Ascendancy Combines Ease of Use and Beautiful Graphics in a Rich, Discovery-Filled Game of Interstellar Exploration, Diplomacy and Competition; First Release from The Logic Factory Challenges Players to Build the Knowledge and Resources to Survive, Explore and Prosper in a Galaxy of Vastly-Different Species.

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 25, 1995--Ascendancy(tm), the first release from The Logic Factory, Inc., demonstrates that a true challenge in computer gaming can be as visually-enticing as it is deep. By placing the player in the midst of a galaxy full of space faring alien species with a wide variety of abilities and personalities, Ascendancy requires as much skill in diplomacy, exploration and discovery as it does in interstellar tactics.

Jason Templeman and Thomas Blom, formally of Origin Systems, have joined their efforts again to form The Logic Factory, an Austin-based entertainment software company. Their first title, Ascendancy, is a visually elegant game of exploration. Using SVGA graphics, digital sound effects and other innovative development techniques, they have produced a sophisticated challenge ready to take on even the most knowledgeable gamer. With a training mode, context sensitive help and varying levels of difficulty, Ascendancy mixes its sophisticated challenge in a game that any novice can plug and play.

In Ascendancy, available this fall through Broderbund Software's Affiliated Labels Program, the player finds himself in charge of a single race inhabiting a planet in an unknown galaxy. Surrounding him, somewhere out in the depths of space beyond his current reach, are various other races building their levels of prosperity, knowledge, technology and power. The player's challenge is to cultivate his own planet's resources and to discover and build the myriad inventions necessary to explore other planets and encounter other species.

The adventure begins right away. With each new discovery comes tools which the player will use in his venture beyond the orbit of his planet. Using his transportation, star fleets and a 3D tactical display, "The Holotank," the player must find the correct path to reach other planets that his race must colonize so that it may thrive. When the inevitable encounter of another species occurs, the diplomacy and potential conflict begins. But, be cautious. The leaders of the other species are cunning and devious, and they also want their race to prosper. The challenge is to gain as much knowledge and assistance from them as possible, without giving up too much in return. And although the stakes are tremendous in battle, sometimes differences can only be settled in pyrotechnic fight.

"We wanted to create a product that would provide the best of all worlds in a strategy game including stunning graphics, exceptional sound and superior game design," said Jason Templeman, co-founder of The Logic Factory. "We feel this has been accomplished by our first product, Ascendancy."

Artificial Intelligence

In Ascendancy, the interaction and diplomacy with alien-species is much more in depth and realistic than can be found in most computer games to date. The gamer must be able to recognize opportunities and advantages in his own situation as well as in the situation of his alien opponents. If you ask one race to divulge its knowledge of faster than light travel so that you can build your new ship's engine, it may insist that you help defeat an enemy in its own "backyard."

Variety

Ascendancy offers players variety and growth that keeps the game involving and challenging each time it is replayed. The game can range from a quick experience in a tiny star cluster to an epic exploration in a vast, constellation-filled galaxy. There are 21 species from which the player can choose, each with its own unique talents and abilities.

As the player progresses in Ascendancy, he will discover new star systems, encounter, negotiate with and sometimes battle new alien species, make technological discoveries that often change the play of the game and deal with ever-shifting alliances. Each time one plays the game, the initial conditions are different with a new star map and a new combination of races.

Pricing, Availability and System Requirements 

Ascendancy will be available for about $45 in stores this fall. It requires a 486 33MHz or higher with normal SVGA graphics, 8MB RAM, CD-ROM drive, DOS 5.0 or higher. It supports digital music and sound effects on cards with digital/audio capability.

Formed in 1993, The Logic Factory, Inc. creates computer games and unique, stimulating entertainment software. Based in Austin, Texas, The Logic Factory is committed to the development of games that take advantage of new technologies and the increasing capabilities of personal computers. -0-

Note to Editors: Ascendancy(tm) is a trademark of The Logic Factory, Inc. Broderbund is a registered trademark of Broderbund Software, Inc.

CONTACT: Broderbund Software

Eric Winkler, 415/382-4568

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Dana Henry, 415/382-3238

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Shannon Jamieson, 415/382-4567

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