Selv om man allerede så de første screenshots og informationer om Microsofts opfølger til Train Simulator til E3, kommer nu den ”officielle” pressemeddelelse. Den indeholder ikke mange informationer man ikke vidste i forvejen, men til dem der ikke lige fik fat i det i første omgang kommer nu her pressemeddelelsen, sammen med to helt friske screenshots af de populære rullende kraftmaskiner.
Microsoft Train Simulator 2″: Kuju Steams Ahead with Microsoft “Train Simulator” Sequel

Godalming, Surrey, UK. — 10th June 2003 — Kuju Entertainment is pleased to announce “Microsoft® Train SimulatorTM 2” on PC for Microsoft Game Studios. Train enthusiasts and Windows® gamers worldwide have been eagerly awaiting the sequel.

The follow-up to the No. 1 best-selling train simulation PC game, * “Microsoft Train Simulator 2” provides the opportunity to command a 200-ton modern diesel locomotive or operate a steam-breathing behemoth from the past. Taking cues from the exacting standards of quality and realism associated with the “Microsoft Flight Simulator” product family, the latest edition in the “Microsoft Train Simulator” series takes the simulation to new levels of realism and player immersion.

“We’ve worked extremely closely with Microsoft to ensure that ‘Microsoft Train Simulator 2’ meets everyone’s high expectations and are very pleased with the results,” said Jonathan Newth, managing director of Kuju Entertainment. “The levels of detail and fidelity have improved tremendously, and we’ve further developed the product’s open architecture. The open architecture is a key feature which enables users to easily enhance their experience by downloading additional tracks, engines and scenery.”


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“Microsoft Train Simulator 2” features include the following:

  • Five new, highly detailed routes from around the world. “Microsoft Train Simulator 2” allows virtual engineers to relive the golden age of steam by taking trains around the historic Horseshoe Curve on the Pennsylvania Railroad circa 1946, or on a high-speed run through Germany on the world-famous Deutsche Bahn AG.
  • A living world. Railroads in “Microsoft Train Simulator 2” run through a dynamic environment, immersing conductors in a virtual world. Virtual engineers look out of their locomotive to see people in the stations and on the streets, cars moving about, and animals roaming the countryside. A new dynamic weather effect adds an additional layer of realism.
  • Realistic railroad simulation. Virtual engineers can take charge of one of 13 fully interactive 3-D cabs complete with accurate, fully functional gauges and working controls, including, for the first time, U.S. steam locomotives. Vivid sound effects bring to life the rumble of a powerful modern diesel as it lugs a long coal train and the distinctive sounds of high-speed electric locomotives as they operate over famous routes in Europe.
  • Real-world rail activities. Operational events unique to each route allow virtual engineers to choose from a variety of activities such as operating a passenger train on a strict timetable or keeping a heavy steam-powered freight train running at peak efficiency. Alternatively, users can sit back and enjoy many of the routes in the role of a passenger as the train rolls down the tracks.
  • Open architecture. “Microsoft Train Simulator 2” allows users to customize and expand their experience by creating new trains, routes, scenery and challenges that suit their specific interests. Users also will find it easy to add content from third-party sources and import content from “Microsoft Train Simulator v1.0.” Updates on the latest railroad features will be available online to enhance gameplay.

    “Microsoft Train Simulator 2” will be available for PC in autumn 2003.

    About Kuju Entertainment

    Kuju Entertainment is one of Europe’s leading independent games developers. Located in three studios in the UK, with over 130 staff, Kuju has a substantial multi-platform multi-team development capability. With over thirteen years game development experience, Kuju is currently creating 5 games for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube and PC platforms. Recent releases include the hit title “Microsoft Train Simulator” on PC, “Fireblade” and “Reign Of Fire” on PlayStation 2 and Xbox.

    Kuju’s Wireless division is one of Europe’s leading mobile phone game developers with extensive development experience on SMS, Java and Symbian. This rapidly growing area of Kuju’s business already counts some of the biggest names in mobile entertainment amongst its customers. This division has recently begun working on interactive TV.

    Kuju Entertainment is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kuju plc. Kuju plc successfully floated on the London Stock Exchange’s Alternative Investment Market (AIM) in May 2002 (LSE AIM: KUJ). www.kuju.com