VSTEP has announced the online release of "Ship Simulator 2008: New Horizons" on its website. Retail plans for North America are currently being determined.

"Dutch developer VSTEP announces that the much anticipated and long awaited official Ship Simulator 2008 add-on: New Horizons is now available for download at www.shipsim.com.

The New Horizons add-on for Ship Simulator 2008 is a new addition to the acclaimed Ship Simulator series, which has already generated such a huge and loyal following. The large community of Ship Sim fans will now be able to hook up online, as well as enjoy the new sailing area of Padstow, Cornwall (UK). New vessels will also enhance the experience and allow fans to fully enjoy the true-to-life experience of this unique naval simulation series.

VSTEP CTO Pjotr van Schothorst: “After months of development and testing, we are very proud to announce that New Horizons has finally set sail and is now available for download and ready for Ship Simulator 2008 fans to enjoy! With its brand new features, improved visuals and added gameplay, New Horizons provides an exciting addition to Ship Simulator 2008 and will surprise Simulation fans worldwide. New Horizons is the next step in creating an even more immersive experience for our Ship Simulator fans.”

About New Horizons:
Try your hand at sailing a luxury cruise liner & a classic yacht or feel the impact of the waves as you guide your fishing vessel home through a storm! New Horizons offers new highly realistic environments and adds eight exciting new vessels for your sailing pleasure. Includes 20 all new missions and free roaming multiplayer mode too! Challenge your friends online with New Horizons integrated multiplayer options or download new missions in the game. The add-on will require the original game to run and will automatically upgrade any version of Ship Simulator 2008 with all previous updates and patches.

Key Features:

• Eight new vessels for Ship Simulator 2008, including a modern harbour tug with advanced azimuth thrusters and a push boat with 4 different cargo barges.
• Online multiplayer free-roaming action, including towing.
• Brand new sailing area Padstow (Cornwall, UK) built with advanced visuals and bump mapping technology.
• 20 new missions, involving the new vessels and the new environment.
• Unlimited gameplay: in-game downloading of new missions.
• Option to connect and disconnect barges to the push boat in-game.
• New walkthrough options: explore the push boat’s highly detailed engine room."