SEGA Announces Game Lineup to be
Featured at Electronic Entertainment Expo 2004
Astro Boy, Otogi 2, and All-New
2005 Sports Titles Lead Blockbuster Lineup
SAN FRANCISCO (May 6, 2004) — SEGA®
of America, Inc. today announced its fall and winter lineup of entertainment and
sports titles to be featured at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2004.
Extending its reach as an independent content publisher, SEGA will feature
titles developed for a broad base of home and handheld platforms including
PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox® video game system from
Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube™, and the Game Boy® Advance. SEGA’s booth will be
located in Concourse Hall, Room #151, Los Angeles Convention Center.
The SEGA entertainment lineup
features a thrilling blend of action, adventure, sports, platform, and puzzle
games, including the highly-anticipated debuts of Astro Boy™, Otogi™ 2, and the
return of several classic SEGA franchises like Sonic The Hedgehog ®, Virtua
Figher™, and Samba de Amigo™ – all of which have been enhanced for EyeToy by
Yuji Naka’s award-winning SONICTEAM studio.
ESPN Videogames, SEGA’s sports
studio, gears up for the 2005 season packed with unmatched visual enhancements
and a deeper level of ESPN integration. The ESPN Videogames lineup includes
impressive additions to gameplay that further blur the lines between an
authentic ESPN broadcast and a sports video game. The ESPN Videogames 2005
series promises players an unrivaled experience into the world of sports
entertainment.
"Our multi-platform lineup at E3
2004 underscores a new global publishing initiative that combines our
industry-leading brands and IP with acquired titles that coincide with North
American demand," said Hideaki Irie, president and COO, SEGA of America, Inc.
"With an enormous catalog of legendary franchises and the addition of some hot
acquisitions, SEGA has extended its reach and is well positioned for future
growth."
"Building upon the foundation of
ESPN Videogames, I’m thrilled about our 2005 lineup," states Greg Thomas,
president of Visual Concepts, makers of ESPN Videogames. "This year’s games not
only showcase ESPN Videogames commitment to excellence, but also invite gamers
to explore a host of innovative new features."
SEGA’s lineup of entertainment and
sports games to be featured at E3 includes, but is not limited, to titles listed
below.
Altered Beast™ (PlayStation
2): As a special military operative, you are sent to investigate a deadly
genetic outbreak in a small West Coast town. Hunted by unspeakable horrors and
haunted by your past, you soon discover that in order to overcome evil, you must
become more than evil. The only thing that can save you is your darkest power,
the ability to transform into a variety of powerful beasts. As you defeat wave
after wave of failed genetic experiments, the line between human restraint and
primal instinct blurs, until nothing is left but the savage desire to uncover
the true nature of the beast. [This title is not yet concept approved by Sony
Computer Entertainment America]
Amazing Island™ (Nintendo
GameCube): Amazing Island is a competition-driven, magical monster simulation
game that takes place on a fantastic island in another world. The "Black Evil"
has taken over this lush and colorful land and has captured the once happy
natives — the Maboo tribe. Players have the ability to defeat the "Black Evil,"
take back the land and return it to the Maboo tribe. To do so, gamers use their
imagination to create their own monster – from nearly an infinite number of
possibilities – and enter it in a series of competitions involving timing, speed
and head-to-head battles. The victor wins magical orbs that hold the power of
the island.
Astro Boy™ (PlayStation 2):
Join Astro, the robotic superhero with a human mind, in a jet-fueled adventure
to reunite the robotic race with humans. Working with Tezuka Productions and
Sony Pictures Consumer Products, SEGA’s SONICTEAM studio has faithfully
recreated the Astro Boy universe, paying homage to a classic icon of Japanese
anime that is now a featured series on Cartoon Network. In Astro Boy, gamers use
Astro’s Rocket Feet, Arm Cannon, 1,000,000-Horsepower Strength, X-Ray Vision,
and other special abilities to help save Metro City. With each case solved,
Astro’s skills develop, preparing him to face off against the strengths of
Atlas, Acheron, the Blue Knight and more!
Astro Boy™: Omega Factor
(Game Boy Advance): Join Astro, the robotic superhero with a human mind, in a
jet-fueled adventure to reunite the robotic race with humans. Using his seven
super abilities, Astro faces off against the likes of Atlas, Blue Knight, and
more than 40 other characters from Osamu Tezuka’s iconic anime franchise.
