BOCA RATON, Fla., Oct. 8, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Empire Interactive, a leading international developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software games and a unit of Silverstar Holdings (Nasdaq:SSTR), announced the eagerly awaited, classic combat sports game, Speedball II: Brutal Deluxe, will be released via Xbox LIVE(r) Arcade on October 17 for the Microsoft Xbox 360(tm). The title was recently voted one of the "most wanted" games for Xbox LIVE Arcade in the Computer and Video Games website.
Widely regarded as the break-through game that took the video sports genre to a new level, this Bitmap Brothers classic was originally released for the Amiga in 1990. The huge success of Speedball was eventually surpassed by its sequel, Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe, which sold more than two million units and is considered by many as one of the best video games of all time. The Xbox LIVE Arcade version adds high definition capability, more team options and downloadable content, all while retaining all the same classic elements that made it a favorite among gamers.
Empire Interactive has enjoyed tremendous success with the updated releases of other arcade classics, like Double Dragon, which quickly became one of the most popular full game downloads on Xbox LIVE Arcade. The highly anticipated release of this latest legendary game will further establish Empire's position as a leading provider of casual games in the online marketplace.
"Xbox LIVE Arcade is the ideal environment for this exciting new high definition version of Speedball," said Ian Higgins, CEO of Empire Interactive. "With the addition of extra content packs and downloadable content, gamers can enjoy the ultimate version of this mega-hit game."
Clive Kabatznik, CEO of Silverstar Holdings added, "Speedball 2 will undoubtedly build upon our earlier successes on Xbox LIVE Arcade. It further demonstrates Empires extraordinary ability to cost effectively redeploy classic titles on all major formats and through a multitude of distribution channels."
Mike Montgomery, of developers Bitmap Brothers commented, "Our team is as passionate about Speedball today as they were back in the day. The evolution of the game to Xbox LIVE Arcade will please both hard-core fans and a new generation of gamers who have yet to experience the finest combat sports game ever made."
Xbox LIVE Arcade is the central destination for Xbox 360 gamers to find, download, try, and buy smaller games on the Xbox 360 console. Xbox LIVE Arcade offers a large catalog of fun, widely appealing games that can be downloaded via Xbox LIVE.
About Empire Interactive
Empire Interactive is a leading publisher of interactive entertainment software that has been established for 18 years. Headquartered in the UK, Empire Interactive also has offices in the U.S., Germany, Italy, France and Spain. The company develops and publishes a varied range of titles for all current platforms in the U.S., Europe and Asia. Games such as Starsky & Hutch, Big Mutha Truckers, Ford Racing and FlatOut have all enjoyed success across the world. Its budget label, Xplosiv, is one of the fastest growing in Europe. Further information about Empire Interactive and its products can be found at www.empireinteractive.com
About Silverstar Holdings
Silverstar Holdings Ltd. is a leading international publisher and developer of interactive entertainment software. It currently owns Empire Interactive, PLC and Strategy First, Inc., a leading development and worldwide publisher of entertainment software for the PC. For more information about Silverstar Holdings visit www.silverstarholdings.com.
About The Bitmap Brothers
Originally Founded in 1987, The Bitmap Brothers are one of the original 'rock stars' of computer game development, comprised a small but highly successful development team with a history of creating unique, critically and commercially acclaimed IP across a number of popular platforms. For more information, visit www.bitmap-brothers.co.uk.
Speedball(tm), Speedball 2(tm), and the The Bitmap Brothers(tm) logo are a registered trademarks of The Bitmap Brothers. Xbox, Xbox 360 and Xbox Live are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
The statements which are not historical facts contained in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to risks associated with the uncertainty of future financial results, additional financing requirements, development of new products, regulatory approval processes, the impact of competitive products or pricing, technological changes, the effect of economic conditions and other uncertainties detailed in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.