Sail Through Etherium Commanding a Fleet of Solar-Sail Space Galleons in Epic Battles With Disney's Treasure Planet: Battle at Procyon for PC
New 3D Action Strategy Title Developed by Award-Winning Barking Dog Studios and Inspired by Upcoming Walt Disney Pictures' Film

Disney Interactive is inviting gamers of all ages to embark on an incredible journey through Etherium with Treasure Planet: Battle at Procyon for PC, a 3D action strategy game for the entire family. Developed by award-winning Barking Dog Studios, well known in the gaming community for creating real-time strategy (RTS) titles, the new CD-ROM allows players to command a fleet of "solar-sail" space galleons to battle through a story-driven single-player campaign, or go head-to-head against friends in multi-player mode. Inspired by Treasure Planet, Walt Disney Pictures' upcoming animated feature, Treasure Planet: Battle at Procyon cruises into retail stores today.

Based on one of the greatest adventure stories ever told -- Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island -- Walt Disney Pictures' exciting new animated space adventure, Treasure Planet, follows 15-year-old Jim Hawkins' fantastic journey across a parallel universe aboard a glittering solar space galleon. Guided by the ship's charismatic cyborg cook John Silver, Jim blossoms to become a fine spacer as he and the alien crew battle supernovas, black holes and ferocious space storms. But even greater dangers lie ahead when Jim discovers that his trusted friend Silver is actually a scheming pirate with mutiny in mind. The film opens nationwide Nov. 27.

Set in the same visually-stunning universe as the film, Treasure Planet: Battle at Procyon is an engagingly fun, action strategy game filled with epic 3D space battles. Using a simple and easy-to-learn interface that includes advanced options for experienced RTS fans, players of all ages can take the helm of a flotilla of vessels and use their intellect to customize fleets with bigger ships, better weapons and veteran crewmembers.

"Treasure Planet: Battle at Procyon has enough action and depth to make it a blast for all ages to play," said Martin Cirulis, designer and head writer, Barking Dog Studios, and lead game designer, Treasure Planet: Battle at Procyon. "With three sides to choose from, more than 30 playable ships and dozens of armament combinations, gamers can choose the style of play that best suit them, from quick battles of dueling torpedo boats to awe-inspiring clashes between heavy starships."

• Players can voyage through Etherium with two different styles of gameplay:
• Immersive, Story-Driven Single-Player Action
• Taking place approximately five years after the events of the film,

single-player mode puts gamers in the boots of Jim Hawkins, who has recently
graduated as a lieutenant in the intergalactic military. Players strive to
move up the service ranks by completing 12 levels of mission-based gameplay
that unravels a sinister plot to ragtag space pirates into a fighting force
capable of defeating all other fleets and overthrowing the Queen.

Throughout the game, players can acquire new ships, equipment and team members. As they gain experience, they are taught important tactical skills that further enhance their ship's navigation and combat capabilities. Participants must use their wits and courage to successfully command their fleet of space galleons, including Schooners, Frigates and the powerful Man-o-War, to defend the empire, save the Queen and defeat a mysterious new enemy with virtually indestructible Ironclad ships.

Fast-Paced Multi-Player Gameplay

Players interested in battling one another in multi-player mode can compete over the Internet or a local area network (LAN). Up to eight challengers can participate by creating custom squadrons using "victory points" to build any combination of ships, weapons and crew. Playable factions include the Royal Armada, Pirate, Procyon, as well as Ironclads. Each group of space galleons has its particular strengths and weaknesses that can be exploited, and with 35 different vessels, 14 skirmish maps, and numerous weapon upgrades to choose from, contenders can create tactical approaches that best suit their style of play. For those not versed in strategizing, a quick click of a button will have the game automatically assign a fleet for a player.

Truly a game that everyone can enjoy, Treasure Planet: Battle at Procyon has been well received by the gaming community. Comments from the game industry's top PC game enthusiast publications and online sites include:

"Don't dismiss Treasure Planet as a kid's game or a cheap movie tie-in. It's more than that: it's a swashbuckling good time."
Computer Gaming World, November 2002.

"Treasure Planet is Disney's surprise gem for the holidays"
Computer Games, November 2002.

" ... the six full servings of multiplayer should more than accommodate even the most gluttonous of gamers."
IGN, August 2002.

" ... TP [Treasure Planet] looks to be an engaging game for the whole family."
PCGamer, August 2002.

Treasure Planet: Battle at Procyon is compatible with Windows® 98 through XP PC systems. The title hits store shelves today for a suggested retail price of $29.99. Also available nationwide are three separate Treasure Planet PC mini arcade games: Broadside Blast, Etherium Rescue and Treasure Racer. Console titles include Treasure Planet for Nintendo® Game Boy® Advance, and Treasure Planet for PlayStation®2 and PS one(TM) computer entertainment systems.

About Disney Interactive

Disney Interactive, Inc., a worldwide leader in the creation of innovative interactive entertainment, develops, markets and globally distributes a wide variety of interactive family-oriented entertainment, educational and sports CD-ROMs and video games. Disney Interactive is the multimedia arm of The Walt Disney Company's Consumer Products business unit. For more information on Disney Interactive's products, visit www.disneyinteractive.com .

--Posted November 12, 2002
Source: Disney Interactive