Developed by Treasure in conjunction with Hitmaker, Astro Boy: Omega Factor
brings classic 2D gaming to the GBA along with an original seven-episode story
crafted from previous versions of the Astro Boy animated series. Playing as
Astro, gamers learn about justice, compassion, evil, courage and the history of
the landmark character – all while building Astro’s Omega Factor and
strengthening his character and super-human abilities.
Blood Will Tell™
(PlayStation 2): Blood Will Tell is a modern day action epic adapted from the
classic manga by Osamu Tezuka (Astro Boy). Like the original manga, the game
follows the adventures of Hyakkimaru, a samurai haunted by a shocking secret who
embarks on a quest to uncover his past and regain his humanity. As a newborn
baby he was robbed of every limb, every organ and even the ability to cry. He
replaced his missing parts with weapons and departed on a quest to destroy the
fiends who robbed his organs, hoping to regain his body and his future.
Throughout the game, Hyakkimaru’s friend Dororo is there to help and guide
players and fight alongside Hyakkimaru.
Headhunter™: Redemption
(PlayStation 2, Xbox): Twenty years after the devastation caused by the Bloody
Mary Virus, a new order has emerged, based on two distinct but totally
independent worlds, divided by the ultimate consumerist society – ‘Above’ and
‘Below’. Headhunter: Redemption continues the gripping story of Jack Wade, a
veteran Headhunter keeping order in a futuristic world overrun with unchecked
consumerism, vicious organized crime and mind-controlling mass media. When Jack
and his protégé, the sassy, streetwise Leeza X, stumble upon an arms smuggling
operation that threatens the status quo, they must work together to deliver an
oblivious world from impending catastrophe, confronting their darkest fears
beneath a shroud of evil that blankets the city.
Otogi™ 2 (Xbox): Otogi 2
takes place directly after the events chronicled in the original Otogi: Myth of
Demons. Raikoh, the famed undead warrior, managed to temporarily save the
Japanese population from an onslaught of demons, but had not been able to
vanquish them all before returning to his grave. The demons have now resurfaced
from hiding places within the sacred capital of Japan, and they are attempting
to take control of man once more. In response, five brave warriors take their
own lives in a ritual to resurrect Raikoh. Raikoh rises again and the five
selfless warriors rise with him, all set to take on the encroaching demon spawn
as a team.
Puyo Pop Fever™ (Nintendo
GameCube): SONICTEAM revamps Sega’s signature brainteaser with wacky new puzzle
pieces and a combo-crazy Fever Mode. Play as Amitie in the Story Mode and take
part in an adventurous tale that requires a zen-like level of concentration and
mad reflex skills to complete. Amitie will encounter a rogue gallery of crazy
characters who are all willing to challenge her in the ultimate ‘Puyo’ battle.
Players try to obliterate their opponents by linking explosive combinations, and
bombarding them with massive chain reaction combo attacks in Fever Mode. The
title also features a tremendously addictive multiplayer mode that’ll keep
players twitching for months.
SEGA SuperStars™
(PlayStation 2): SEGA SuperStars for EyeToy is a compilation of 12 mini-games
featuring classic SEGA characters and games redesigned exclusively for Sony’s
PlayStation 2 camera add-on. Now instead of just playing a favorite SEGA game,
gamers are part of it! Race through with Sonic, battle Akira or Rau of Virtua
Fighter™ fame in a toe-to-toe power attack or play a variety of instruments in
Samba de Amigo™ rhythm. Multiple mini-games across a variety of genres ensure
that there is plenty of fun for the entire family.
SPIKEOUT™ Battle Street
(Xbox): Ten years ago, bad blood spattered the streets in a turf battle between
two now-legendary gangs: Team Spike (led by Spike) and Team Inferno (led by
Michael). Now, Spike Jr. has spurred a new war against Team Inferno, which is
still being led by his father’s nemesis. Players get to explore a vast 3D world
to engage in true hand-to-hand melee combat against a massive number of enemies.
The game’s Xbox Live feature allows players to experience cooperative gameplay
with friends. Bonus online features include downloadable items, stories,
characters, sound files and much more.
