Soar Down The Speedway With New SuperKarts Software Sensation; Manic Media, Williams Entertainment and GT Interactive Software Partner in New Race Simulation Computer Game.

LAS VEGAS, W.C.E.S., Booth No. 6559--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- January 5, 1995--Strap in and hold on: you're in for the ride of your life! SuperKarts, a new high-speed go-kart simulation computer game, will be previewed at Winter C.E.S. and will be available at retail in mid-March at mass merchandisers and software and computer retailers. SuperKarts was developed and published by Manic Media Productions, Ltd. in association with Williams Entertainment, and will be distributed by GT Interactive Software.

The adrenaline-pumping action begins as soon as you start the game. Imagine yourself behind the wheel of a super turbo go-kart racing at 100 mph. Challenge drivers from around the world as you test road conditions on 16 tracks in eight countries from an ice-covered track in Russia to winding tracks in the Australian outback. Search out secret passageways for shortcuts, or collect money used to soup-up your kart. And keep your helmet on! With Manic Media's proprietary graphics engine, RT3D(TM), SuperKarts boasts highly-textured 3-D computer graphics with pixels blasting across the monitor at sixty frames per second.

SuperKarts offers four distinct modes of play: single-player mode where it's you against the computer; dual-player split-screen mode; modem-to-modem play; and networked-play where up to eight people on a LAN can spend a day at the races.

"We wanted to develop the best of all possible racing games," said Jonathan Stuart, development director of Manic Media. "SuperKarts is an incredibly fast computer game that offers all the fun of karting but loses none of the competitive edge of professional racing. And with the RT3D graphics engine, the cars, tracks and backgrounds make you feel like you are really in the driver's seat."

"We focused on SuperKarts as one of our first PC releases because the content is consistent with our coin-operated games," explained Justin Heber, vice president, business development at Williams Entertainment. "The fast-paced arcade-style action, combined with the superior 3-D graphics and virtual feel, makes SuperKarts a `driving' success."

"SuperKarts is a major breakthrough for computerized race car simulation games," said Ron W. Chaimowitz, CEO and president of GT Interactive Software. "We were impressed with the gameUs technical advances, its element of instant gratification and the network capabilities. With our vast distribution channels we expect SuperKarts to be a hit."

Game Play

The player can choose to be one of eight different drivers and has the option of four skill levels, ranging from beginner to pro. Each race consists of eight go-karts, controlled by either the player(s) or by the computer. A total of sixteen tracks, each modeled after a different countryUs geographical landscape, offer a visually stimulating ride around the world; the UK track is a re-creation of an authentic circuit.

A player in need of a quick kick can turn on the game and be zipping around the track within seconds. For a longer ride, he can set out to finish all sixteen circuits. The player must complete up to forty laps within the specified time before advancing to the next track. Players have the option to save the game mid-way, and to print out the score and lap time.

In addition to maintaining high speeds and avoiding crashes, a variety of features add to the challenge. Built into every track are secret passageways and drive-through pit lanes offering benefits like repairing kart dents, receiving money and refueling; the faster the player speeds through, the more benefits he will collect. The karts themselves include "explosive" features such as turbos, oil missiles to ward off the competition and supergrip bonuses for super-fast cornering. Obstacles and jumps further intensify the game. And kart dents can be devastating: not only do they cause slow-down, but the driver can lose his shirt (literally).

Endless camera positions, including a first-person perspective, let the player view the race from his own kart, from his competitor's kart, or from virtually any other angle. The revolutionary RT3D engine allows for a unique curved perspective, giving players a virtual feeling of depth and speed. And, with SuperKarts' exceptionally responsive handling, the player feels like he is in the driver's seat.

Original music further adds to the heart-pumping experience. A CD-quality soundtrack, specially composed by three U.K. dance bands, has players of the CD-ROM version speeding down the raceway while listening to a driving beat.

System Requirements

SuperKarts is initially available on CD-ROM, with a floppy disk version to follow. Each requires an IBM-PC or compatible (386 or better recommended) with 4 MB of RAM, 15 MB of hard disk space and a VGA graphics card. A Sound Blaster sound card and a flight yoke style steering wheel (with pedals) or joystick are recommended; SuperKarts can also be operated with a keyboard. The CD-ROM version requires a CD-ROM drive (runs completely off the CD-ROM) and external amplification for CD-Audio is recommended. SuperKarts also supports the VFX1 virtual reality headset.

SuperKarts will be available at retail outlets and mass merchandisers in mid-March worldwide. In the United States, SuperKarts will have an approximate retail price of $49.95.

Manic Media Productions, Ltd. is a software development and publishing company based in Oxford, England who specialize in producing state-of-the-art computer games for the IBM-PC and for the next generation arcade consoles.

Williams Entertainment, Inc., with offices in San Diego, California and Corsicana, Texas, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of WMS Industries, Inc. Williams Electronics and Williams Entertainment create, market and sell coin-operated arcade and pinball games and publish consumer games for popular home video game machines and personal computers. Mortal Kombat and NBA Jam are Williams' best known recent arcade hits.

GT Interactive Software, through alliances with major software publishers, merchandises, markets and distributes computer software titles via mass merchandisers and specialty retail chains. In addition, through strategic partnerships with developers and rights holders, GTIS publishes computer software titles. GTIS is affiliated with GoodTimes Entertainment Company, a fully integrated, diversified international multimedia entertainment organization.

CONTACT: Technology Solutions/PR

             Audrey Mann, Laurie Rubenstein
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