Non-Violent, Non-Linear Adventure for All Levels of Gamers
 

Toronto, Ontario  (October 16, 2001), DreamCatcher œs SCHIZM: Mysterious Journey is a visually stunning, first-person perspective, 3D pre-rendered adventure game with a compelling nonviolent storyline combined with non-linear gameplay.  In Schizm, adventurers from all skill sets ­ novice to die-hard adventure gamers ­ will revel in playing the game¹s two protagonists, who are both members of the Earth supply vessel Angel, which was sent on a mission to explore the fascinating landscapes of an alien world filled with mystery and intrigue.

During this adventure, the player simultaneously controls two protagonists, who can explore the game and solve puzzles independently, but their cooperation is required at certain points as well. This two character approach further expands the game's non-linear gameplay and frees the player from the annoying situation of being stuck at a particular puzzle.  The quest also involves interaction with several live characters and information interchanges between the protagonists, so the player won't feel left alone on this deserted planet.

Unlike other adventure games, in Schizm adventurers get to choose the order in which most of the puzzles are solved, and the game¹s puzzles vary in type, including mechanical, logical, sound and inventory-based puzzles.  In addition, the game¹s puzzles are all seamlessly integrated with a amazing storyline that was created in collaboration with award-winning Australian science fiction writer Terry Dowling. In fact, the storyline itself is so clever that it too unfolds like an intriguing puzzle waiting to be solved.

All the action of the game takes place in distinctive environments (indoors and outdoors) that were created by gifted individual artists.  Journeymen of Schizm will encounter floating balloon towns, mysterious underground locations, abandoned industrial cities, sea-floating organic spaceships and more on their quest. Breathtaking, highly detailed, photo-realistic, 3D pre-rendered graphics presented full-screen in high resolution (640x360) and high color will also dazzle voyagers on their journey.
 

Storyline

It is the year 2083. Ten months ago, the first humans landed on Argilus. They found cities, towns and industrial installations, but they were all deserted. Doors unlocked. Meals unfinished. Amazing machinery still working. But no people. It was like finding the Mary Celeste on a planetary scale.

Science teams were brought in.  Research bases set up. Four months later, your supply ship has been sent to check on these bases. But when you hail them from orbit, there's no answer. The science teams, too, seem to have vanished. Now your systems are failing and you and your crew mate have no choice but to abandon ship. But where can you go?

Technology

Schizm uses the V-Cruise engine (used previously in REAH: Face the Unknown), which allows for an immersive experience and ultra-smooth, fast and effective navigation between hundreds of locations.

The V-Cruise provides full 360 degree panoramic views in all locations and background animations in most of them, with occasional up and down glimpses and zooms. The navigation is entirely controlled by mouse movement, with one mouse button giving the player intuitive and smooth control.

Schizm also incorporates fast and high-quality video compression technology that allows for full-motion (25 frames per second), full-screen, high-resolution video sequences featuring live actors in virtual environments.

In addition, the game uses a very advanced digital sound library QMDX from QSound Labs. QMDX supports hardware accelerated 3D sound cards allowing for full 360 degree sound positioning. The library also adds support for Creative Labs Environmental Audio Extensions (EAX), further enhancing the player's sonic experience.

The game is designed to be delivered on DVD-ROM and take advantage of the large capacity and improved speed of this new technology. The classic CD-ROM version will be a scaled down version of this DVD-ROM original.

Crystal clear sound effects and ambient soundscapes, all presented in stereo and in 16-bit quality help players navigate throughout the adventure.  Users of 3D accelerated sound cards can enjoy the full 360 degree real-time sound positioning, which adapts to the changing position of the player. Ambient, non-distracting, interactive digital soundtrack also changes to match the player's actions.

Minimal Hardware Requirements and Availability:
Pentium II 300 MHz, 32 MB RAM, 200 MB HDD free, DVD-ROM or CD-ROM drive (2 and 12-speed respectively), Windows 95/98/2000 with DirectX drivers, DirectX compatible sound card.
 

About DreamCatcher

Started in 1996, DreamCatcher dedicates itself to providing customers with high-quality family entertainment software at affordable prices.  The company is known for publishing and distributing leading interactive titles that predominantly fall within the adventure game arena.  DreamCatcher is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.  Visit the company web site at www.dreamcatchergames.com.