The massively multiplayer space simulation game will be available online.

Product Mini Profile Battle Isle: DarkSpace in: Real-time Strategy (PC) links » p/reviews

PRESS RELEASE

Blue Byte Software today signed a contract to publish its first online-play only game, Battle Isle: DarkSpace. The PC game, which is downloaded and played exclusively online via the Blue Byte Game Channel, is being developed by Austin, TX-based Palestar and will be available during first quarter 2001 through Blue Byte Direct at http://www.bluebyte.com. For a limited time, Blue Byte Software plans to offer free online play.
DarkSpace is a space action/strategy sim featuring incredible real-time 3D graphics, spatial sound, command structure and tactical ship-to-ship combat. It is set in the multi-galaxy Battle Isle® Internet universe, in which the player commands a starship competing against hundreds of other players for galactic domination.

Featuring 3D accelerated graphics using the Palestar's proprietary Medusa engine, DarkSpace enables users to command more than 18 unique spacecraft and installations from three warring factions. Dynamic stereo-rendered environmental sound is featured, ranging from the crackling hum of alien particle beams splitting five-kilometer capital ships in half to the frantic radio distress calls from allied ships on the verge of destruction.

Real-time particle systems showing ship damage, torpedo impacts, nebulas and other effects will keep the player in tune with the action. Players can participate in massively multiplayer world-shattering campaigns, receiving dynamic content updates of new ship types, races, technology and strategies that will bring high replay value to the game. Global Ranking boards within the Blue Byte Game Channel will keep an active career report on players: tracking ranks, achievements, kills, campaign wins and a host of other statistics and accolades such as Merit badges, medals and commendations.

DarkSpace's gameplay supports a variety of skill levels. New players will be commissioned on a smaller, less complicated craft learning how to handle basic tasks and eventually gaining prestige and rank to take on more responsibility and command. Various victory conditions in different scenarios will challenge even the most skilled players, allowing a multitude of strategies and attacks. Intuitive control allows players to set waypoints, pre-plot hyperspace travel routes, and move fluidly through the universe.

Blue Byte CEO, Thomas Hertzler, comments, "Blue Byte is excited to kick off 2001 with our first online-play only downloadable game and we plan to provide a CD version for customers who do not wish to download the game due to bandwidth limitations. DarkSpace is extremely well timed considering the company's recent decision to focus on our e-commerce strategy in North America. While we are initially offering online gameplay for free, after a short time, we'll be charging a nominal monthly fee for unlimited use. The game's innovation fits right into the Blue Byte Game Channel strategy and the community we're creating there for online gamers. The development team will continue to enhance Battle Isle: DarkSpace following its release with additional ships and equipment, scenarios and further improvements, increasing its longevity."

President of Palestar, Richard Lyle, notes, "Palestar is very happy to be working with Blue Byte; together we are looking forward to the completion of DarkSpace and amazing the Internet gaming world."

Blue Byte fans can board the ship early and learn more about the game on August 7th by logging onto the Blue Byte Game Channel at http://www.bluebyte.net. A closed online-beta test of DarkSpace, formerly know as DeepSpace (working title), will commence in September 2000 via the Blue Byte Game Channel.