H2O Announces Nintendo Adds a New Piece to the Video Game Puzzle with the Launch of Tetrisphere

Business Wire, August 13, 1997

CALGARY, Alberta--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 13, 1997--H2O(Alberta Stock Exchange HTO ) Video game lovers can take their puzzle solving skills to a new dimension today with the launch of the newest Nintendo video game - Tetrisphere, for the Nintendo 64 system. Tetrisphere, which retails for $79.95, is a puzzle game based on the principles of Nintendo's smash hit, Tetris. Developed by Calgary-based software developer H2O Entertainment Corp. Tetrisphere combines the enticing solving skills of Tetris with fast-paced action, captivating 3-D graphics and explosive sound.

"Tetrisphere is one of Nintendo's most challenging and intricate games to date since it uses three dimensions and spheres consisting of blocks. It's also really exciting because the game was designed by a Canadian game developer, H2O Entertainment Corp. This is just one example of the vital contribution Canadian companies are making in this industry." says Peter MacDougall, General Manager, Nintendo of Canada Ltd.

"In developing Tetrisphere we have redefined the concept of Tetris. In this game, the object is to get to the core of a sphere and free a character by removing pieces. The strategy is to match similarly shaped pieces on the same layer or through multiple layers to create combinations for destruction. To make things even more fun we added six modes of play, including head to head competition. You don't actually have to be a nuclear physicist to play Tetrisphere, but playing the game is great mental training," says Michael Tam, President, H2O Entertainment Corp.

Tetrisphere appeals not just to younger video game players but also to adults looking for challenging video game entertainment. There are six different modes of play and up to eight players can participate in a tournament at a time. Players choose from a series of seven robotic characters with varying speeds and capabilities on the 64 Megabit game.

Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, H2O Entertainment Corp. is a content provider of quality interactive entertainment software. H2O specializes in video game development for the Nintendo 64 and currently is an exclusive developer for Nintendo on the title, Tetrisphere. H2O Entertainment Corp. is a publicly traded company on the Alberta Stock Exchange and trades under the symbol HTO.

Nintendo Co. of Kyoto, Japan, is the leader in the worldwide $15 billion (U.S.) retail video game industry. As a wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of Canada Ltd., is a leader of the $350 million video game industry in Canada. Based in Vancouver, Nintendo also distributes and markets the Super Nintendo Entertainment System and the portable Game Boy system. Currently, more than one in three Canadian households own a Nintendo system. -0- The Alberta Stock Exchange has neither Approved nor disapproved the information contained herein.

CONTACT: H2O Entertainment Corp.

Michael Tam, 403/262-7529

403/261-6996 (FAX)

http://www.h2oent.com