"Colony Wars: Vengeance" Blasts the Competition Into Space Dust -- 3D Space Combat Sequel Brings War to the Surface.

FOSTER CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 20, 1998--How exactly perfection can be expanded on is simply an issue of time and space.

The time is 100 years after the League's victory in the original "Colony Wars," and the space you'll have to work with is seemingly infinite, from the distances between stars, to a planet's war-torn surface. "Colony Wars(tm): Vengeance," Psygnosis' 3D space combat epic exclusively on PlayStation(R) game console delivers space fury home to Earth.

Tides turn, as do allegiances, and this time you take on the persona of Mertens, an aspiring pilot bred on a distaste for the oppressive League of Free Nations' criminal treatment of the weakened Navy. The game launches you into a war waged in the name of justice, but justice is merely a thinly disguised way of saying "vengeance." "Colony Wars: Vengeance" is planned for release in November 1998.

"Colony Wars: Vengeance" features, then builds upon the qualities enjoyed in the original "Colony Wars"(tm). Complex, multiple-objective missions are action-packed with more fighters, and the game's engine, AI, graphics and physics models all are significantly upgraded. The gaming environment is richer with more animated and detailed objects, and the characters have distinguishable personalities and their callous nuances pack some memorable emotional punches.

In this living universe of deception, subterfuge and revenge, there are numerous plot twists and multiple endings sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. Overall, "Colony Wars: Vengeance" is a more involving gaming experience, going beyond the original from every angle.

In-depth storylines, tight gameplay control responses, and futuristic graphics that go beyond the realms of the sci-fi genre are all implemented into "Colony Wars: Vengeance" to redefine the way that space-shooters are perceived.

This highly anticipated sequel not only picks up the ever-evolving saga of the conflict between the League and the Navy, but it also starts all over at the beginning to a new adventure. A "promise and deliver" feature game that dwarfs a perfect predecessor. "Colony Wars: Vengeance" stands alone as the premier space epic and then leapfrogs over the horizon by introducing all-new, planet-based missions.

Hit The Ground Running: The League has shut down the Navy's resources with the closure of the warp hole in one of the endings from the original "Colony Wars." This is where "Vengeance" picks up. In closing the Navy's supply channel, the League doomed the populace to a slow and painful demise.

The war that was initially limited to space is now thrown "surface side," as you'll be expected to traverse varied landscape areas in accordance with the protection of any Naval installations and/or strategic points. Five planetary missions await you as you pilot your vessel deep into the inner-atmosphere of surface warfare.

You'll captain an all-new "non-space" ship as you attempt to intercept and destroy all Navy opposition present on these varying planetary fronts. You'll remain committed to the seemingly impossible task of defending Navy outposts against all low altitude League assault vessels.

Re-invent your previously learned outer space flying virtuosity just inches from a planet's surface in these five varying planetary atmospheric environments present under the vast blanket of space.

Technological Advancements: Virtually every technological element of "Colony Wars: Vengeance" is new or significantly enhanced, making the game faster, darker, more intense and even more realistic. An updated and extremely optimized space combat engine increases mission populations significantly.

Big ships, too, are improved with weak spots and animating sections that you must seek out and fire upon in order to destroy the enemy vessel. An enhanced physics model for objects allows fighters to realistically spin out of control when hit by missiles until you make the proper corrections.

There are 24 total weapons, almost 50 percent more than in the original game. The game will also feature about 90 individual models and ships, all of which are new to "Vengeance." All of the models feature animating sections and textures. Additionally, collision is extremely accurate and runs four times faster than in the original "Colony Wars."

A new graphics engine supports a more detailed and captivating space environment that is loaded with nebulae, asteroid belts, space ship graveyards (see some of the relics from Colony Wars past), black and white holes, and mine fields. The game's overall look is darkened, hardened and realistic with a focus towards industrial techno-gothic, though glowing neon weapon effects, suns and other objects provide a startling contrast to this futuristic nightmare.

Planets appear spherical and have atmospheres, crafts and installations that appear distinctively advanced from their predecessors. Fighters don't just look better, they also fly better. There's also enhanced AI for wingmen and enemy aces alike. This allows for the implementation of realistic characteristics like inertia and gives you the ability to use objects within the nearby environment for distinct tactical advantages.

Climactic orchestral themes, from famous composers such as Beethoven and Dvorak will add a tried and true classical (pardon the pun) depth to the involved atmospheres. Dolby surround sound is used for the bold sound effects like explosions, roaring engines and weapon firing. Speech samples also convey messages and feedback from other pilots.

Psygnosis employs over 800 people with publishing and development offices in the United States, UK, and across Europe. Working with over 30 development teams and seven internal development sites, the company is now the largest development house in Europe. Psygnosis is a subsidiary of Sony. PlayStation and the PlayStation logos are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

    CONTACT: Psygnosis
              Tracy Egan, 650/287-6562
              [e-mail]