November 25^th, 2003 (12:00am) - Shrapnel Games and Stormcloud Creations would like to announce the release of a full-featured demo for the upcoming fantasy gladiatorial management sim, Coliseum. The demo can be downloaded from the Shrapnel site at http://www.shrapnelgames.com/stormcloud/coliseum/6.htm.

The demo gives players an enormous taste of what to expect in the full title to be released in December. In terms of features and gameplay elements the demo is almost exactly as the final game will be, with two exceptions. One, the game halts halfway through the fighting season, allowing players to try out twenty days of the forty-day season. Two, players cannot save the game. Other than that the demo and full game are enough alike that you’ll be able to walk away with a very informed opinion of what to expect when the full game ships.

"I think the public will very much appreciate the fact that this is a demo that does justice to the full game," Tim Brooks, president and founder of Shrapnel Games said. "For example, being able to experience the real deal before it comes out is a lot better than just being able to play a single arena combat. Gamers are going to have a lot of fun with this one!"

Coliseum is a text-based sports management simulation with a twist-you’re managing bloodthirsty gladiators, not the Lakers or Green Bay Packers. And though whenever you mention gladiators most people think of Ancient Rome, Coliseum is actually set in a fantasy world. This allows players to dabble in magically enchanting their fighters, either through eldritch sorcery or bubbling brews. Of course, if you’re worried about what type of effect drinking demon blood will have on your men there’s always mundane training. But c’mon, how much fun is it really to do wind sprints?

Coliseum is slated for a December 10th release (right around the corner!). For more information on this title, or to order, please visit http://www.shrapnelgames.com/stormcloud/coliseum/1.htm.