Empire Interactive Brings The Classic Graphic Adventure, Myst, The The Nintendo DS(TM)
Immersive Experience Will Draw Adventure-seekers of All Ages into a Surreal Dimension of Alternative Reality
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUSTIN, Texas - January 16, 2008 - Empire Interactive today announced that MYST, the popular adventure-based video game, will immerse North American fans in a new experience created specially for the Nintendo DS TM . Adventure-seekers will be captivated by the mesmerizing worlds and environments that have been enhanced and recreated with an original soundtrack, re-mastered video and an all-new age -- the Rime Age -- that was never included in the original MYST. Taking full advantage of the system's technology, the game uses the stylus as the key method of interaction and the dual screen as a vehicle to provide additional information for a greater challenge. MYST for the Nintendo DS is scheduled to ship in North America in March 2008.
The new interface for MYST enhances the gameplay in all-new ways. The upper screen of the system provides information and allows players to view magnified images, while the bottom screen is used to access mini-tools and navigate throughout the realistic worlds of MYST. Additionally, to aid in their expedition to uncover clues and solve the mysteries of MYST, players have a new arsenal of mini-tools at their disposal, including a magnifying glass, camera, notebook, and map. Now, players can closely inspect and interact with clues and items, take snapshots for future use, keep notes in a diary, and pinpoint key locations within the game.
"As one of the strongest video game franchises in history, with more than 12 million games sold, we felt it was only natural to partner with Hoplite Research and Cyan Worlds to bring MYST to an innovative system like the DS," said Karim Farghaly, vice president of sales, Empire Interactive. "The DS addition to the MYST game library allows players to take advantage of the new features created exclusively for the DS, while still maintaining the integrity of this classic game, creating a refreshed, on-the-go adventure experience for players of all ages."
"It was important for us to work with a partner that understood family adventure titles to support the North American launch of MYST for the Nintendo DS," said Manny Granillo, president, Hoplite Research, LLC.
Under obscure circumstances, a mysterious person known as the Stranger (the player) finds a bizarre book titled MYST. Upon opening the book, the Stranger discovers the first page is occupied by a single moving image - the Linking Panel - showing a glimpse of an island. By touching the Linking Panel, the player is transported to the island to explore the breathtaking environments.
MYST is an engaging experience that draws adventure-seekers into beautiful yet eerie worlds with unique settings in varied times and places. While venturing through the six worlds of MYST, players help individuals trapped in parallel dimensions - without ever actually encountering living beings - by solving a multitude of puzzles, mazes and problems. Close observation and precise logic will help players unlock the secrets of MYST. The non-linear gameplay of MYST is designed unlike any other adventure game, with no instructions, inventory, death or dialogue. MYST is about the experience encountered throughout the breathtaking worlds and environments.
About Empire Interactive
Empire Interactive is a leading publisher of interactive entertainment software that has been in business for 18 years. Headquartered in the UK, Empire Interactive also has offices in the U.S., Germany, Italy, France and Spain. The company develops and publishes a varied range of titles for all current platforms in the U.S., Europe and Asia. Games such as Starsky & Hutch, Big Mutha Truckers, Ford Racing and FlatOut have all enjoyed success across the world. Its budget label, Xplosiv, is one of the fastest-growing game labels in Europe. Further information about Empire Interactive and its products can be found at www.empireinteractive.com.
About Cyan Worlds, Inc.
Cyan Worlds, Inc., located in Spokane, WA, is best known for MYST and Riven, which received numerous awards, critical acclaim and broad popularity. Cyan has been designing and building immersive interactive worlds since 1987. They currently employ over 30 designers, programmers and artists. For more information about Cyan Worlds, visit www.cyanworlds.com.
About Hoplite Research
Hoplite Research, LLC is a leading entertainment research group, developer, publisher and marketer of interactive entertainment software. Created in 2001 primarily as the entertainment industry's first research group, Hoplite Research, LLC is dedicated to finding new methods of entertaining through technology, innovation, and design on all major PC and videogame platforms, including the PlayStation ® 2 computer entertainment system, Xbox TM and Nintendo DS TM .
www.hoplite-research.com
MYST is a registered trademark of Cyan Worlds, Inc. ® 1994-2008 Cyan Worlds, Inc. MYST logo is a registered trademark of Cyan Worlds, Inc. MYST and all character names and likenesses are trademarks of Cyan Worlds, Inc. All other rights property of Hoplite Research, LLC® 2006-2008. All other trademarks and tradenames are properties of their respective owners. All Rights Reserved. Published under license from Hoplite Research, LLC and licensed to Empire Interactive.
The statements which are not historical facts contained in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to risks associated with the uncertainty of future financial results, additional financing requirements, development of new products, regulatory approval processes, the impact of competitive products or pricing, technological changes, the effect of economic conditions and other uncertainties detailed in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Contact:
Paula Adams
Kohnke Communications
310.231.8782
Paula@kohnkecomm.com