FireFly Studio’s new strategy game “Stronghold 2” is launched using Lifemode Interactive’s facial animation technology
April 27th 2005. The eagerly awaited ground-breaking strategy game "Stronghold 2" has entered the official UK PC charts straight in the top 3 this week (supplied by ELSPA/Chart Track). Developed by FireFly Studios and published by 2K Games, a publishing label of Take2 Interactive, Stronghold 2 showcases a truly mind-boggling game experience in castles and medieval life.
However what has astonished nearly all gamers have been the stunning character facial animation sequences in the gameplay. The technology that created such amazing animation scenes was supplied by Lifemode Interactive's LifeStudio:HEAD®.
LifeStudio:HEAD® has revolutionized facial animation markets with its high performance, reliability and proven technology. The multi-platform SDK is a unique high-end software tool for creating innovative heads, and contains a comprehensive package of features and character libraries that supports Windows®, "PlayStation®2" and Xbox® platforms. LifeStudio:HEAD also supports 3ds Max and Maya plug-ins. The technology allows game developers and 3D artists to create cutting edge sequences in games that combines automated lip-synch with nonlinear facial animation in real-time.
Stronghold 2 is the only game that offers both sim and combat strategy gameplay. With its amazing graphics and character animation cut-scenes, Stronghold 2 offers a full story-driven single player campaign, innovative features like the all-new Kingmaker and enhanced multiplayer modes and additional gameplay options for more casual players. This is more than just a sequel. Stronghold 2 combines a powerful 3D engine with deep, intuitive gameplay to create an unparalleled strategic experience for all types of gamers.
"With Stronghold 2, we've added more depth to the castle life, characters and siege gameplay", said Simon Bradbury, Managing Director from Firefly Studios. "We are certainly very pleased with the amazing realism of all our characters that over all has produced what we think is the definitive medieval game.
Natalie Polikarpova from Lifemode said, "This is truly what our technology was designed for. Now all players can enjoy a real adventure in the ultimate video games experience. Thank you to those gamers for their amazing response!"
Further information regarding Lifemode's facial animation multi-platform technology LifeStudio:HEAD can be found from their website: www.lifemi.com or contacting: sales@lifemi.com. Stronghold 2 is rated T for teen and is available now from most European Retail Stores. For more information please visit http://www.stronghold2.com/.
About Take-Two Interactive Software:
Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is an integrated global developer, marketer, distributor and publisher of interactive entertainment software games and accessories for the PC, "PlayStation®" game console, "PlayStation®2" computer entertainment system, PSPTM handheld entertainment system, Xbox®, Nintendo GameCubeTM and Game Boy® Advance. The Company publishes and develops products through its wholly owned labels Rockstar Games, 2K Games and Global Star Software; and distributes products in North America through its Jack of All Games subsidiary. Take-Two also manufactures and markets video game accessories in Europe, North America and the Asia Pacific region through its Joytech subsidiary. The Company maintains sales and marketing offices in Cincinnati, New York, Toronto, London, Paris, Munich, Madrid, Vienna, Milan, Sydney, Breda (Netherlands) and Auckland. Take-Two's common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO.
For more corporate and product information please visit our website at www.take2games.com .
About LifeMode Interactive:
Lifemode Interactive is a privately owned independent software company incorporated in Belmont, California Bay Area, in 2001, that specializing in development of games-related technologies, high-end software tools and SDKs for game developers, 3D art studios and web designers. The company employs a 20-strong team of skilled art, programming and game design specialists. Lifemode has appointed 12 worldwide distributors. Other projects include Russia's best strategy game of 2003 JoWood/Nival Interactive's Silent Storm.
Contact details: www.lifemi.com Tel: +7 (095) 236 59 67; Fax: +7 (095) 959 74 46.
Press: Alexandra Selezneva selezneva@lifemi.com
Marketing and Sales: Natalie Polikarpova Natalie@lifemi.com
"LifeStudio:HEAD" is a registered trademark of Lifemode Interactive Ltd.
"PlayStation" is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Xbox is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
All trademarks and copyrights contained herein are the property of their respective holders.