Futuristic racing game is on its way
San Francisco, CA, March 8, 2005 -- Nokia and Tantalus Interactive today announced Payload, a futuristic action game that blends white-knuckle racing with a heavy dose of hard-hitting destruction. With its amazing 3D graphics it offers a unique mix of strategy, combat and traditional racing. This N-Gage exclusive game is sure to get pulses racing whether it's played alone or against up to 4 friends via Bluetooth wireless technology.
Set in the distant future, players are members of courier teams hired to transport the precious crystalline mineral fuel source. As the players make their way to their goal, they will encounter gangs of marauders, and rival teams, attempting to steal their payload. Only successful runs will earn the cash and kudos required to progress through to the more challenging levels.
"Payload mixes the best of combat racing games with a strong storyline and plenty of white knuckle action," said Pasi P?l?nen, Director, Games Publishing, Nokia. "The unlockable content through the N-Gage Arena also gives players the chance to extend their gameplay even longer than average."
Working on their first N-Gage title, Tantalus Interactive is similarly enthusiastic about the release. "We were hoping to push some boundaries with this game," said Tantalus CEO Tom Crago. "I'm confident we've produced one of the deepest, most frenetic, and technically impressive titles ever to grace the N-Gage platform."
Players must progress through this story driven plot that takes place across 10 different worlds. Pilot one of the many armed hover vehicles known as 'Skims' and battle your way through each of these hostile environments. Massive jumps and unforgiving terrains will be the least of your worries as players use up to 15 different weapons to progress through one of the most challenging racing games to smash its way onto the N-Gage game decks
Gamers will have full access to a massive amount of gaming options. Players can pick different race types and scenarios, which makes the game as challenging as ever for hours on end. Progress through the game and via the N-Gage Arena function, players will be rewarded with unlockable content for extended game play. Arena features will include extra Skims, an extra single player story mode, additional downloads and an Arena challenge ranking system on which to post top scores. The mechanics of the game ensure that it is an easy pick up and play game which is sure to thrill everyone from the hardened racing expert to the less experienced first timer.
About N-Gage
The N-Gage game deck is an innovative mobile device that is creating an entirely new market for the games industry. Built for active gamers, the N-Gage platform is the first mobile and connected game deck to feature online high-quality 3D multiplayer game play over Bluetooth wireless technology and GPRS. The N-Gage device also offers unique online games services as well as a comprehensive and growing games catalogue from the leading game publishers.
About Tantalus Interactive
Tantalus Interactive was founded in 1994 and is one of Australia's leading game developers having worked on over 25 titles. Tantalus has worked on 16bit, 32bit and all current generation consoles as well as all available handhelds (GBA, N-Gage) and soon to be launched handheld devices (DS and PSP). The release of Top Gear Rally on Game Boy Advance saw the company establish itself among the best in the world on this platform. The game was published by Nintendo and is one of the biggest selling Australian developed titles of all time. It also received the IGN Award for 'Racing Game of the Year' in 2003, and won the award for best Australian developed title on any platform. Tantalus has a subsidiary company named Tantalus Asia, which is based in Malaysia and focuses on developing and distributing games for mobile phones.