Press release: 1997-01-29: Formula Karts to launch simultaneously on Sega Saturn and PC CD-ROM

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 Original source: Sega Europe (archived)

29th January 1997: Sega Europe Ltd and Manic Media Productions Ltd announce that Formula Karts will be published by Sega for the 32-bit Saturn console and under the Sega PC brand for the Pentium PC platform - simultaneously in June - three months ahead of any other format.

Formula Karts is a stunning 3D racing simulation featuring 8 polygon tracks, polygon karts with motion-sampled driver animation, realistic kart handling and eight tracks with a variety of road surfaces and corners to test even the most experienced drivers.

Other features include single race and championship options, three skill levels and advanced AI to ensure that computer controlled drivers feature unique driving styles and capabilities.

The game will appeal to players of all ages and karting enthusiasts.

The game was created by leading British developer Manic Media Ltd - the same team that produced the top-selling PC CD-Rom titles, Super Karts and its sequel, Manic Karts. Formula Karts will be the company's first game to be developed for any home videogame platform.

"Formula Karts incorporates the highest production values and benefits from our wealth of experience at producing the best kart racing games in the business," comments Jon Stuart, Chief Executive Officer, Manic Media.

"The game is a stunning all-action racer which will thrill Sega Saturn and Pentium PC gamers," comments Paul McCraken, Development Director, Manic Media. "Gameplay is exceptional - whatever level you compete on you're sure to have a stunning wheel-to-wheel race."

"We're delighted to be associated with this well-respected developer," comments Andy Mee, Sega's European Marketing Director, "and confident that Formula Karts will be a huge success. Saturn owners have another top-class exclusive game."

Multiplayer and Online Options - For PC CD-ROM the title will offer Windows 95 functionality with a recommended minimum specification of Pentium P90. The game can be played by up to 8 people over an IPX or 'wireplay' network and two people over a modem or direct link.

Circuits - There are eight outdoor circuits to race on featuring height changes, jumps, bridges and tunnels. One circuit even features a figure of eight. There's also different driving surfaces such as tarmac, concrete, grass, mud and ice!

Gameplay - The game is designed to be playable as a quick blast or an extended racing game. Modes are 'Championship', 'Single Race' or 'Arcade'.

Skill levels - The options are 'Easy' (up to 70 mph), 'Medium' (up to 100mph) and 'Hard' (up to 130mph) which are based on engine sizes of the kart and the AI of the other drivers.

Formula Karts - Features Summary

    Perspective corrected 3D Graphics Engine
    8-bit, 16-bit and 32-bit graphics modes on PC
    8 polygon tracks
    Wide variety of road surfaces with different characteristics
    Single Race, Arcade and Championship options
    Three skill levels
    Accurately modelled kart dynamics
    Advanced AI means computer controlled drivers feature unique driving styles
    Polygon karts with motion sampled driver animation
    8 different teams
    Support for 8-player IPX/wireplay network
    Support for 2-player link play
    Direct support for Thrustmaster T1/T2 

Note to editor

    Manic Media Productions Ltd is an interactive entertainment development company based in Oxfordshire. It was founded in 1994 by Jon Stuart and Paul McCraken and has produced two top-selling PC CD-Rom tiles, Super Karts and its sequel, Manic Karts.
    Sega Europe Ltd is part of a $3.6 billion global company, recognised as the industry leader in interactive digital entertainment media. Sega is the only company that offers interactive entertainment experiences both inside and outside the home.
    Worldwide sales of the 32-bit Sega Saturn console have now reached 7.2 million units. Software sales are running at a ratio of 4:1. There are over 200 Saturn games available.
    Sega PC was launched in 1996. It has already enjoyed considerable success, with particularly buoyant sales in the key European markets of the UK and Germany.

Further information: [email protected]
Nelson Bostock Communications