News Release

For immediate release

Shrapnel Games to publish eSim Games' Modern Tank Simulation, Steel Beasts

Shrapnel Games Partners with Designer Al Delaney

Cary, NC, March 26,2000

Shrapnel Games announced today that they are publishing the modern tank simulation game, Steel Beasts.  In a partnership with game designer Al Delaney, Shrapnel Games has cemented their fourth game offering since starting operations in August of 1999.  Steel Beasts  is due to go Gold on June 15, 2000 and will be available for mail order shipments starting in July 2000.  The demo for this much anticipated sim will  be available in the future at the Shrapnel Games web site at: http://www.shrapnelgames.com. 

Steel Beasts is a true tankers sim.  A list of just SOME of the features are listed below:

A tank simulation in which real-world tank tactics apply, and you have the means to use them.

Features the Leopard 2A4, the most popular European battle tank, and the M1A1. 

Integrated mission and map editors, which allow you to create custom missions with complete enemy plans. 

Accurately models M1 and Leopard gunnery and the interplay that takes place between the crew members of a tank. You better dump the lead after an engagement on the M1, or you'll find your next shot may be way off -- just like the real thing! 

A terrain rendering engine that enables players to read the lay of the land. 

Superior AI that frees the player from micromanaging his units. Units are smart enough to automatically avoid minefields, move away from artillery strikes (when allowed to do so), go hull down, and even change hull-down positions when under attack. 

Sophisticated algorithms that enable real-world tactics to apply. Factors such as the speed of the tank, the terrain behind and in front of the tank, the degree to which the tank is hidden behind a hill, etc, all determine whether one particular tank is detected by an enemy tank. Skyline your tank and you'll find that the enemies will detect you much easier than if you had trees behind you. 

Powerful 2D map with line-of-sight display that allows meaningful pre-battle planning. 

A tank commander's position that is actually useful. 

Friendly forces that are not under the player's control can also be part of the battle. 

Sophisticated damage modeling, including loss of communications. 

Infantry and artillery are modeled as well.

Richard Arnesen, of Shrapnel Games, said, "We are very excited to be working with Al Delaney on this simulation.  From the very minute we received our very first copy of the game we have been incredibly impressed by the depth and ease of use of this game as well as the immersion value it delivers to even a non tanker like myself.  Steel Beasts will set a fidelity standard in the modern tank simulation market that will be hard to beat!"

Steel Beasts will retail for $39.95 and will be available at Shrapnel Games website.  Those who pre-order before May 25, 2000, will pay only $34.95.  Other avenues for distribution of the product are in the works, according to Timothy Brooks, President of Shrapnel Games.

For more information, please contact:

Timothy W. Brooks

PMB #164

952 US Hwy 64 West

Apex, NC 27502-7184

tbrooks@shrapnelgames.com