August 19^th, 2003 (12:00am) - Enlight, a leading entertainment software developer and publisher, announced today that it has acquired the North American rights to the highly anticipated space simulation game - X²: The Threat. A sequel to the 1999 award-winning X: Beyond the Frontier, Computer and Video Games has called X² "the greatest looking space trader so far."

Tagged as the "21st Century Elite" by PC ZONE Magazine, the UK-based publication went on to say, "from what we’ve seen, X² looks even better than FreeLancer." The title is being praised for its breath taking graphics and in-depth game play. "Today X2 is already coming up and makes Freelancer look pale" said PC Games Magazine in Germany.

"We believe X² will be viewed as the next major evolution in the space simulation genre. Our unique universe provides a very open-ended experience and unparalleled freedom of game play," said Bernd Lehahn, CEO of EGOSOFT. "After eight years of intense development on the X series of games, we are excited to partner with Enlight to release our next installment in the X-Series of space simulations.

X² contains a new state-of-the-art graphics engine and a large dynamic universe for players to explore. The game was designed with a graduated learning curve to provide immediate game play action for players of all skill levels. The X² universe contains thousands of unique objects including stations, over seventy ships, a myriad of weapons, commodities to trade and different races with their own agendas and technologies. Players can build their empires as they play the role of a trader, bounty hunter, pirate, miner or a cunning combination of them all.

"There is a strong and increasing buzz about X² and we are thrilled to be publishing this compelling title in North America," said Paul Lombardi, CEO of Enlight Interactive. "EGOSOFT’s attention to detail and innovative game play features will ensure that X² is every bit the challenge as the original X: Beyond the Frontier title."

X²: The Threat offers players a rich storyline and a boundless game play universe. In X2, the player takes on the role of a pilot indigenous to the X-Universe. The story unfolds as the soon-to-be hero and his companion attempt to steal a ship. After a failed, action-packed escape, he soon finds himself aboard a security ship and destined to live out his days on the cold, prison-mining world of Artur. With a dynamic universe and a plot expertly weaved together the story of ‘The Threat’ is sure to intrigue players of various genres.

Published in the United States and Canada by Enlight Interactive, Inc., X²: The Threat will be available on Windows PC, priced at $39.99 (U.S). For additional information visit http://www.enlight.com/x2.