Gathering of Developers and PopTop Software Reveal a Boxcar Load of Features for Railroad Tycoon II Highly Anticipated 3D Strategy Simulation Game to Feature 30 Maps from Around the World, Multiplayer Play and 30 Scenarios Dallas, TX, October 7, 1998 -- Gathering of Developers’ and PopTop Software’s Railroad Tycoon II is right on track for its early November release and will deliver a boxcar load of game features. Rich with historic scenarios, a sophisticated stock market, and a multitude of maps, Railroad Tycoon II, a strategy simulation game for the PC, is the long-awaited sequel to the original Sid Meier classic, Railroad Tycoon. Railroad Tycoon II places gamers in a world of big business, expansionism and engineering in which all aspects of the railroad industry can be controlled. PopTop Software has improved upon the original game with cutting-edge technology and an outstanding features list. The game will have 34 types of cargo and 59 train engines from around the world for building and expanding empires in over 30 different industries, such as coal, steel and textiles. Train robberies starring the infamous Jesse James have now been added, along with locomotive mishaps ranging from traffic jams to blow-ups, forcing businesspeople to carefully choose their routes while maintaining tracks and stations. “Railroad Tycoon II was developed with every type of gamer in mind...from train enthusiasts to hardcore strategy sim players to the gamer that just wants to play with trains,” said Phil Steinmeyer, CEO of PopTop Software and lead designer of Railroad Tycoon II. “We have stayed true to Sid Meier’s incredibly addictive original game, while at the same time, adding cool elements like train robberies, crashes, an event editor and a realistic stock market.” The story of Railroad Tycoon II begins in 1829. Players encounter numerous historical events like the Franco-Prussian War, the eruption of Mt. Krakatoa, and the American Civil War. Railroad Tycoon II will feature an 18 scenario campaign, including scenarios such as Whistle Stops and Promises (Northwest US circa 1902), When the Walls Come Down (Eastern Europe and Russia circa 1990), and Excess on the Orient Express (Paris to Istanbul circa 1850). Railroad Tycoon II will also have 12 stand alone scenarios that can be played solo or multiplayer, and a scenario editor that allows gamers to import maps from satellite photos or create their own. Railroad Tycoon II’s designers incorporated a sophisticated economic system and a simulated stock market that allows money moguls to test their entrepreneurial prowess. Gamers must pay attention to the market and rising financial opportunities that could set the stage for an economic sweep. Players can increase their fortunes by issuing bonds, selling stocks or purchasing other companies’ stocks. Through the acquisition of competitor’s stock, gamers can oust opposing chairmen from their posts and institute an economic takeover. Furthermore, new companies and railroads can be started through personal cash and investment. With more railroads, increased assets and heightened power, the player will become the ultimate railroad tycoon. In September, The Gathering released the Railroad Tycoon II demo at http://www.godgames.com. Tens of thousands of enthusiastic gamers downloaded the single player demo featuring two fully playable scenarios, The Golden Age (Northeastern U.S. circa 1870) and Cape to Cairo (Africa circa 1895). The demo offered access to all features of the game and contained a preview version of the map editor. “Railroad Tycoon II has already caused a major commotion in the industry and will be a blockbuster title for this holiday season,” said Mike Wilson, CEO of The Gathering. “PopTop's talented crew of six has delivered a fantastic sequel that has been a long time coming for fans worldwide." Players can take on real railroad tycoons from the character library. Railroad Tycoon II has over 35 famous capitalists, expansionists and leaders to challenge the player. From the accomplished German leader Otto Von Bismark to the shrewd American capitalist Cornelius Vanderbilt, gamers will need to outsmart and outmaneuver these historical statesmen and financiers to gain their own famed position. Railroad Tycoon II is based upon PopTop’s proprietary S3D engine, which allows for highly detailed 3D graphics and rendering. The title is the first game developed exclusively for 1024 x 768 resolution in either 16-bit or 8-bit color. The engine, powering 300,000 polygons displayed on the screen at once, generates real-world environments, terrain and a competitive arena. The game will support multiplayer play over LANs, modem, and the Internet.