Virtual Skipper 5
Dropping anchor in stores, from today.
Virtual Skipper 5, the latest edition of the successful series of 3D regatta simulation games from Ascaron Entertainment and 93 Games is available to buy today. In this new version players take the helm of luxury sailing boats, racing across the open water of more internationally renowned ocean courses than ever before, including Qingdao, the sailing venue for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
A sophisticated wave animation model replicates tidal movement and wind flurries, forcing players to adapt whilst racing. Other variables include day and night settings that affect climatic conditions and visibility, all helping to reproduce a realistic sailing environment. Real life yachts in the game include the Offshore Racer and the Melges 24. Both vessels behave differently on the water, meaning players must master key racing tactics to navigate and perfect the courses.
Virtual Skipper 5 lets players compete at some of the most prestigious global sailing events, including Auckland, Rio de Janeiro, San Francisco and Qingdao, now widely recognised as the recent sailing venue for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where the Great Britain sailing team won six medals including four golds.
Players can choose the appropriate level for competition depending on their experience. For knowledgeable navigators there is a tactical mode, whilst novices can enjoy the arcade or ‘no rules’ mode, utilising the game’s editing system to create their own water courses.
Virtual Skipper 5 is the re-released version of the successful 32nd America’s Cup sailing simulation game.
Fast facts:
Publisher: Ascaron Entertainment
Web: www.Ascaron.com
Developer: 93 Games
Release date: 3rd October 2008
PEGI: 3+
Format: PC
Genre: Sailing Simulation
About Ascaron Entertainment
From Day One in 1989 Ascaron Entertainment has become one of the leading European “boutique” developers and Publishers of games for the PC, with many successful titles including Patrician, Port Royale, DarkStar One and SACRED.
Ascaron maintains development studios in Berlin, Gutersloh and Aachen (Germany), as well as an international department in Birmingham (UK). Ascaron currently markets its products in more than 40 countries and over 15 languages.
Ascaron Entertainment (UK) is an independent office and is highly regarded on a domestic and global scale. With a professional reputation, full-service product management, and a wealth of experience in the games industry, the UK operation manages the international releases of Ascaron's entire catalogue, whilst also providing a bespoke publishing, sales, PR and marketing function to selected affiliate label partners. Ascaron Entertainment (UK) continues to be responsible for successfully launching titles into the UK market from developers and publishers worldwide. Titles include the popular UFO, Panzers, Cossacks and Blitzkrieg series of games, as well as critically acclaimed hits such as Call of Juarez, Runaway: The Dream of the Turtle and TrackMania United.
About 93GAMES
Founded in 1996, 93GAMES is a French publishing and distribution company based near Paris, France. Known for the diversity, quality and originality of its catalogue, 93GAMES now publishes and distributes many of its titles throughout Europe and also world-wide in both boxed retail and digital distribution formats. The last five years have been very successful for 93GAMES in France, with many of its PC licenses becoming top-sellers. 93GAMES has also published several original titles, including the adventure game Runaway, the renowned Cycling Manager and the much-loved TrackMania. The coming months will be exciting and full of surprises with the release of high-quality games such as Blood Bowl, TrackMania DS, Runaway: A Twist of Fate, Sherlock Holmes and sport games dedicated to major events such as the America’s Cup or the Tour de France.
http://www.focus-home.com
For further press information please contact:
Sarah Holden / Stephen Denton
Media Safari
T: +44 (0)1225 731388
E: sarahh@mediasafari.co.uk