Press release: 1995-01-06: TIME WARNER INTERACTIVE PROJECTS 3D REALISTIC GOLF ENVIRONMENT ON THE SEGA(TM) GENESIS

This is an unaltered copy of a press release, for use as a primary source on Sega Retro. Please do not edit the contents below. Language: English third-party Original source: The Free Library

'Payne Stewart Pro Golf(TM)' Previews at Winter Consumer Electronics Show

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Time Warner Interactive, Inc., Games Division today announced from the Winter Consumer Electronics Show that they are previewing "Payne Stewart Pro Golf(TM)" on the Sega(TM) Genesis(TM) at the St. Tropez Hotel in suite #2903. Time Warner Interactive signed a licensing agreement last year with Payne Stewart, one of the top players on the PGA Tour, to create a golf game with a serious new spin. Unlike any other golf video game, "Payne Stewart Pro Golf" offers a unique "on-the-course" feel. The terrain of the golf course and flight of the golf ball are projected in a real-time 3D environment. Professional golf swings are captured with applied physics to replicate authentic swing mechanics. In combination, these features put the player on the course like no other product available on 16-bit systems. "Payne Stewart Pro Golf" is expected Spring 1995 at retail outlets for an estimated price of $54.95.

Payne Stewart, winner of fifteen professional golf tournaments, including the 1989 PGA Championship, and the 1991 U.S. Open, is known for his long, perfectly tempoed swing and distinctive attire. His trademark clothing, colorful knickers and English cap, underscore his vibrant personality and tremendous dedication to his sport. Commented Stewart on his game, "My greatest strength is my imagination and my visualization of the golf shot. I like to 'work' the ball which creates a lot of opportunities on the golf course. I'm always attempting to improve." To that end "Payne Stewart Pro Golf" offers the video game golfer the opportunity to test shots, adjust the type and power of their swing, break it down, and re-play from different angles to get a feel for real golf dynamics.

"We're after a unique golf experience on the 16-bit machine," said Mark Beaumont, Sr. Vice President Product Development and Marketing, Time Warner Interactive, Games Division. "With Payne Stewart Pro Golf and our line of other sports titles, we're using technology that brings the level of play up another notch by adding realistic features and an immersive environment."

Imagine hitting the ball and watching it arc over undulating terrain. Other golf video games present flat views and flat golf. In "Payne Stewart Pro Golf" the game is played in a three dimensional environment, so there is the feel of actually playing on a golf course. Select from two challenging 18-hole courses, one of which was designed by Arnold Palmer. To achieve a genuine look, the golf courses were constructed in a 3D-rendered environment with views of each hole and every shot. Commented Ken Humphries, Senior Producer at Time Warner Interactive, "We store approximately 400 data points for each hole on the golf course and then plot those points to recreate the actual terrain adding an overlay of flight trajectory ball physics. Basically, we've created a very realistic golf game."

Select a player from one of eight professional profiles, including Payne Stewart, then choose from multiple options including: skill level, club set, swing strength, and other player preferences. "Payne Stewart Pro Golf" can be played by up to four people at a time in any of four modes of competition: Stroke, Match, Skins or Tournament. Everyone from beginner to scratch golfer can start right out at the putting green, driving range, or 18-hole course.

The interface and controls are based on Payne Stewart's actual swing. This provides a great way to watch golf dynamics in action and to test your approach. You can select from five different swings: Full, Chip, Punch, Putt, and Pitch. There are also seven settings with which to apply to the ball: No Skill, Slight Draw, Big Draw, Low Spin, High Spin, Slight Fade, and Big Fade. Weather and wind factors need to be accounted for too, so look out for ratings such as Wet, Dry, Calm, or Breezy -- they'll affect game play. Loaded with options and features, "Payne Stewart Pro Golf" also has the realism and technical power to have you playing the best 18 holes of your life -- from the living room.

Time Warner Interactive, Inc., a subsidiary of Time Warner Inc. (NYSE: TWX), develops and publishes interactive consumer entertainment products that span across platforms from location-based and video arcade games, to video game cartridges and computer platforms.

All product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

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/CONTACT: Tracy Egan, Public Relations Manager of Time Warner Interactive Games Division, 408-232-3213/

(TWX)

CO: Time Warner Interactive Inc.; Time Warner Inc. ST: California IN: CPR SU: PDT

TM-JC -- SJ001 -- 0075 01/06/95 09:11 EST
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