REDMOND, Wash., Nov. 7, 1996 — Delivering the unprecedented array of games that Microsoft Corp. promised to consumers and the industry last spring, the company today released four Windows® 95 operating system-based CD-ROM games, including Microsoft® Flight Simulator for Windows 95, marking the first time in its 14-year history that the product is available on the Windows platform.
Other game titles released today include Microsoft Golf 3.0, Microsoft Soccer and GEX
™
. Together with the four adrenaline-pumping games released last month – Deadly Tide
™
, Hellbender
™
, Monster Truck Madness
™
and NBA
™
Full Court Press
™
– they represent Microsoft’s broadest array ever of offerings for the holiday game market.
“We’re excited to offer something for everyone by providing more great Windows 95-based games this holiday season,”
said Ed Fries, general manager of the games group at Microsoft.
“Bringing Flight Simulator to Windows is certainly a milestone, as it opens the door to new users and provides significant features that millions of our hard-core users have been asking for.”
Let Microsoft Flight Simulator for Windows 95 Take You Around the World
The world’s most popular flight simulator joins the world of Windows in Microsoft Flight Simulator for Windows 95, the newest version of the most realistic civilian aviation computer simulation available for the PC. Microsoft Flight Simulator for Windows 95 provides the best way to experience the thrill and challenge of flying. New users will appreciate ease-of-use features in Windows 95 that make it easier than ever to learn how to fly, including these:
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A new, friendly interface
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AutoInstall and AutoPlay, which automatically install and start Flight Simulator for Windows 95
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Multimedia Pilot’s Help, which provides a ground school for learning the principles of aerodynamics and controls, flight instruments and procedures
In addition to getting new pilots off the ground, Microsoft Flight Simulator for
Windows 95 offers Flight Simulator veterans a plethora of new features, including the following:
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Pilots can fly two new airplanes – an Extra 300S and a Boeing 737-400.
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Scenery from around the world, including London; Tokyo; Athens; Rio de Janeiro; Paris; New York; Toronto; Rome; Atlanta; Moscow; St. Louis; Berlin; Washington, D.C.; Mexico City; Jerusalem; and Miami. In addition, photo-realistic scenery areas have been created for Las Vegas; Chelan, Wash.; and Martha’s Vineyard, Mass.
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U.S. road and river data heightens the geographical realism of Flight Simulator for Windows 95.
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Multimedia demonstrations of complex maneuvers are provided by Patty Wagstaff, the three-time U.S. National Aerobatic Champion.
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New Challenges and Adventures provide structured game-play options.
Challenge Your Friends With Microsoft Golf 3.0 and Microsoft Soccer
Microsoft Golf 3.0 is the latest version of the classic, award-winning sports-game product and market-leading golf simulator for Windows. New features include Windows 95 design, faster game play through instant hole rendering, an improved user interface and the ability to play against artificially intelligent computer opponents. Players can also compete in stroke, skins, match play and best ball scoring formats at two new courses: Banff Springs and Harbour Town.
Players of Microsoft Golf 3.0 can easily connect using a modem or network to compete in multiplayer games and socialize in twosomes, threesomes or foursomes. Within weeks of availability, Microsoft Golf 3.0 will be the first PC golf game to offer multiplayer game play via the Internet to Internet users. Microsoft Golf 3.0 will bring golfers from around the globe together to meet and compete over the Internet at the Microsoft Internet Gaming Zone ( (http://www.zone.MSN.com/) ). Internet golfers will need to download a patch at the Microsoft Golf Web site to challenge other Internet
“cybergolfers”
to a friendly round and to chat with one another.
Sports fans can also experience the thrill of competing in an internationally acclaimed sport with Microsoft Soccer. Stunning graphics and sound – complete with authentic crowd chants from around the world – create an exciting, immersive environment that puts the player right on the field. Advanced artificial intelligence makes the game play realistic, and multiplayer capabilities (via modem-to-modem communication, over a network or with multiple players on one PC) allow gamers to compete head to head. Microsoft Soccer was designed for Windows 95 and is easy to set up and use, so players can kick off immediately at the sound of the whistle. Microsoft Soccer features smooth, motion-captured moves such as slide tackles, bicycle kicks, headers and more, and nearly 100 international teams from which to choose.
Turn to Twisted Comedy With GEX
Gamers can come back down to earth and turn to twisted comedy with GEX, a side-scrolling action game with strong, diverse game play and a zany story line. The game features a wisecracking gecko named GEX with the insane humor and voice of popular comedian Dana Gould. GEX engages players in a story line based on classic TV shows and B movies, moves with incredibly smooth 3-D animation and has a startling CD-quality soundtrack. GEX was originally developed by Crystal Dynamics for various video game platforms. It received the 1994 Editor’s Choice Gold Award from Electronic Gaming Monthly and the 1994 Video Game Character of the Year award from DieHard GameFan magazine.
Pricing and Availability
Microsoft Flight Simulator for Windows 95 is available now for the estimated reseller price of $54.95. Microsoft Golf 3.0, Microsoft Soccer and GEX are available now for the estimated retail price of $44.95.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
Microsoft, Windows, Deadly Tide, Hellbender, Monster Truck Madness and Full Court Press are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
GEX and the GEX character are trademarks of Crystal Dynamics.
The NBA and individual NBA member team identification used on or in this product are trademarks, copyrighted designs, and other forms of intellectual property of NBA Properties Inc. and the respective member teams, and may not be used, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of NBA Properties Inc. All rights reserved.
For online product information:
Microsoft Games Web site: http://www.microsoft.com/games/
Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/ on Microsoft’s corporate information pages.