Darkstar One

Label: Ascaron Entertainment

Developer: Ascaron Entertainment

Genre: Space Action

Release Date: Quarter 2, 2006

DarkStar One delivers fast-paced action within a vast and authentic universe. Experience spectacular graphics, freedom of choice, a gripping story and the power to save the federal galaxy from its nemesis!

Centuries have passed since the galactic war. Since this time of conflict the races within the known universe have been more or less at peace. The Great Council watches over the peace and the power of the empires. However, an isolated race from the edge of the universe frequently violates the calm that had settled. That race is the 'Thul'.

Ascaron can now introduce detailed backgrounds to the six races, beginning with the future of human existence... the Terrans.

The Races of Darkstar One: Terrans

Humankind originated from Earth and throughout history continued to spread out to settle new systems. Initially, they achieved their migration through peaceful means such as inter-racial trading and the colonizing of uninhabited planets. However, as the Terran expansion continued, the peaceful negotiations were gradually replaced by war and subterfuge. During their years on Earth, Humans had always regarded themselves as being the crown of creation and they carried forth this attitude into deep space.

Different mentalities established separate groups within the Terrans. The largest group was founded and led by Dr. Samantha Thul. She advocated uncontrolled genetic manipulation, cloning experiments and the utilization of nano-technology in order to improve the human body and soul. Attempts to prevent those experiments were fruitless. After many disputes and conflicts, millions of Thul followers left the Terran systems before locating and settling a new cluster.

As a result, they became involved in many conflicts with the Arrack, Raptor, Oc'to and the Mortok races. Eventually, these conflicts culminated in a terrible galactic war. Up until the present day, historians are discordant as to who won the war - the only fact they agree upon is that the Terrans were not victorious.

The vast empire of the Terrans was shattered during the battles which ensued. Humankind withdrew into their core systems and began the arduous task of rebuilding. However, while the other races were still arguing over their new borders, the Humans sent out diplomats in order to promote a galactic union. As the shock of war was still all too apparent within the minds of the other races, the efforts of the Human diplomats were fruitful. The six great nations of the galaxy (Terran, Arrack, Raptor, Thul, Oc'to and Mortok) joined the Galactic Union. They agreed to appoint a democratically elected council in order to represent the Union and handle its affairs. Despite the seemingly amicable atmosphere, the extra-terrestrial races knew that the good intentions of the Terrans were born from selfishness and fear. Terran technologies were far behind those of neighboring races, their economy was virtually destroyed and, had the war continued, the Terran Empire would have struggled to prosper. Yet, these facts did not temper the Terran arrogance, nor prevent their demand to the first presidency of the Council. Furthermore, they threatened all races who did not join the Union with sanctions to be enforced by patrols and military warships - warships which they did not even have at their disposal.

"We will bring you peace" said the legendary First President of the Council, Harry R. Coulbert, in his inaugural speech, "even if we must pound it into you."

To date, only the Terrans' closest relatives, the Thul, were expelled from the Union by the council. Due to their unethical and dangerous experiments they were forced to leave the Union. They withdrew and vanished without a trace. Since then, there has been no official contact with this race.

Despite these events, historians generally concur that the founding of the Galactic Union prevented further outbreaks of war so far. Agreement is also widespread that prominent internal discrepancies will tear the Council apart. Such an event would have disastrous repercussions for Humankind - possibly even for the entire galaxy.

Ascaron Entertainment

Ascaron Entertainment GmbH is one of the pioneers in the development of computer games. It is also one of the leading developers of computer games in Germany and it has been prominent in the sales charts for more than a decade with titles such as Patrician, ANSTOSS, Vermeer, Port Royale and SACRED. Ascaron is headquartered in Gütersloh and it maintains a development studio in Aachen (Germany) as well as an international department in Birmingham (UK). Currently, Ascaron markets its products in more than 30 countries.

For further information about Ascaron Entertainment GmbH, please visit:

http://www.ascaron.com

If you require any assets, samples, screen shots please feel free to contact Ruth at Chaloner Associates on the above contact email address or by telephone on +44 (0)1954 270599