Disney Interactive's First Online, Multi-Player PC Action-Adventure for Gamers, Ships Nationwide

"Disney's Atlantis: The Lost Empire - Trial By Fire," Disney Interactive's First Online, Multi-Player PC Action-Adventure for Gamers, Ships Nationwide

Single- and Multi-Player Options, Numerous Challenging Levels, Incredible 3-D Graphics and Legendary Storyline Immerse Gamers Into a First-Person Adventure Unlike Any Other

"Disney's Atlantis: The Lost Empire - Trial By Fire," a new action-adventure PC CD-ROM game from Disney Interactive, is available in retail stores nationwide starting May 15. The announcement marks Disney Interactive's first foray into the power PC-gaming market.

The immersive first-person, single- and multi-player interactive game, based on the highly anticipated summer film, "Disney's Atlantis: The Lost Empire," releasing June 15, takes gamers on a journey unlike any other with incredibly rich 3-D graphics; traps and tricks at every turn; an amazing, legendary storyline; and addictive gameplay.

This unique combination of game design, technology and the compelling nature of the Disney property is designed to intrigue power gamers for hours, as well as invite casual and even novice players to delve into the mystery of Atlantis. With the game launching one month prior to the film, players have a rare opportunity to jump into the heart of a full animated feature film before its debut.

In single-player mode, "Disney's Atlantis: The Lost Empire - Trial By Fire" follows the story of the film, as gamers join an exploration team and travel deep within the Earth's core to find the lost city of Atlantis. Using the Shepherd's Journal, an ancient book containing secrets to finding Atlantis, as their guide, players fight off the vicious water-dwelling Leviathan, fire-infested mazes, diabolical traps and formidable denizens of Atlantis, before reaching the outskirts of the city.

But the adventure doesn't end there. With their team leader's ambition and greed threatening to destroy the ancient empire, players must stop his escape through a dormant volcano, find and activate the four mystical stones of Atlantis, and save the city from a cataclysmic eruption and certain destruction.

In multi-player mode, up to 12 players per game can battle online as either a male or a female Atlantean or Trooper in 10 multi-player games, including Capture the Flag, Racing and Tournament, each of which can be replayed again and again. Players can use multiple Explorer and Atlantean vehicles to get around and protect themselves with eight different tools: the Teslator, Froster, Goozer, Bouncer, Puffer, Zoomer, Spinner and Squincher.

To support potentially millions of simultaneous online players, Disney Interactive has teamed with GameSpy Industries' GameSpy Arcade and Speakeasy.net to support an expansive simultaneous online gaming infrastructure. Players without Internet access can easily sign up with Speakeasy.net, EarthLink or SegaNet, so they can join the online action in a matter of moments.

Real-time 3-D graphics rendered by a state-of-the art LithTech engine display colors and visuals that enhance gameplay and engage players during every level. Three types of pickups, as well as shield and energy powerups to enhance players' strength throughout the game, are featured.

The title also includes an original animation sequence created exclusively for the game by Walt Disney Feature Animation and additional film footage. The monster and character designs are by renowned artist Mike Mignola, who was also the film's concept artist.

Gamers who obtained the free PC CD-ROM "prequel" to the film, "Disney's Atlantis: The Lost Empire - Search for the Journal," which unfolds the backstory to the interactive game and film, can purchase the retail game with a $5 rebate. In the prequel, players start their adventure 13 years before in Iceland to search for the Shepherd's Journal. "Disney's Atlantis: The Lost Empire - Search for the Journal" is available through select Disney distribution partners nationwide.

"Disney's Atlantis: The Lost Empire - Trial By Fire" is compatible with Windows® 95/98 or later PC systems and requires a Pentium II 266 MHz or faster processor, 64 MB of RAM and 8 MB video card. The title has a suggested retail price of $29.99.

-- Posted May 16, 2001

Source: Company Press Release