CALLING ALL AGENTS!!

New York – January 10, 2003 - PC gamers can experience IGI 2: Covert Strike’s incredible multiplayer gameplay ahead of the game’s February release, when the Multiplayer Beta Test code goes public today. The Beta Test is available for download from www.codemasters.com/igi2. 

As IGI 2: Covert Strike reaches its final stages of development, this public Multiplayer Beta Test provides gamers with an early taste of what to expect from the game’s multiplayer maps. The multiplayer gameplay is set to be a major highpoint in the game. Codemasters’ recent, closed Beta Test was a massive success and attracted over 30,000 players, double the number anticipated.

Delivering dynamic multi-objective team-based combat, the game pits IGI
(Institute for Geotactical Intelligence) operatives against the Conspiracy terrorist group. This public Multiplayer Beta Test features the “Timberland” map and calls for stealth and weapon skills. In Timberland, the IGI operative’s aim is to sabotage an old mineral plant that the Conspiracy is using as a cover to extract uranium for covert weapons manufacturing.

The style of the multiplayer gameplay reflects the stealth and tactical approach of the single-player game. Reconnaissance elements provide for a new style of FPS multiplayer gaming, blending stealth and surveillance with action and gunplay. Rather than solely relying on the small and tight or open and empty environments found in most multiplayer FPS titles IGI 2: Covert Strike uses terrain in a dynamic way to make for exciting and tense gameplay.

The Multiplayer Beta Test code allows for 16 players online and 32 players on LAN, across the two teams, but has no upper limit, and features full in-game chat functionality.

Codemasters will publish IGI 2: Covert Strike on February 14 2003 for PC CD-ROM. The game’s web site hosting the public Multiplayer Beta Test, along with full instructions for use, is located at: http://www.codemasters.com/igi2/front.htm

NOTE: BETA TEST
The release of the Multiplayer Beta Test code should be considered “preview only” as the game’s development is being finalized. A full Multiplayer demo will follow in February 2003.

ABOUT IGI 2: COVERT STRIKE

Choose your tactics – stealth or guns blazing, it’ll make all the difference in
IGI 2: Covert Strike, the sequel to the award-winning FPS. The covert missions continue the career of David Jones, a former SAS soldier, now working freelance for the secret organization, codenamed ‘IGI’ (Institute for Geotactical Intelligence). The spiraling plot takes Jones through real world locations spanning three continents, with the action ranging from all-out base assaults to covert surveillance and infiltration; thefts and escapes in outdoor and indoor, urban and rural environments. With SAS hero Chris Ryan as the game's military consultant, IGI 2: Covert Strike features more than 30 accurately modeled real-world weapons.

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