ONLINE FORUM BUZZING AS CODEMASTERS DETAILS KEY ENHANCEMENTS FOR
IGI 2: COVERT STRIKE

New York, NY – January 10, 2002 – Codemasters’ eagerly anticipated PC action title IGI 2: Covert Strike is receiving incredible attention from prospective IGI agents on the Codemasters online forum. The forum [accessible from the game’s online micro site located at http://www.codemasters.com/igi2], is buzzing with discussions on key improvements over the original, including IGI 2’s new AI, save functionality and the multiplayer mode. The game’s designers have listened closely to opinions expressed on the forum and today confirm new details.

Improving over the original game, IGI 2’s Save system will be a function of the map computer – a device which David Jones, the game’s central character, uses to receive tactical support in the field from IGI HQ.  The map computer has the functionality for Jones to download and upload, as well the ability to save and load the current mission status and position. Doing this in the field will take time and drains battery energy from the map computer, so players will have to save tactically.

Artificial Intelligence for IGI 2’s enemy agents has been significantly reworked and their ability to continually regenerate has been eliminated. Soldiers are more alert and react accordingly to a wide range of game situations, such as hearing an alarm siren, detecting destroyed security cameras, or spotting dead soldiers. Enemy soldiers rank and skill also influences their reaction. Some soldiers will prefer running for an alarm button and calling for back-up, rather than engaging Jones in combat.  

Meanwhile, development work on IGI 2: Covert Strike’s all-new multiplayer mode continues. IGI2: Covert Strike will deliver a full team-oriented multiplayer mode, with squads of eight players per side. With objective-based gameplay, it pits IGI operatives against terrorists from around the globe.

IGI 2: Covert Strike is being created at Innerloop Studios AS, the Oslo-based team that created the original, and is scheduled to be published* by Codemasters in May 2002 on PC CD-ROM. The game’s web site and forum can be found at: http://www.codemasters.com/igi2

* World-wide rights excluding Scandinavia

About Codemasters
Established in 1986, UK-based Codemasters is one of Europe's best-selling and profitable game-makers, developing and publishing titles for the console platforms and PC.  Codemasters’ products first appeared on US retail shelves in 1999 and since then they have continued to provide energetic, compelling and innovative entertainment to gaming fans of all genres.  The company’s 2001 offerings included Blade of Darkness and Operation Flashpoint, both of which met with critical acclaim and enormous consumer praise. Richard Darling, the company’s Design Director and co-founder, is renowned as one of the most prolific game designers and has been involved in the creation of 60 of the company’s staggering #1 titles in the UK.  In keeping with the company's mission to remain on the crest of the gaming wave, Codemasters is developing games for online and next generation platforms.  Additional information about the company and its products can be found at www.codemasters.com