UBI Soft showcases Arcatera & Ultimate Golf
Date: May 13th
Based on a non-linear storyline, the game may lead to various outcomes depending on the player's actions and attitude
toward others. Not only does the player have complete freedom of action, but they also live in realistic pre-rendered
environments where all inhabitants of the city have an AI-determined behavior-type so that they can be seen eating,
sleeping or moving in the city according to their needs. With different ways to solve each quest, sub-quest and obstacle
players are free to solve the enigmas in whichever order they choose. The game also contains RPG elements, including
magic, combat with group tactics, party personalization and progression through experience points and levels. With
beautiful 2D pre-rendered graphics, over 100 locations, 120 interactive characters and an open-end plot that varies from
one game to another, Arcatera offers a unique experience every time you play. The game is scheduled to be released in
quarter one 2000 for PC CD-ROM. Minimum system requirements include a Pentium-II 233 MHz with 32MB, though it is
recommended for a Pentium II 350 MHz with 64 MB RAM.
Ultimate Golf introduces an innovative control method designed to simulate the swing motion by controlling the rotation of
the golfer's shoulders and wrists in real-time. Free of the traditional three-clicks system, players can see characters lift the
club and swing at the ball while simultaneously reproducing the swing movement with a mouse.
Realistic user-definable weather effects such as wind, fog, rain and changing brightness heighten the realism. Golfers also
putt with realistic club dynamics and benefit from a club design option that allows them to modify their club's head or
shaft. There are eight unique predefined characters to choose from and configure.
The title is highlighted by seven different types of games, including stroke play, match play, tournament, Grand
Tournament, four ball, foursome and practice, as well as realistic ball dynamics and four different types of balls. Plus, it
features three original golf courses in England, Arizona and Hawaii. The game will be released in quarter one 2000 for PC
CD-ROM at an SRP of $34.99. Minimum system requirements include a Pentium 166 MMX with 32MB RAM and a Glide or
DirectX-compatible 3D card.
Developed by Westka Kommunikations, Arcatera is a real-time adventure game set in the heroic-fantasy world of
Arcatera. It is based on a complex criminal investigation where the hero has only three weeks in-game time to counter the
evil deeds of the Dark Brotherhood, a satanic organization trying to overthrow the Prince of the city and bring turmoil to its
inhabitants. Combining adventure and RPG elements, this game should to adventure, RPG and fantasy.
Ubi Soft is taking a swing at golf simulations with Ultimate Golf, featuring real-time 3D graphics, real-world dynamics and
innovative simulation control technology. For the first time, players can turn around the ball to position their character
while the 360 degree background scrolls. They can also walk around the hole to examine the ripples and bumps in the
ground or lean over for even more precision. All this is done using a first-person point-of-view. The 3D graphics use 16-bit
textures, 500 polygons per character and over 2000 polygons per hole to generate a complete 3D environment in which
characters appear fully integrated.
