Vivendi Universal Games Announces Hoyle 2004 Line-up

Four new titles arrive from best-selling family entertainment franchise, including the addition of Hoyle Table Games

LOS ANGELES (September 3, 2003) - Experience the excitement of a realistic Las Vegas environment or dozens of challenging variations of popular card, table or puzzle games with the launch of the 2004 Hoyle Games line-up for the PC. Vivendi Universal Games has begun shipping Hoyle Casino 2004, Hoyle Card Games 2004, Hoyle Puzzle Games 2004 and, the latest addition to the franchise, Hoyle Table Games 2004. Known for cutting edge technology and innovative gameplay, the #1 best-selling brand* in the family entertainment genre delivers a host of exciting features, including PDA content, 3D interactive characters, in-game tutorials and more. All of the CD-ROM games include a free rulebook and strategy guide.

Hoyle Casino 2004

Combining endless replayability with a simple interface, Hoyle Casino 2004 offers over 500 stimulating variations of 14 of the most well-known casino games. Up to four gamers can play Baccarat, Blackjack, Caribbean Stud® Poker, Keno, Roulette, Slots, and more, against up to ten interactive 3D opponents, with the option to utilize in-game tutorials for professional advice, rules, hints and practices.

New features:

• As players win more virtual money, Hoyle Casino comps characters' drinks to keep them at their table with the new Drink Rewards system

• Players can tell opponents how they feel about their gameplay with "BackTalk"

• PDA Games - Play Solitaire & Spades for Palm OS® and Windows® CE handhelds.

Hoyle Card Games 2004

Gamers select easy, intermediate and difficult skill levels as they play against up to 12 interactive 3D opponents in 18 entertaining games, including Bridge, Canasta, Crazy Eights, Cribbage, Euchre, Gin Rummy and more.

New features:

• As a player's skill increases, he can earn virtual Hoyle Bucks that can be redeemed for enhanced content

• Gamers can utilize in-game tutorials including step-by-step instructions for six games

• Players can tell opponents how they feel about their gameplay with "BackTalk"

• PDA Games - Play Blackjack and Video Poker on the Palm OS® and Windows® CE handhelds

Hoyle Puzzle Games 2004

Players can enjoy up to 17 mind-bending puzzles with hundreds of intricate variations of Anagrams, Edge Tiles, Maze Racer, Hangman, Placer Racer, 1250 crossword puzzles and word searches, along with much more. Travelers can save and print crossword puzzles and word searches to take on the road.

New features:

• Rays, a game of logic and deduction, makes it's first appearance in Hoyle Puzzle Games and long-time favorite, Word Searches, debuts

• High Score Board gives players the opportunity to put their names on the leader board

• PDA Games - Play Backgammon and Mahjong Tiles on the Palm OS® and Windows® CE handhelds

Hoyle Table Games 2004

With beautiful graphics and captivating gameplay, the newest addition to the Hoyle family includes 18 of the best-loved table games from around the globe. Players can engage in Backgammon, Battling Ships, Chess, Pachisi, DoubleCross, Reversi and more, against up to ten interactive 3D opponents.

Features:

• Maximum Pool makes it first appearance on Hoyle Table Games

• Earn virtual Hoyle Bucks and redeem for enhanced content

• Quickly learn to play Backgammon, Chess, Dominoes, DoubleCross, Pachisi and Rummy Squares with in-game tutorials

• Players can tell opponents how they feel about their gameplay with "BackTalk"

• PDA Games - Play Placer Racer and Mahjong Tiles on the Palm OS® and Windows® CE handhelds

About Hoyle and The United States Playing Card Company
The United States Playing Card Company is the leader in the production and distribution of premier brands of playing cards, including BEE®, BICYCLE®, AVIATOR® and HOYLE® playing cards. The privately held company, based in Cincinnati, Ohio since its founding in 1867, manufactures, markets and distributes playing cards, children's card games, collectible tins, puzzles and card accessories.