WORLD WAR TWO, PART THREE

What began with PC real-time tactical Desert Rats vs. Afrika Korps and continued with D-Day is to be concluded with 1944: Battle of the Bulge, as Digital Jesters announces the March release of the third World War II RTS from genre masters Monte Cristo.

1944: Battle of the Bulge uses Digital Reality's acclaimed RTS engine, which has consistently delivered explosive gameplay coupled with historical accuracy.

The game presents this period of the war from opposing perspectives. It starts with the first appearance of the Jagdpanthers at Chaumont - which was when the Allies realised that victory would be not easy to gain. 1944: Battle of the Bulge lets players act against the Brandenburger Regiment, landing behind enemy lines. From there, the game journeys to the River Meuse and to Bastogne, where the Americans launch a counterstrike with the massive force of its air supremacy behind it. The game then continues to Operation Northwind, the last German offensive. 1944: Battle of the Bulge reaches a climax of epic proportions with the Allied attack at the Rhine, ending at the battle of Remagen.

In total, there are 20 new missions, featuring battles from either side of the war. The level maps have been designed with historical accuracy in mind, and created from authentic strategic maps, geographic information and images from the battles themselves. Official records of the war have been consulted closely to ensure that 1944: Battle of the Bulge is the most accurate representation of this period ever created. The inclusion of 10 multiplayer maps will ensure the game's longevity.

Additionally, players will encounter a new feature to the series. This part of World War II was fought in winter, and the game forces strategists to contend with the snowy conditions, which affect troop and vehicle movement. The game also introduces 15 new units to the series to reflect their appearance on the battlefields of the era. For example, players will now be able to command the Nebelwerfer, the SdkFz25 - and the Hummel, among many others.

1944: Battle of the Bulge retailing for an unbelievable £19.99 promises to deliver superb value for money alongside some of the greatest RTS action yet seen on PC CD-ROM.

"Monte Cristo's real-time strategy games have proved hits with press and public alike," says Terry Malham, Commercial Director Digital Jesters, "and 1944: Battle of the Bulge promises to take the series to a whole new level. We're delighted to have extended our relationship with Monte Cristo, and look forward to unveiling the game to the press in the coming weeks."

1944: Battle of the Bulge will be published for PC CD-ROM by Digital Jesters and Monte Cristo in March 2005, priced £19.99.

Note to editors:

About Digital Jesters

Founded in 2003, Digital Jesters is a British-based publisher of computer and video games. Set up by the duo responsible for launching and establishing the Sudden Strike and Cossacks series of games in the UK, the firm's remit is simple: to source and publish the best games available. The company's commitment to originality resulting in it snapping up the original TrackMania game from French developer Nadeo and DJ's ethos of community development strategy resulted in the game becoming one of the sleeper hits of the year. A tie-in with record-breaking yachtswoman Ellen Macarthur for the firm's second release Virtual Skipper 3 ensured the game received widespread attention among the elusive non-gamer. Cyanide the developer of Chaos League, and the fast growing franchise of Pro Rugby Manager, has also firmly placed the publisher on the map. The firm has enjoyed three top 10 PC hits and is expanding its operation to cover additional territories. It has also published its own comic book to widespread critical acclaim.

About Monte Cristo

Monte Cristo, founded eight years ago, has become a respected player in the sector of management and strategy games. D-Day, Desert Rats vs. Afrika Korps, Emergency Fire Response, Platoon, The Partners, Airline Tycoon, Wall Street Trader, Start-Up, Economic War and Casino Tycoon have contributed to Monte Cristo's expertise. Monte Cristo is now focusing its production and design resources towards life simulation, builders and tactical management with the intention of reaching a larger international audience.