Virtua Quest™ (Nintendo
GameCube, PlayStation 2): Virtua Quest is a 3D Action/RPG that features both
core RPG elements (exploration, treasure gathering, and character development)
and a strong fighting component. The player assumes the identity of a young boy
named Sei (pronounced "Say"). As the player explores each stage, he/she will
discover "Virtua Souls" – data clusters that contain information about the
martial arts abilities of the legendary Virtua Fighter characters. These
clusters give the player the ability to easily perform complex fighting moves.
As the game’s story progresses, Sei discovers that only he can unlock the
potential of the Virtua Souls, and he subsequently gains the attention of an
evil syndicate known as Judgment 6.
ESPN NFL 2005 (Xbox,
PlayStation 2): It’s the season of the fan. The year of people coming together
to celebrate sports. ESPN NFL 2005 is uniting fans with a coupling of the most
responsive and intense gameplay and the richest multi-player gaming experience
possible. Maximum Tackling™ brings unique on-field control allowing gamers to go
for the wrap-up tackle or deliver the big highlight hit. The addition of the
V.I.P. System™ allows gamers to play friends, even if they’re not there! Players
are invited to show off their coaching skills in Franchise mode and utilize
Weekly Prep™ to fully plan the training schedule, intensity, and regimen each
week. Full online leagues and tournament play with living rosters rounds out the
most complete online experience.
ESPN NHL 2005 (Xbox,
PlayStation 2): Poised to defend its title as the #1 rated hockey video game,
ESPN NHL Hockey returns to the ice with the confidence of a seasoned veteran.
Improved player control, an all-new fighting engine and lightning fast gameplay
truly capture the feel and pace of NHL-caliber hockey. ESPN NHL 2005 features
breakthrough new ways to play including online leagues, multi-player mini-games
and a deeper franchise mode adding endless replay value to an already robust
lineup. With exclusive ESPN presentation players will experience all the on-ice
action called by ESPN veteran commentators, Gary Thorne and Bill Clement. ESPN
NHL 2005 makes skating with the NHL’s elite a reality!
ESPN NBA 2005 (Xbox,
PlayStation 2): The king of the court gears up for release. ESPN NBA 2005 will
change the way virtual basketball is experienced with a host of new graphical
improvements including self-shadowing, advanced reflective lighting, and full 3D
crowds. Huge gameplay improvements in IsoMotion™ and the revolutionary 24/7 mode
ensure the most responsive control and the most satisfying basketball
experience. Let the next movement begin.
ESPN College Hoops 2005
(Xbox, PlayStation 2): In collegiate basketball, there’s a world of
possibilities no matter how big or small the college program. A season of
success or defeat can be determined with one single decision, one coaching
change, and even one shot. ESPN College Hoops 2005 is the only game that
realizes the passion and pageantry of collegiate competition. ESPN College Hoops
2005 brings the unbridled emotion and wonderful magic only exhibited in a real
college basketball game.
About
SEGA SEGA® of America, Inc. is the American arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA
Corporation, a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and
outside the home. The company develops, publishes and distributes interactive
entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including
PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony
Computer Entertainment Inc. SEGA of America’s Web site is located at
www.sega.com/USA.
About Visual Concepts Entertainment
Visual Concepts Entertainment is the maker of the critically acclaimed 2K series
of sports games. The company is responsible for the full development and
marketing for all ESPN Videogames titles and is committed to delivering the
best, fully integrated sports gaming experience for all consumers. Visual
Concepts Entertainment is wholly owned by Japan-based SEGA Corporation.
About ESPN ESPN, Inc., The Worldwide
Leader in Sports, is a multinational, multimedia sports entertainment company
featuring the broadest portfolio of multimedia assets in sports marketing with
over 40 business entities. The company is comprised of seven domestic television
networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Classic, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes , ESPN Now, ESPN
Today), ESPN HD (a high-definition simulcast service of ESPN), ESPN Regional
Television, ESPN International (25 international networks and syndication), ESPN
Radio, ESPN.com, ESPN The Magazine, SportsTicker, ESPN Enterprises, ESPN Zones
(sports-themed restaurants), and other growing new businesses including ESPN
Broadband, ESPN Wireless, ESPN Video-on-Demand and ESPN Interactive. Based in
Bristol, Ct., ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc, which is an indirect
subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. The Hearst Corporation holds a 20 percent
interest in ESPN.
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