11 March 2008

MICROGAMING REACHES NEW HEIGHTS WITH LATEST LARA CROFT SLOT

ISLE OF MAN - Launching today is one of the most ambitious video slots yet seen in online gambling - TOMB RAIDER: SECRET OF THE SWORD. It's been almost three and a half years since she made her debut on Microgaming powered casinos and this new 5 reel 30 pay-line video slot sets new standards in every aspect of gaming.

The sequel version of the Eidos-licensed top-seller Tomb Raider, invites players to join the famous Lara Croft as she travels the world and its perils in the search for a priceless relic.

Roger Raatgever, CEO Microgaming says, "From multi-million selling console game to movie sequels to online gaming franchise, the Lara Croft brand has proven to be a complete success story. Six months ago, we set our designers a challenge - to take a modern day icon and probably the most recognisable games character in the world and create a video slot that would bring her to life in a way this industry has never seen. And they've delivered beyond our expectations. Whether you are talking graphics, gameplay or features – this slot delivers on every level and yet again Microgaming sets new industry standards in games development."

Offering hours of interactive entertainment and the chance to hit major rewards through a variety of free spins, bonuses, wild and scatter awards and free games, this beautifully crafted game faithfully captures the gripping excitement and suspense of the original movie and video series, together with unique online gambling twists and turns that make for a fully immersive experience.

With brilliant, almost photo-realistic graphics, stunning sound effects and dynamic 3D action, the game takes players to mysterious locations around the world, encountering both riches and dangerous traps in truly dynamic Tomb Raider style.

Keep a watchful eye out for the randomly triggered Super Mode, where 5 Free Spins are awarded and Lara acrobatically swings in 3D style to turn a random position on screen to Wild, bringing with her the prospect of significant wins.

But the adventure is only beginning…find 3, 4 or 5 scattered Keys and 10 Free Spins are awarded, each containing the Rolling Reels™ feature, where consecutive wins can award up to a maximum of a 5x multiplier. This innovative feature is something special, and can lead to many more winning chances.

The finale of this game culminates in the interactive Global Adventure Bonus, where Lara's agility and treasure hunting expertise are put to the test. Players assist the famous adventuress as she searches across the planet to harvest reward opportunities. Hidden Treasures add to the excitement, each offering its own surprises, and in the Shootout bonus players can win more multipliers by selecting the right disc in a highly interactive bonus game with a richly themed storyline that will keep players on the edge of their seats.

About Microgaming
Since the company developed the first true online casino software over a decade ago, it has led the industry in providing innovative, reliable gaming solutions. Thanks to an unrivalled R&D programme, that averages 60 games per year and a unique 'partnership' approach to working with operators; Microgaming powers 120 of the world's most profitable casino sites. The company's front and back-end software supports multiplayer, multilanguage games - over 350 of them, all uniquely branded. The Microgaming Progressive Jackpot Network is the world's largest progressive and has paid out a record £115m plus in the last four years.

Microgaming software also powers the world's leading poker network with over 40 card rooms and platforms for landbased and wireless gaming.

As a founding member of eCOGRA, Microgaming is at the forefront of an initiative focused on setting the highest standards in the gaming industry, and leads in the areas of fair gaming, responsible operator conduct and player protection.

For further information about Microgaming, please contact:
Stuart Hehir at Chameleon PR
+44 (0) 20 7680 5500
stuart@chameleonpr.com