Jurassic Wars Tipped For Christmas Hit

PRLog (Press Release) - Oct 06, 2009 -
CHANDLERS FORD. Dice Maestro has released Jurassic Wars®, the dinosaur combat game, the latest title in its innovative board game range. Millions of years have passed since the dinosaurs ruled the Earth but in Jurassic Wars they’re ready to fight tooth and claw again. The game has a unique play mechanism in which players use trump-like cards, illustrated with stunning computer-generated images of dinosaurs, and special combat dice.

“You can always guarantee a lot of interest for a dinosaur-themed toy or game – children have been collecting them, drawing them, building them and playing with them for generations,” says David Smith, editor of ToyTalk, the online magazine for toys and games. “By tapping into this enduring appeal, and backing it up with original artwork of these prehistoric monsters in action, Jurassic Wars could be a surprise hit this Christmas.”

Especially commissioned for the game, the original computer-generated artwork was created by specialist illustrators Jon Hughes and Russell Gooday, who have been nicknamed ‘the dinosaur photographers’ because of the life-like images they create using state-of-the-art technology. “The artworks are all created digitally. First a 3D model is made, then textures are created to reproduce the surface of the animal,” explains Jon Hughes. “These images are then wrapped onto the 3D model, followed by the properties of the materials. The skin, teeth, tongue, claws and eyes all have to be added. A 2D rendered image of the animal model is taken into image manipulation software and composed into an environment made by combining photography, straight illustration work and other effects. From start to finish, it is a very involved process.”

Computers were also heavily involved in the design process of the game. “Even before the first prototype was created we had simulated over 10 million combats on computer,” explains Antony Brown, director of Dice Maestro. “This allows the game designers to play with different game parameters, such as the arrangement of the special combat dice, and see what effect they have on play. I don’t think it is an exaggeration to claim that Jurassic Wars is one of the most tested modern games ever.”

Jurassic Wars is the second game from Dice Maestro, which designs games to appeal to modern lifestyles. They are simple to learn, highly portable, complete quickly and appeal to both adults and children. The new games format does not contain a board but combines the exciting themes and interplay associated with board games with the flexibility and simplicity of using just custom dice and specialty cards. The family-run company makes its games entirely in the UK, minimizes the amount of plastic used while maximizing the amount of recyclable materials, and donates a percentage of gross profit to relevant charities.

Jurassic Wars retails for £10.99 and is available online and from toy and game shops. For further information visit www.dicemaestro.com

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IMAGES

High quality images of the game box, its components and of the designers are available.

CONTACTS

Dice Maestro. Antony M. Brown, director. Tel: 023 8026 1484.  
Email: amb@dicemaestro.com   Web: www.dicemaestro.com

ToyTalk. David Smith, editor. Tel: 01244 679103.
Email: david.smith@toytalk.co.uk   Web: www.toytalk.co.uk

‘Dice Maestro’ and ‘Jurassic Wars’ are registered trademarks of Dice Maestro Limited.

Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/10365234/1