Press release: 1999-05-25: Acclaim's TrickStyle Soars To Stores This Fall

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

GLEN COVE, N.Y.--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--May 25, 1999--

High-Speed Stunt-Based Racing Game to be Among

Acclaim's First Releases for Sega Dreamcast

Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ:AKLM), a leading worldwide interactive entertainment company, today announced TrickStyle, a new hover-board racing game for Sega Dreamcast(TM) and PC. TrickStyle is scheduled to be on store shelves in time for the hardware system's launch. The graphically astounding game takes the genre to a new level by making tricks an integral part of the racing experience.

"TrickStyle is a perfect showcase for the advanced capabilities of the Sega Dreamcast gaming system," said Greg Fischbach, co-chairman, CEO and president of Acclaim Entertainment. "Embracing new technologies and leading the transition to new gaming platforms with high-quality brands is part of Acclaim's overall corporate strategy."

Unlike traditional racing games, TrickStyle's gameplay is based on the use of dozens of stunts in order to win the game - in both single-player and multi-player modes. Performing stunts allows gamers to speed up, access shortcuts and slow opponents down while racing on futuristic hover boards. In addition to a huge velodrome - a skate park designed just for air surfers - gamers can race through gorgeous futuristic renditions of cities like Tokyo, New York City and London. Each city is recognizable by its famous landmarks, and boasts unique challenges, such as avoiding traffic and pedestrians in bustling Manhattan. In addition, TrickStyle uses a node-based racing system, which allows gamers to create their own paths through the cities.

TrickStyle is being developed by UK-based Criterion Studios, known for its arcade-quality PC racing game RedLine Racer and its underwater strategy/adventure game, SubCulture. "We're very excited to be working with Acclaim on a top-quality Sega Dreamcast title," said Mike King, marketing director at Criterion Studios. "We're confident that TrickStyle will be a key title for the Sega Dreamcast system because of its stunning graphics and innovative gameplay."

TrickStyle utilizes technologies like texture compression and real time physics calculations, taking full advantage of Sega Dreamcast's advanced system features. These elements work to enhance TrickStyle's realism and intense gameplay. The game also uses Sega Dreamcast's Visual Memory System (VMS), allowing gamers to play mini-games themed around the hover boards available in the game. By completing different VMS challenges, such as stunts on a half-pipe, gamers can upgrade their hover boards to those better suited for certain courses. The newly-rewarded hover boards can be uploaded from the VMS mini-games to Sega Dreamcast.

TrickStyle will be supported with a comprehensive marketing campaign and a dedicated web site at Acclaim.Net. TrickStyle will be released for the PC with the Dreamcast version this Fall. The PC version will support multi-player gameplay for at least eight players via a local area network and the Internet. Additional information on TrickStyle is available at www.acclaim.net/games/TrickStyle.

Criterion Studios Background Information

Criterion Studios is a leading developer of interactive entertainment software, distinguished by its world-leading expertise in 3D technology. Headquartered in Guildford, England, the talented team at Criterion has created such groundbreaking titles as SubCulture, an innovative underwater action adventure, and Redline Racer, the first arcade-quality racing game for the PC. Please visit the Criterion Studios' web-site at www.criterionstudios.com. For more information about Criterion's 3D technology, RenderWare, check out www.csl.com/. Criterion Studios is a division of Criterion Software, a wholly owned subsidiary of Canon Inc.

Acclaim Entertainment Background Information

Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and mass marketer of software for use with interactive entertainment platforms including Nintendo, Sony and Sega hardware systems, and PCs. Acclaim owns and operates five studios located in the United States and the United Kingdom, and publishes and distributes its software directly in North America, the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Australia. Acclaim also distributes entertainment software for other publishers worldwide, and publishes comic books and software strategy guides. Acclaim's headquarters are in Glen Cove, New York and Acclaim's common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol AKLM. For more information visit Acclaim's website at www.acclaim.net.
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