June 17, 2002

WANTED: 10,000 Gamers to Test Age of Mythology

Microsoft Game Studios and Ensemble Studio today announced that 10,000 gamers will be invited to participate in Ensemble's online multiplayer test of Age of Mythology. Between Friday, June 21 and Sunday, June 30, gamers will be able to sign up for a chance to be among the first to experience the wrath of the gods. This alpha version of Age of Mythology will contain two of the nine civilizations that will be available when the game is released this October. Up to four players will be able to compete head-to-head as a follower of either Zeus or Poseidon on one of two multiplayer maps. This limited alpha version of the game will be available to qualified testers in early July.

For more information, and to sign up (starting Friday, June 21), please visit the official Age of Mythology site at http://www.microsoft.com/games/ageofmythology/,  or the Ensemble Studios site at http://www.ensemblestudios.com/aom/index.html. 

Using familiar elements of classical mythology, Age of Mythology casts players as one of nine unique civilizations from ancient Greek, Norse and Egyptian mythologies. Players can reinforce their armies with mythological creatures like Cyclopes and Minotaurs or call upon the mighty powers of gods such as Zeus to rain down lightning bolts on unsuspecting enemies. Age of Mythology also incorporates Ensemble Studios' trademark features from previous Age of Empires games, including a compelling economic model, a massive army and battle system, unequaled artificial intelligence, random maps, intuitive gameplay and extreme attention to detail.

Age of Mythology's 3-D engine delivers impressive graphics in a fully 3-D environment, including beautiful waves and water, lifelike rolling terrain, realistic sunlight, and lush forests. In-game cinematics create a seamless, story-based and character-driven campaign which features 36 scenarios. In addition, the game features incredible special effects with astonishing levels of detail, including waterspouts, infernos, snowstorms, tornadoes and earthquakes. Age of Mythology will be available this fall for an estimated retail price of $49.99 (U.S.).

Age of Mythology is a branch of the popular Age of Empires franchise that has sold more than 10 million licensed units worldwide. More information about Age of Mythology is available at http://www.microsoft.com/games/ageofmythology/,  or on the Ensemble Studios site at http://www.ensemblestudios.com/aom/index.html. 

Microsoft Game Studios is a leading worldwide publisher and developer of games for the PC, Xbox video game system and online platforms. Comprising a network of top developers, Microsoft Game Studios is committed to creating innovative and diverse game portfolios for PC (http://www.microsoft.com/games/), including such franchises as "Age of Empires®," "Flight Simulatorä" and "Zoo Tycoonä"; Xbox ( http://www.xbox.com/ ), including such franchises as "Haloä," "Project Gotham Racingä" and "NFL Fever"; and Zone.com ( http://zone.msn.com/ ), the official games channel for the MSN® network and home to such hits as "Bejeweled" and "Outsmartä."

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