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Headline: The Learning Company Optimizes Logic Quest For Intel MMX Technology
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3D Learning Game Offers Superior Audio-Visual, 3D Capabilities
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., March 17 /PRNewswire/ -- The Learning Company, Inc.
(NYSE: TLC) a leading provider of educational software, today announced that
it has enhanced Logic Quest, a top-selling, interactive learning game for
children ages 8 to 14, to take advantage of the superior audio-visual
capabilities offered by the Intel MMX(TM) media enhancement technology. First
released in October 1996, Logic Quest is a captivating 3D adventure in which
players tackle challenging mazes, puzzles and construction activities in a
medieval castle environment. Each of these activities helps develop critical
thinking skills, including logic, problem-solving, planning, mapping and
spatial awareness. A children's educational software product now engineered
for Intel MMX technology, Logic Quest is currently available on CD-ROM for
Windows for approximately $34.95.
The enhanced version of Logic Quest provides richer color and depth when
played on machines using Intel MMX technology, as well as full screen view in
both 800x600 and 1024x768 modes. (Originally, full screen view was available
only in 640x480 mode.) In addition, more than ten new objects have been added
to the Castle Creator segment of Logic Quest to provide the player with more
options for customization. Optimized for Intel MMX technology, Logic Quest
also takes advantage of Microsoft's DirectX libraries to optimize the
program's video capabilities and processing speed.
"Logic Quest is the first program from The Learning Company to take full
advantage of the power of the Pentium(R) processor with MMX(TM) technology to
provide a realistic first-person 3D perspective," said Diana James-Cairns,
senior vice president of marketing for The Learning Company, Inc. "Now, PC
users that have processors with MMX technology can optimize the program to
enjoy improved performance and more vibrant depth of color." Intel MMX
technology heightens the performance of media-rich applications by producing
higher quality graphics, audio and video.
"Intel is pleased that The Learning Company, a leading educational
software company, is enhancing its product line with Intel MMX technology,"
said Claude Leglise, vice president, Content Group, Intel Corp. "We are
delighted that young people will enjoy an improved audio-visual and 3D
experience while enjoying Logic Quest."
Enhancing Logic Quest with Intel MMX technology represents an important
step in The Learning Company's product development strategy. "While we will
continue to emphasize products that are compatible with a broad range of
existing technologies, we are also expanding our portfolio to incorporate
those emerging technologies that we believe provide significant benefits to
the consumer," explained James-Cairns. Toward that goal, The Learning Company
has also announced its plans to release three DVD (Digital Video Disk) titles.
Set in a medieval village, Logic Quest challenges players to navigate
their way through courtyards by deciphering secret-panel rules, unearthing
hidden objects and maneuvering through a maze of doors. Using aerial-view
maps, players plan strategies to earn passage to the next level. A narrated
introduction and spoken hints provide guidance throughout the game. The 3D
technology used in Logic Quest provides a realistic first-person perspective
that makes players feel as though they are actually traveling through a
castle. It also provides an enhanced medium for teaching specific types of
thinking skills such as spatial awareness, mapping, planning and designing.
The program features 12 progressively difficult levels of mazes in both
regular and expert game modes, so players can experience a variety of
challenges.
To date, Logic Quest has enjoyed strong retail and consumer acceptance,
generating solid sell-through for The Learning Company, Inc. James-Cairns
attributes much of this success to the unique niche the product occupies in
terms of its target age range and gaming style. "Logic Quest fills a need for
products in that tough preteen age range," she explains. "It captures kids'
attention with its high quality graphics and active, first-person involvement.
At the same time, parents are happy because the program helps children learn
critical thinking skills."
System Requirements
Logic Quest requires an IBM compatible computer with a 60 MHz Pentium
processor or better with 8 MB of RAM, hard disk, double-speed CD-ROM drive,
256-color SVGA monitor and Windows-compatible sound card. The program requires
DOS 5.0 or higher, Windows 3.1 or higher (including Windows 95) and a mouse
(joystick optional). Logic Quest can be optimized for the player's specific
computer system to provide the best possible performance.
The Learning Company, Inc. develops, publishes and markets a family of
premium software brands that educate across every age, from young children to
adults. The company's products are sold in more than 23,000 retail stores in
North America and through multiple distribution channels including school
sales, online, direct marketing and OEM. The company also develops, publishes
and distributes products worldwide including France, Germany, the United
Kingdom, Holland, the Pacific Rim and Latin America. The company's
headquarters are located at One Athenaeum Street, Cambridge, Mass. 02142;
telephone 617-494-1200; fax 617-494-1219. The corporate Web site is located at
www.learningco.com, and Customer Service can be reached at 800-227-5609.
NOTE: All trademarks and registered trademarks are the properties of
their respective holders.
SOURCE Learning Company Inc.
-0- 03/17/97
/CONTACT: Evelyn Dubocq, Investor Relations, 510-505-6145, or
edubocq@learningco.com, or John Suske, Public Relations, 617-494-5816, or
jsuske@learningco.com, both of The Learning Company, Inc./ |
