Defcon

Genre: Strategy

Developer: Introversion Software

UK Distributor: Pinnacle Software

Official Homepage: www.DefconVideoGame.com

Release Date: 8th June 2007

Price: £19.99

PEGI: 7+

Format: PC CD-ROM

Introversion Software presents the boxed version of its third title, DEFCON, a stunning online multi-player simulation of global thermonuclear war. After critical acclaim as a downloadable game, DEFCON will soon be available from your local retail store, in an incredible-value collector's pack that will also include Introversion's renowned cult hacking sim, Uplink. Described by PC Gamer (UK) as 'perverse and brilliant', Uplink, will draw you into the seedy underground world of computer hacking and industrial espionage set on the Internet of 2010. Both titles promise an utterly engrossing and addictive experience, and one that you're guaranteed never to forget...

"It's Global Thermonuclear War, and nobody wins. But maybe - just maybe - you can lose the least."

THE NUCLEAR AGE

Introversion Software presents its third title, DEFCON, an online competitive multiplayer game based around the real world scenario of global thermonuclear war. Inspired by the 1983 cult classic film, Wargames, DEFCON superbly evokes the tension, paranoia and suspicion of the Cold War era, playing on the fascinating aspects of psychological gameplay that occur during strategic nuclear warfare.

PROTECT AND SURVIVE

You play a General hidden deep within an underground bunker. Your mission is to successfully exterminate your enemy's civilian population whilst saving your own. Points are awarded or lost depending on both the efficacy and thoroughness of your nuclear vendetta and the number of your own civilian deaths. In order to win you must wipe out the enemy population and simultaneously disable the enemy's ability to retaliate against you.

This is an extremely difficult task since launching an attack on the enemy exposes the positions of your own Ground Silos, Subs and Bombers the moment they fire nuclear weapons, making you extremely vulnerable and exposed to a crushing counter-attack.

EVERYBODY DIES

Desperate attempts must be made to form fast, tactical alliances, alliances that may at any moment breakdown to become the treacherous and most deadly of betrayals. Everyone looks to each other in a mixture of nervous suspense and paranoid accusation.

ATMOSPHERE AND VISUAL STYLE

The harsh stark realities of nuclear warfare are further emphasised by the minimal atmosphere of DEFCON. Buried 200 meters underground in a bunker you are entirely oblivious to the millions of deaths you are causing at the touch of a button. All you can see on the world map is the slow graceful sweep of nukes as they obliterate their targets, and the unsettling calm announcement of the number of millions dead.

All you can hear is the odd deep rumble as a nuke detonates and the haunting, disturbing melody of a string adagio which becomes progressively subdued and melancholic as the nuclear war reaches its devastating conclusion.

The minimalist purity of DEFCON is carried right through to the uncluttered, classic graphical styling. The primary screen is a map view of the world where the main game action takes place and from which you can zoom into areas of particular military and strategic interest. Other statistic screens appear on the map for further information such as, points scored and alliances.

About Introversion

Heralded as 'the last of the bedroom programmers', Introversion Software is one of the UK's most-respected and successful independent game developers and publishers. Founded in 2001 by three university students, and starting out with an initial personal investment of just £600, Introversion went on to produce three

critically acclaimed titles; Uplink, Darwinia and DEFCON.

Their second title Darwinia was awarded three prizes at the 2006 Independent Games Festival Awards, including the Seumas McNally grand prize, and Introversion was recently voted one of the top 50 Best Games Companies in the world. For more information on all of Introversion's projects please visit www.introversion.co.uk

Pinnacle Software

Pinnacle Software Sales Contact: Gerry Whiteside

Email: gerry.whiteside@pinnacle-software.co.uk

Pinnacle Software Marketing Contact: Oliver Birch

Email: oliver.birch@pinnacle-software.co.uk