October 1, 2002

Appease the Gods! Pre-Order Age of Mythology at Select Retailers

Age of Mythology Collectors Edition Also Announced

Microsoft Game Studios and Ensemble Studios today announced exclusive Age of Mythology pre-order programs at participating retailers. Gamers who pre-order this highly anticipated real-time strategy game from Electronics Boutique ( www.ebgames.com ), Best Buy ( www.bestbuy.com ) or CompUSA ( www.gamefixx.com ) will receive a CD that contains an exclusive scenario or random map, WindowBlinds desktop theme, Windows Media Player skin and an interactive screen saver. Those who pre-order from GameStop ( www.gamestop.com ) will receive a mini-strategy guide by Sybex, creators of the upcoming official Age of Mythology Strategy Guide.

Age fans may also choose to pre-order the Age of Mythology Collectors Edition for an estimated price of $69.99 (U.S.). Only 50,000 copies of this limited edition, sequentially numbered version of the game will be created in the U.S. and will contain the following:

• Oversized box (13x10.5x2.8”)

• CD containing the music of Age of Mythology

• "Making of" DVD that includes Age of Empires history, interviews with key developers, behind-the-scenes features, the cinematic trailer and more

• Three separate, oversized tech trees

• Six mini-posters of major gods (Zeus, Poseidon, Ra, Isis, Thor and Odin)

• Movie-style poster

• Bulfinch’s Mythology book

• Minotaur figurine

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 35 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 10.5 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/. 

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 the PC (http://www.microsoft.com/games/), including such franchises as Age of Empires, Flight Simulator and Zoo Tycoon; Xbox (http://www.xbox.com/), including such franchises as Halo, Project Gotham Racing and NFL Fever; and Zone.com (http://www.zone.com/), the official games channel for the MSN network and home to such hits as Bejeweled and OutSmart.

Share | Digg This | Glink It

---