You Cruise by Mazda MX-5

Hamburg, Germany, 25 June 2010 – Every owner of the iPhone ^TM and iPhone ^TM touch can now cruise around the world in the Mazda cult roadster. Just in time for the 20th anniversary of the style icon, “You Cruise by Mazda MX-5” lets you race through eight different virtual scenarios in four regions: Country Cruise (rural road), Ocean Motion (seaside bluffs), Desert Ride, and Mountain Thrill.

Along with a variety of control types, players can choose between closed and open-top versions of the Mazda MX-5 and from three different paint jobs. The proven driving physics of the multiple award-winning off-road racer Rally Master Pro ^TM was specially reworked for the dynamic MX-5 in order to simulate an even more authentic, action-packed driving experience. The top speed has been significantly increased, and the roadster even banks slightly in the curves at higher speeds.

Players can share their best times with friends via a link to the Mazda MX-5 fan page on Facebook and take part in international competitions via the online highscores. Those for whom the virtual driving fun is not enough can use the dealer search to guide them to the nearest dealership or arrange a test drive right from the game menu.

‘Our iPhone racing game makes it possible to bring the driving characteristics of our roadster to the virtual world. As early adopters, MX-5 drivers have a positive reaction to an app like this and thus will also become virtual brand ambassadors. We see an opportunity here to emotionally connect the offline and online driving experiences,’ says Jules Aarts, Manager Customer Interaction Management with Mazda Motors Deutschland GmbH. ‘Our choice for the high-quality production was the independent Hamburg-based developer and publisher FISHLABS, who speialises in high-quality 3D games and have developed a large fan community.’

‘Twenty years ago, the MX-5 redefined the joy of driving a convertible, just as the iPhone has redefined mobile gaming,’ says Michael Schade, CEO of FISHLABS Entertainment. ‘Creating the first iPhone game for the cult roadster with Mazda is an outstanding fit for us, and “You Cruise by Mazda MX-5” is extremely entertaining fun for every fan of racing games.’

The iPhone ^TM ad game “You Cruise by Mazda MX-5” can now be downloaded free from the App Store.