Vivendi Universal Games to Publish Battlestar Galactica

April 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Vivendi Universal Games (VU Games) announced today that the universe of the classic science fiction TV series "Battlestar Galactica" will expand in the form of a multi-platform video game. "Battlestar Galactica" will debut on both the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system and the Xbox video game system from Microsoft in fall 2003.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the hit TV series "Battlestar Galactica," which tells the story of the last surviving human colony on the run from an evil robotic race in search of its mythical home world, Earth. The series was produced by Universal Television and Glen A. Larson and was first broadcast on ABC in September 1978. Starring Lorne Green, Richard Hatch and Dirk Benedict, this epic space saga went on to become a veritable sci-fi classic. Although only 36 episodes were created, "Battlestar Galactica" has enjoyed syndication success for the last two decades, most recently on the SCI FI Channel.

The "Battlestar Galactica" interactive game is a story-driven space action-adventure that takes place at the end of the Cylon-Colonial Wars, 40 years prior to the setting of the original TV series. In the game, players will assume the role of Ensign William Adama in his critical first assignment as a pilot aboard the great warship "Battlestar Galactica". It is the turning point of the war and the tragic making of a hero.

In heated battles against the insidious, mechanical power of the Cylons, players will pilot a wide array of ships, from a sleek Viper to a heavy bomber, and undertake numerous defensive, assault, escort, infiltration and reconnaissance missions. Players will improve their rank and gain the command of up to three wingmen as they increase their experience and skills in combat.

"'Battlestar Galactica' will have an epic feel with dramatic rendered cinematic sequences setting the tone for massive battles in deep space," said Jim Wilson, EVP of Development, VU Games. "The game will extend the Battlestar experience for new and old fans, enabling them to engage directly in Adama's first tour of duty."

The original series will be released later this year on home video and DVD. In addition, a new "Battlestar Galactica" miniseries will debut on the SCI FI Channel in December. Currently in production, the miniseries is written by Ronald D. Moore ("Roswell", "Mission: Impossible II", "Start Trek: First Contact") and directed by Michael Rymer ("Queen of the Damned"), with David Eick ("American Gothic", "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys") and Moore serving as executive producers. The beloved Battlestar gets a modern twist when SCI FI re-imagines the groundbreaking series with stars Edward James Olmos ("Stand and Deliver" Oscar nominee, "Miami Vice" Golden Globe winner) and Mary McDonnell ("Dances With Wolves") at the helm. Additional information can be found at http://www.scifi.com/battlestar/.

The "Battlestar Galactica" game is being developed by Warthog Games. The game has not yet been rated by the ESRB.

Source: Vivendi Universal Games

Web site: http://www.scifi.com/battlestar
Web site: http://www.universalstudios.com
Web site: http://www.vugames.com