" will be available in a unique, attractively priced "Gold Collection" CD-ROM, releasing for DOS platforms.

"Fleet Defender(TM): The F14 Tomcat Simulation!": Now available, from MicroProse, this new combat flight simulation in IBM-PC format offers gamers the same kind of action-packed thrills associated with the F-14 -- the fighter depicted in the blockbuster movie "Top Gun." "Fleet Defender" is set in the early 1980s, when its role as a defender of U.S.- carrier operations was critical in light of increased global tensions. The game is also being developed for the IBM CD-ROM, DOS platform.

"Star Trek: The Next Generation(R) 'A Final Unity'": Under an agreement with Paramount Pictures, Spectrum HoloByte is developing "Star Trek: The Next Generation 'A Final Unity,'" based on America's number one syndicated hour-long series, for the IBM CD-ROM, DOS platform. The graphic adventure allows players to become part of the crew as the Starship Enterprise(TM) travels the galaxy in its continuing mission to explore new worlds and seek out new civilizations. In "A Final Unity," players embark on a quest for the Fifth Scroll and experience a journey far beyond imagination with the crew of the Starship Enterprise(TM).

"Iron Helix(TM) Sega CD": The award-winning "Iron Helix," developed by Drew Pictures of San Francisco, represents Spectrum HoloByte's debut to the Sega CD platform. Set in deep space in the distant future, "Iron Helix" is a photorealistic action/strategy that requires players to outwit, rather than simply outkill, a doomsday virus that threatens to set off an intergalactic holocaust. Sophisticated 3D animation and graphics punctuate a heart-pounding pace that will keep players on their toes. "Iron Helix's" short access time will debunk any claims that Sega CD games are slow.

"Ultimate Football(TM)": MicroProse's "Ultimate Football" combines a simulation of all the bone-crushing action of the National Football League(TM) with the Franchise Football League(TM) Fantasy Football program. This IBM-PC CD-ROM software is the only computer product that allows you to download the real 1994 NFL stats from the Prodigy/Franchise Football League Stat Service or from the Franchise Sports Properties Inc.'s bulletin board service.

"Joe Montana NFL Football(TM)": In an exclusive arrangement with Sega of America, Spectrum HoloByte intends to publish and market "Joe Montana NFL Football" for the IBM-compatible platform. With all 28 professional teams, logos, colors and complete rosters represented, "Joe Montana NFL Football" is a true simulation of the National Football League(TM) rules and style of play. It's the perfect game for anyone who has ever wanted to manage, coach and quarterback their own pro team.

"Michael Andretti's Indy Car Challenge": The 1991 PPG Indy Car World Series Champion, Michael Andretti, is the featured star of this 1 or 2 player Indy-style racing game. This challenging 16-track circuit features realistic play control, stunning Mode-7 graphics and an incredible soundtrack. Players have the opportunity to race against the computer or engage in two-player simultaneous action against a friend.

In addition, AVTEX Interactive Media, Spectrum HoloByte's affiliate label, will debut their children's education and entertainment products for IBM and Mac CD-ROM. AVTEX will be introducing five all-new, never before seen Big Bug Books.

NOTE: Spectrum HoloByte Inc. is a developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software for use on CD-ROM and floppy-based personal computers. The company also develops and publishes software for cartridge-based video game machines manufactured by Nintendo(TM) and Sega(TM).

-0- 5/16/94

/CONTACT: Holly Hartz, director of public relations of Spectrum HoloByte, 510-814-6336; or Paula Rebich, director of public relations of MicroProse, 410-771-6411/
 (SBYT)


CO: Spectrum HoloByte Inc.; MicroProse ST: California IN: CPR SU: PDT

TM-RB -- SF003 -- 6586 05/16/94 07:56 EDT
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