Namco Europe to Distribute Taito

Namco Europe to Distribute Taito

Namco Europe has secured distribution rights for Taito coin-op products throughout Europe. The first Taito manufactured product to fall under the agreement is Battle Gear 3, the ground-breaking driving game which enables players to race against each other in several different modes.

The twin sit-down simulator, which was the top earning driving game of the year in Japan, sets new standards both in terms of its superb, highest specification finish and the reality of the racing experience it delivers. Battle Gear 3 has been extensively tested in the UK and has recorded income figures comparable to its performance in Japan.

Featuring a reactive steering wheel, accelerator, brake pedal, gear stick and emergency brake, the game provides players with a choice of 33 cars and 14 different courses which are suitable for beginners through to experts. Each of the 33 models accurately reflects the driving characteristics and performance of the vehicle on which it is based, encompassing features such as acceleration, road handling and top speed capability. Players select the most appropriate vehicle to suit both the driving style and the demands of their chosen course and can choose to play in either normal race mode or time attack mode.

Heralding the distribution agreement, General Manager of Taito Corporation's Overseas Division, Kenji Horii said, "Taito has a remarkable heritage and an exciting future. Space Invaders is as famous as any product to have come out of this industry and Battle Gear 3 sets a new standard in the commercial application of new technology. Taito is most certainly in the ascendancy and through Namco Europe's established distribution channels the UK-based company is ideally positioned to help raise the profile of the Taito name and to develop the business in Europe."

PICTURED: Kenji Horii, General Manager, Overseas Division, Taito Corporation, with Battle Gear 3 on Namco Europe's stand at the recent Preview exhibition in London.