PC gamers can experience IGI 2: Covert Strike's incredible multiplayer gameplay ahead of the game's February release, when the Multiplayer Beta Test code goes public today. The Beta Test is available for download from www.codemasters.com/igi2.

As IGI 2: Covert Strike reaches its final stages of development, this public Multiplayer Beta Test provides gamers with an early taste of what to expect from the game's multiplayer maps. The multiplayer gameplay is set to be a major highpoint in the game. Codemasters' recent, closed Beta Test was a massive success and attracted over 30,000 players, double the number anticipated.

Delivering dynamic multi-objective team-based combat, the game pits IGI
(Institute for Geotactical Intelligence) operatives against the Conspiracy terrorist group. This public Multiplayer Beta Test features the "Timberland" map and calls for stealth and weapon skills. In Timberland, the IGI operative's aim is to sabotage an old mineral plant that the Conspiracy is using as a cover to extract uranium for covert weapons manufacturing.

The style of the multiplayer gameplay reflects the stealth and tactical approach of the single-player game. Reconnaissance elements provide for a new style of FPS multiplayer gaming, blending stealth and surveillance with action and gunplay. Rather than solely relying on the small and tight or open and empty environments found in most multiplayer FPS titles IGI 2: Covert Strike uses terrain in a dynamic way to make for exciting and tense gameplay.

The Multiplayer Beta Test code allows for 16 players online and 32 players on LAN, across the two teams, but has no upper limit, and features full in-game chat functionality.

Codemasters will publish IGI 2: Covert Strike on February 14 2003 for PC CD-ROM. Please note that the release of the Multiplayer Beta Test code should be considered "preview only" as the game's development is being finalized. A full Multiplayer demo will follow in February 2003.