Patch For 'Sword of the Stars' Available Now
Haarlem, The Netherlands, August 30, 2006 -- Publisher Lighthouse Interactive, North American co-publisher Destineer and developer Kerberos Productions, today announced the release of a [content] patch that adds several enhancements to the latest entrant in the 4X gaming genre, Sword of the Stars (SOTS). Responding to user requests generated through the release of an online demo, this 9 MB patch includes the following enhancements:
Tactical GUI enhancements to make command and control of ships and targeting of enemies easier for new players.
Additional feedback and more automatic navigation in Strategy screens.
Improved multiplayer lobby features - making it easier to find and join games.
New player avatars and player configurable "hot keys" and more game play options.
Addressed several compatibility and networking issues for smoother gameplay.
A complete list of fixes and upgrades for the patch is available at our forum.
Lighthouse has added that the patch upgrades all English versions to 1.1.1. Owners of direct download versions of the game can acquire the patch through their DDL providers; more information can be found at their respective websites.
The patch itself is available at: www.lighthouse-interactive.com
"We are very pleased with the community enthusiasm and feedback and wanted to reward them, as well as new players, by preparing a patch at the physical release of the product," stated Martin Cirulis CEO of Kerberos. "Based on the previous demo and downloadable release of the game, we have gathered a lot of valuable input that has enabled us to not only tackle a few issues, but add requested content to the game at the same time."
Lighthouse CEO Erik Schreuder adds: "The timing of this patch demonstrates our respect for the community and its feedback, and as a result, thought it was extremely important that the patch be released as close to the street date as possible. We look forward to continuing supporting the growing fan base and make SOTS a great 4X franchise for all to enjoy."
Developed by key members from the Homeworld: Cataclysm team, Sword of the Stars offers players a breakthrough gaming experience by incorporating for the first time ever real-time combat resolution for multiplayer in a 4X game. Players 'eXplore', 'eXpand', 'eXploit', and 'eXterminate' their way across the galaxy and can now do so against other players, the result of which are epic online multiplayer battles across deep space.
Sword of the Stars brings a dynamic mix of strategic turn-based empire building and real-time tactical combat resolution and is designed to be both inviting to the newest 4X gamer and satisfying for the most die-hard gaming strategists. With stunning graphics, a random technology tree and an immersive universe to explore, Sword of the Stars will thrill and delight players as they take control of cosmic empires, alien technologies and vast interstellar armadas.
Sword of the Stars is rated E 10+ for Everyone 10 and over, and has a suggested retail price of $39.99. The title is currently available in North America, with distribution in Europe scheduled to begin on September 1 via Lighthouse Interactive.
For more information about Sword of the Stars please visit: www.swordofthestars.com
About Destineer
Destineer develops and publishes commercial videogames for personal computers and videogame consoles, and it creates PC-based virtual training systems for military, intelligence and first-responder organizations. Destineer's games include top-sellers such as Close Combat: First to Fight and John Deere: American Farmer, and it publishes its games under the Destineer, MacSoft, Bold Games, and Atomic Games brands. Destineer is a privately-held corporation headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, with development studios in Minneapolis and Austin, TX. More information is available at Destineer's website: www.destineerstudios.com.
About Lighthouse Interactive
Lighthouse Interactive is a fast growing publisher of interactive entertainment with offices in Haarlem, The Netherlands and Montreal, Canada. Lighthouse's titles include the critically acclaimed adventure title "Keepsake," the highly anticipated 4X strategy hybrid "Sword of the Stars," and the revolutionary sim "Ship Simulator 2006". Staffed with industry veterans and with offices in key locations around the world, Lighthouse is a strong alternative for developers looking to bring their products to a worldwide audience.