Press release: 1997-06-19: SEGA DELIGHTS RPG FANS WITH TWO 3D TITLES FOR SEGA SATURN

This is an unaltered copy of a press release, for use as a primary source on Sega Retro. Please do not edit the contents below. Language: English Original source: Sega.com (archived)

SEGA DELIGHTS RPG FANS WITH TWO 3D TITLES FOR SEGA SATURN
Shining The Holy Ark and Panzer Dragoon Saga Pave the Way for Next Generation Role Playing Games

ATLANTA -- (June 19, 1997) E3 Booth #1546 --
Sega® of America is reinforcing its commitment to advanced role playing games (RPGs) on Sega SaturnTM with two new releases -- "Shining the Holy ArkTM" and "Panzer Dragoon SagaTM." These "next generation" RPG titles, which incorporate visually-stunning 3D graphics, unlimited exploration and real-time, complex role playing, will be available exclusively on Sega Saturn.

Both "Shining the Holy Ark" and "Panzer Dragoon Saga" include new features such as real-time battles and exploration in a full 3D environment, helping gamers become more immersed in the role-playing action. As a leader in the category, Sega has the most popular role playing games available on any next generation system.

"Shining the Holy Ark" and "Panzer Dragoon Saga" derive from well-known series and storylines with strong histories on Sega Saturn platforms. Given this proven appeal, "Shining the Holy Ark" and "Panzer Dragoon Saga" already have a dedicated following of fans who will recognize the characters and stories, but will be taken to the next level of RPG gaming with added action elements, freedom of movement and evolving characters.

SHINING THE HOLY ARK
As another brilliant addition to the popular "Shining" series, "Shining the Holy Ark" is the first full-3D role playing game for the Sega Saturn which combines unlimited exploration of the beautiful 3D environments including dungeons and castles, high resolution graphics and over 100 hours of addictive, engaging role-playing. As Arthur, a swordsman on a mysterious rescue mission, you must overcome complex mazes and puzzles involving numbers and logic, find hidden items and overcome numerous evil forces in real-time, action-packed battles with characters you thought were your friends. With each character defeated, Arthur gains more experience and strength, bringing you one step closer to the final mission. With a special automap feature, players can navigate through this deep and graphically rich adventure.
Ship date: July 1997
SRP: $49.99

PANZER DRAGOON SAGA
As the ultimate sequel to the "Panzer Dragoon" storyline, "Panzer Dragoon Saga," combines striking graphics and character morphing capabilities with an intricate, immersive storyline and more than 12 levels of action-packed RPG. As Edge, a young boy hunter who is saved by a dragon, players explore the RPG on or off the dragon, experiencing full 360 degree flight and freedom of exploration without pre-determined paths. Guiding Edge through the experience, the dragon has the ability to morph and take on numerous forms as it grows and gains experience. Adding to the mix of action in the game, the dragon can utilize four different attacks and use different weapons ranging from a laser to the player's weapon to any item the player picks up.
Ship date: January 1998
SRP: $49.99

"Sega is adding new features to the standard RPG gaming genre. "Panzer Dragoon Saga" is the first RPG that will appeal to action games with fast, explosive flight missions and real-world style human interaction," said Lydia Gable, group director of marketing, Sega of America.

Sega of America is the arm of Tokyo, Japan-based Sega Enterprises, Ltd. responsible for the development, marketing and distribution of Sega videogame systems and videogames in the Americas. Sega Enterprises, Ltd. is a nearly $3.6 billion company recognized as the industry leader in interactive digital entertainment media, and is the only company that offers interactive entertainment experiences both inside and outside the home. Sega of America's World Wide Web site is located at (http://www.sega.com).