MEMORICK, THE APPRENTICE KNIGHT, AN ARTHURIAN LEGEND BASED PLATFORMER

Microïds' unveils its latest development challenge

(Montreal, Canada - Wednesday, May 6, 2003) - Microïds is proud to announce today the development of Memorick, The Apprentice Knight, an innovative 3D action adventure platformer based on the Arthurian legends and exclusive to the Xbox video game system from Microsoft.

The game is being created at the developer/publisher's Montreal-based studios and is scheduled for a Christmas 2003 release date.

"While taking the decision to develop a platformer title, choosing to do it on Xbox was the most obvious and easy choice we had to make with this project," stated Samuel Gatte, the Director of Development for Microïds. "The graphic and programming possibilities are simply incredible. From the quality of the textures and the amount of polygons we can work with to the programming environment, every aspect of working with Xbox is positive."

The Plot

The Apprentice Knight unfolds upon the Island of Avalon, a land of magic where anything is possible and home to the Fays, an ancient race led by Morgan le Fay.

In a remote part of Avalon, known as the floating isles, a now secluded Merlin was busy with the teaching of his apprentice, Memorick. And though Merlin poured all of his knowledge into the boy, Memorick's heart seemed to lie elsewhere. He secretly dreamed of justice, honor and knighthood... in essence, all things not wizardly.

The player will take on the role of Memorick, a 15-year old young boy who chooses to defend his native land from the dark armies raised and trained by Morganna, sister to King Arthur, and her son, Mordred.

Main Features:

-         Story based on the famous Arthurian legends and created in a superb fairy setting with beautiful 3D interactive environments;

-         11 different levels with 8 exceptional worlds to explore and conquer;

-         Four different methods to explore the different environments of the game and to defeat the maleficent forces, riding a horse, flying on a gryphon, sliding down on a shield and walking/running;

-         Constant evolution of the hero's skills : magic and physical ones;

-         Highly developed monster AI. with a total of 28 monsters, 5 of which are bosses;

-         11 main characters : Arthur, Merlin, Morganna, etc ;

-         Real-time characters animation ;

-         Stunning 3D environments and graphics (Takes advantage of the capabilities of Xbox)

About Microïds

Founded in 1985 in France, Microïds develops, publishes and distributes PC and Console video game software throughout the world. With R&D studios in Paris and Montreal, and distribution entities in Canada, France, Italy and the United Kingdom, Microïds currently employs over 200 people, 105 of which are based in Montreal. (www.microids.com)

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