Psygnosis Prepares to Launch Rascal
FOSTER CITY, CALIF. (Jan. 27) BUSINESS WIRE - Jan. 27, 1998 -
Rascal(TM), the action-packed 3D platform game designed by Travellers
Tales, will captivate young PlayStation(TM) game console enthusiasts
with its blazing, 60 frames-per-second gameplay, a new mischievous Jim
Henson Creature Workshop-created character, and attention-grabbing
special effects including real time light sourcing and environmental
texture mapping.
In preparation for the March 17th launch of this tightly-crafted,
non-violent adventure, Psygnosis U.S. publishing is rolling out a
comprehensive marketing campaign designed to give kids and their
parents a tantalizing early look at one of the most technically
advanced 3D platform games. Rascal will be available at U.S. retail
outlets at an expected street price of $39.95.   Rascal has tremendous
opportunity to lead the 8-12 year-old market, a booming new genre for
the PlayStation, and thoroughly delight young gamers as it combines
the mischievous, fun-loving qualities of Dennis the Menace with the
adventuresome wholesomeness of a young Indiana Jones.
To reach young gamers and their parents, Psygnosis' four-month
marketing program includes ad placement in network cable programming
(Nikelodeon and Disney channels) as well as national network and spot
TV, including key children's programming such as Fox Kids and WB Kids.
This will be supported by ad placements in both enthusiast magazines
and mainstream children's publications targeting 8-12 year olds with
lots of game play, and other components including a wide-scale on-line
campaign and a comprehensive distribution of playable demos that
includes a direct mail campaign, and a retailer pre-sell program.
Merchandise available for retailer use includes posters, oversized
boxes and in-store videos.
The Rascal character, created in collaboration with the world-renowned
Jim Henson Creature Workshop in London, is the misbehaving son of an
inventor.  On a mission to rescue his kidnapped father, Rascal travels
through six stunningly-rendered worlds in three different time zones,
avoiding fiendish traps and hostile creatures while solving puzzles
that reveal hidden time bubbles, new levels and bonus games. The game
features the most true 3D environments and maneuverability of any
platform game for the PlayStation; nonviolent gameplay, and fast
loading times for a classic cartridge feel.  Game developer Travelers
Tales is known for its console hits Mickey Mania and Toy Story, as
well as Sega's upcoming Sonic R.
From:  Silicon Times Report / January 30, 1998 / No.1404
... "The principles of lust are easy to understand..."
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