Press release: 1996-11-14: Acclaim Entertainment releases IRON MAN/X-O MANOWAR IN HEAVY METAL

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: Acclaim Nation (archived)

Marvel and Acclaim Heroes Clash in First-Ever Video Game-Comic Book Crossover

GLEN COVE, N.Y., November 14, 1996 -- Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ:AKLM), a leading worldwide interactive entertainment company, today announced the release of its Iron Man/X-O Manowar In Heavy Metal video game, available now on the Sega Saturn(tm), Nintendo Game Boy® and Sega Game Gear(tm) platforms with the PC CD-ROM and Sony PlayStation(tm) versions available for the holiday season. The title, featuring Marvel Comics' Iron Man and Acclaim Comics' X-O Manowar, marks the first time that a comic book crossover, or clash between two icons from different companies, has been brought to the interactive entertainment marketplace.

"Iron Man/X-O Manowar In Heavy Metal sets the pace for next-generation gaming," said Steven Lux, Acclaim vice president of marketing. "Not only is it the first video game to feature a crossover from two comic book universes, it's also the interactive debut of Acclaim Comics' characters. This breakthrough storyline, combined with our proprietary motion capture technology and graphics, ensures the games appeal to both video game fans and comic book fans alike."

"Iron Man/X-O Manowar in Heavy Metal is yet another excellent game in a long line of Acclaim/Marvel products," said Justin McCormack, executive vice president, consumer products of Marvel Characters, Inc. "This will be an instant hit with comic fans and gamers alike!"

Head-to-Head Heavy Metal Action


Starring Marvel Comics' Iron Man and Acclaim Comics' X-O Manowar, the video game features Acclaim's advanced motion capture technology, SGI 3-D rendered graphics and more than 30 action-packed stages of game play. In Acclaim's Iron Man/X-O Manowar In Heavy Metal, gamers assume the role of either Iron Man or X-O Manowar as they battle against the evil forces of the Marvel and Acclaim comic book Super-Villains, including Baron Zemo and Mistress Crescendo, who have joined forces to resurrect the most powerful object ever created- the Cosmic Cube.

Acclaim's Iron Man/X-O Manowar In Heavy Metal offers an exciting array of game play features, including:

- Appearances by Marvel Comics' masters of evil featuring: Yellow Jacket, Absorbing , Melter, Titania, Goliath, Mr. Hyde, Arnim Zola, Blackout and Baron Zemo; as well as Acclaim Comics' Mistress Cresendo, Crescendo's Vizier, General Krytos, Dromak Gladiator, Armorines and Spider Aliens;

- Realistic character movements as a result of Acclaim's advanced motion capture technology;

- Object scaling and rotation techniques, yielding incredibly realistic visual depth;

- Variable lighting effects, which set the tone for each battle sequence;

- Iron Man and X-O Manowar trademark weapons and powers;

- Action-packed fighting, shooting and flying game play;

- Intuitive game controls that provide reactive player involvement;

- Artificial intelligence that increases the level of difficulty as the game progresses, providing the ultimate game play challenge.


In addition, Acclaim Comics and Marvel Comics each published an Iron Man/X-O Manowar comic book, which proved to be immediate sellouts and included numerous game play hints and tips. Fabian Nicieza, Acclaim Comics editor-in-chief, wrote both books to ensure a high-quality, consistent storyline.
Iron Man/X-O Manowar requires a 486 DX2/66 MHZ PC, 8MB of RAM, 2MB Hard Disc space, double speed CD-ROM drive, 1MB VESA-compatible SVGA graphics card, game pad, and a recommended 100% Sound Blaster compatible sound card.

Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. (NYSE:MRV) is a diversified entertainment company with an extensive library of internationally celebrated properties, including Spider-Man, X-Men, and the Incredible Hulk. Other operations of Marvel include Fleer/Skybox, leading marketers of sports and entertainment trading cards; Panini, marketers of children's activity stickers; and Toy Biz, an innovative toy producer. The No. 1 comic book company in the world. Marvel has attracted licensees in categories ranging from toys, games and sporting goods to apparel, home products and interactive media. Spider-Man and the X-Men are stars of their own top-rated television shows on Fox Children's Network, and the Incredible Hulk animated series premiered this fall on UPN. IRONMAN and all other Marvel characters: TM & © 1996 Marvel Characters, Inc. All rights reserved.

Acclaim Entertainment, Inc., a leading worldwide publisher of software for Nintendo, Sega, Sony and personal computer and CD-ROM hardware systems, also publishes comic books under a variety of imprints. In addition, Acclaim develops coin-operated arcade and ticket-redemption games; operates motion capture studios; and, through A.D.I., globally sells and distributes products from a variety of entertainment software publishers including Ocean, Interplay, Marvel, Pulse Entertainment and Take 2. Acclaim also has a joint venture with Tele-Communications, Inc. for electronically distributed interactive entertainment.