New York, NY – October 11, 2001 – Codemasters is set to land another knockout punch as former Undisputed Heavyweight Champion "Iron" Mike Tyson returns to the video game arena in Mike Tyson Heavyweight Boxing.  Set to hit next-generation platforms in April 2002, this action-filled boxing game extends Codemasters’ license with Tyson and throws a few additional big-name heavyweights into the mix as well.

Enabling gamers to get in the ring and go face-to-face with Tyson in third or frightening first person views, Mike Tyson Heavyweight Boxing is being designed as a complete sports action game that will appeal to both boxing enthusiasts and video game fans alike. Players will be able to create up to four custom boxers, selecting their own themes, taunts, speeches and knockout moves.  Players can then develop their boxer through several championship bouts in order to win belts and purse money.  Success in the ring will enable gamers to unlock additional moves and tougher challengers.  The more victories earned, the more of the game is unlocked, all in preparation for the ultimate challenge - to enter the ring with the mighty "Iron" Mike Tyson himself.  Additionally, players can challenge Tyson for an "exhibition" match at any time, to see just how far their skills and techniques have progressed.

Mike Tyson Heavyweight Boxing will have a heavyweight development team behind the title.  Codemasters is co-developing the game with Atomic Planet, a new company formed by Jason and Darren Falcus, formerly with Iguana and Acclaim Teeside. Atomic Planet will collaborate with Lead Designer Jon Hare and Codemasters studio head John Roberts, who will serve as producer.  Codemasters is determined that the game will capture Tyson’s spirit and likeness as effectively and dramatically as possible to bring his console-counterpart to intimidating life.

"My kids talked me into doing last year’s PlayStation game, and now that they’ve got their new consoles, they want to see me on those too.  So it’s cool Codemasters wants to continue with the Tyson games."  says Mike Tyson on his continuing involvement with Codemasters.  "The ideas for the new game sound awesome and it’ll be good to see me going face-to-face in a heavyweight only game."

"Tyson’s a remarkable global presence and this game is full-on total heavyweight championship boxing.  We’ve got the right elements to create the definitive, most playable boxing game to date." says Jon Hare, the project’s Lead Designer.  "We learned a lot from the production of the original Tyson game and with that experience, and the fresh approach Atomic Planet will bring, I’m confident we’re onto a real hard-hitting winner."

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 platform and PC, and is on-track to become one of the top 8 computer/video game publishers in the world within four years time.  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.  In keeping with the company's mission to remain on the cusp of the gaming wave, Codemasters is developing games for online and next generation platforms.  Codemasters can be found at www.codemasters.com
 

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