GameOver - 1999 E3 Coverage

Empire Interactive's E3 Lineup

Date: May 7th

Mindscape Entertainment has announced its product lineup for the 1999 Electronic Entertainment Expo, and it’s a long one. The division will showcase 16 new titles in a 12,000 square foot area located just off the main show floor.

Prince of Persia 3D is a third-person, real-time adventure and action game that is a sequel to the classic games originally created by Jordan Mechner. The updated title includes all the features that made the originals so popular, including fluid, realistic animation, devious traps and a simple interface for running, jumping, climbing and sword fighting. The modern version uses 3D technology to combine the fast-action combat of a fighting game with the depth and immersion of a classic adventure and action title. The story, co-authored by Mechner, is in the tradition of the Arabian Nights and pulls the player through environments that include ornate palaces, labyrinthine caverns, mystical ruins and bizarre fortresses.


Using previously classified Russian satellite imagery, Flanker 2.0, an air combat simulation, provides photo-realistic terrain. The improved flight dynamics, 3D sound and accurate damage modeling profess to offer a true air combat experience.

Fighting Steel re-creates the most spectacular naval gunnery battles of W.W.II from 1939 to 1942. Gamers command ships from the British, German, American and Japanese fleets, including everything from a single ship to an entire force with divisions, in real-time action. Detailed combat and maneuvering systems simulate naval surface combat while an easy-to-use interface allows the player to concentrate on strategy and tactics. The historical scenarios, campaign games, computer-generated scenarios and a scenario editor can reportedly generate hundreds of hours of gameplay.


The latest incarnation of the Panzer General series features a completely redesigned game system. An 3D system allows for true to life line-of-sight and fog of war conditions; a leader-based combat system enables players to closely identify with units. Players have a more active role as the army commander by deciding the leaders to promote or dismiss, the units these leaders should command and the leaders who go into battle. This combination of a true 3D environment, emphasis on leadership and redesigned interface mean Panzer General 3 Assault should be a welcome addition to a successful heritage of strategy games. The fourth product in this series also adds a new strategic level of play to complement the real-time action. People can commence single battles, operations or wage full campaigns as either the Axis or the Allies during one of the most pivotal and epic conflicts of World War II: the Battle of the Bulge. Enhanced graphics will include detailed map animations and visual weather effects, such as rain and snow.

Silent Hunter 2 uses state-of-the-art technology to submerge players in underwater action. All the ships and aircraft are rendered and texture-mapped in 3D, allowing the action to be viewed from multiple camera angles. Improved AI promises to offer a substantial challenge to even the most seasoned commanders, who conduct detailed training and single missions in preparation for the ultimate wartime experience -- a dynamic campaign that vows intense battles. As a bonus, an in-game multimedia reference annex full of pictures, animations, and interviews bring this turbulent period to life.

Warhammer: Rites of War is a turn-based strategy game that is easy to play but filled with deep, challenging strategies. It combines the popular and familiar Panzer General style of play with gorgeous and horrifying Warhammer 40K imagery. Rites of War offers a distinct strategy-RPG experience, with units that can be upgraded, thus gaining special abilities. Structures on the map can be explored for artifacts, special unit bonuses and auxiliary units. In addition, there are a dozen spells, two dozen artifacts and over 50 special abilities The game engine itself is substantially upgraded from Panzer General 2, with larger animated units and terrain overlays.


Warlords Battlecry seizes the core depth of the fantasy strategy series and adds real-time gameplay. Using an innovative approach to RTS gaming and superlative AI, the game eliminates the tedium of micromanaging secondary chores and lets the gamer go straight to the tactics. People will be able to engage in surgically precise combat with extensive formation orders and an in-depth magic system. The system remains true to the previous titles by including comprehensive hero development, quests, upgradable buildings and multiplayer capability.

Chessmaster 7000 features an enhanced interface and art for ease of use. Then game brings the magic of chess to youngsters with special children’s sets, opponents and a tutorial. Advanced users will be pleased to see some additions, too, including a new opening reference and editor.

Chessmaster 2 for the PlayStation will utilize high-resolution 3D graphics and real-time board zoom and rotation. In addition, players can choose their sets from a wide variety of 3D and 2D options. This console title provides 64 regular and 30 grandmaster personalities, teaching modes, hints and in-depth position analysis. Play modes include single-player, head-to-head and auto-play.

For more details on these products and more, visit Mindscape.


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