News:

Blue Byte Computer Games

by Russ Lockwood


We received the following press release.--RL

OVERVIEW:

  • F13(tm) - Blue Byte presents Stephen King's first steps into the world of computer entertainment!
  • The Settlers® III: Quest Of The Amazons - Expansion pack. Demo available next week!
  • The Battle Isle® Saga continues: Blue Byte at work on BATTLE ISLE 4!
  • The Settlers® IV announced for Q4, 2000!
  • Blue Byte files Lawsuit against Logicware!

F13

Blue Byte presents Stephen King's first steps into the world of computer entertainment. The best-selling horror author, Stephen King, and Blue Byte Software inked a worldwide software deal to publish STEPHEN KING'S F13.

At the very top of your seemingly benign keyboard is a row of function keys. On a standard PC, they number F1 to F12. Key F13 doesn't exist. Even on a MAC, the F13 is an unassuming little key that simply captures a displayed screen. What if an F13 with some real potency appeared? Something menacing, a merger of technology and terror brought straight to your desktop. Would you dare strike such a key? A provocative yet unanswered question for horror fans and computer users. Unanswered until now...

Stephen King's F13 is an 'Interactive Timekiller' with a difference and spine-chilling realism will play a large part in the graphics without containing gore. (A prerequisite for all Blue Byte titles). They will visually enhance the desktop environment in a very 'Stephen King' like way.

Blue Byte plan to ship Stephen King's F13 in December on hybrid PC & Mac CD. The Official Stephen King's F13 Web Site, launched on September 5th, can be found at http://www.frightware.com. Check it out for more information! Screenshots coming soon.

Quest Of The Amazons Expansion

Quest Of The Amazons Expansion pack to hit stores early-October: The Settlers III: Quest Of The Amazons (full version of The Settlers III is required to play) will be hitting the store shelves early-October 1999. Fans of the third Settlers installment can look forward to wide reaching innovations and a fourth race in the world of the SETTLERS III.

  • Watch how the Amazons invade the world of the Settlers - revealed in new video sequences.
  • Some 50 new characters and 40 new buildings have been conceived, designed, rendered and animated for the expansion pack.
  • A host of additional audio tracks provide just the right atmosphere.
  • Players can explore and settle on new lands in the two new campaigns.
  • Each of the twelve missions the player either leads the Romans, Asians and Egyptians against the Amazons or chooses the Amazons to bring a halt to the Egyptians, Asians and Romans.
  • What's more, the expansion pack offers an additional 10 single player maps and 10 multiplayer maps.
  • The Amazons possess unique skills, have their own special occupations and magic spells.
  • A new character is now available to all the races: The thief not only serves as scout, but is also able to swipe goods and resources out of enemy territory.

Further improvements introduced in the expansion pack can be found at http://www.settlers3.com.

Battle Isle Saga

The Battle Isle Saga continues: Blue Byte at work on BATTLE ISLE 4: Blue Byte's long-awaited sequel to their classic strategy game, Battle Isle® is on the way. Battle Isle® 4 is expected to be released in the third quarter, 2000 and will be a fantasy-filled, innovative strategy game, in glorious 3D, keeping in the tradition of the Battle Isle® series and Incubation®! Read the full press release here: http://www.bluebyte.com/us/pressrel/releases/19990905_bi4.htm.

The Settlers IV Announced:

Blue Byte has already begun work on the project, THE SETTLERS IV. Recently at ECTS, London, Blue Byte officially confirmed the development on the fourth installment of the Settlers series. The release of THE SETTLERS IV is planned for IV Quarter 2000. Further information can be found at
http://www.bluebyte.com/us/pressrel/releases/19990905_s4.htm.

Dragon's Lair 3D:

Bigger & better thrills and adventures for Dirk & Daphne! Sign up for the Newsletter and find out how this classic arcade game in full 3D is progressing! Coming 2001 on PC CD & Macintosh.
http://www.bluebyte.com/us/products/dragons_lair/index.htm

The Settlers III Update version 1.50 is on its way!

Prior to the release of The Settlers III: Quest Of The Amazons in early October, the next SETTLER III update, version 1.50, will be available for downloading on 1 October. The update primarily ensures compatibility in online encounters among players who have the AMAZON expansion pack and those who do not. Please note: After installing the update, old saved games except those from campaigns can no longer be loaded. You should finish these games up before you download and install the update!

Blue Byte Takes Legal Action:

Blue Byte Files suit against Logicware for breach of contract. The Settlers III for Macintosh cancelled.
Read the full story at http://www.bluebyte.com/us/pressrel/index.htm

Release Schedule

The Settlers III: Quest Of The Amazons (Genre: Real-Time Strategy) - PC CD - Oct 1999
Stephen King's F13 (Genre: Frightware) - PC CD & Mac - Dec 1999
Battle Isle 4 (Genre: Strategy) - PC CD - Q3 2000
The Settlers IV (Genre: Real-Time Strategy) - PC CD - Q4 2000
Dragon's Lair 3D (Genre: Action Adventure) - PC CD & Mac - Q1 2001

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