Press release: 1998-05-28: FEED YOUR NEED FOR 3D SPEED WITH SONIC R FOR PC

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 PC website

ATLANTA -- (May 28, 1998) E3 Booth #5346 --

Sonic the Hedgehog(tm) is giving the competition a run for their money in "Sonic R`," an all-new 3D racing game for the PC with a look and feel unlike anything Sonic fans have ever seen. In "Sonic R," gamers take a 3D thrill ride as they race through outer space, an ancient city and a tropical island. Gamers can go off the beaten path to investigate these worlds and uncover hidden power-ups and other surprises along the way.

In "Sonic R" gamers don't have to run this race alone. Now they can race head-to-head with friends or family, adding a new element of fun and replay value as they dash for the finish line. "Sonic R" is easy enough for the novice to pick-up and play, but full of challenges that'll test the expert gamer's racing skills. "Sonic R" will be available in stores nationwide this Fall.

"Sonic R," gamers can race as Sonic or one of his three pals -- Tails, Knuckles or Amy -- with a goal of finding the stolen Chaos Emeralds, collecting gold rings and making it to the finish line. Race over the sun-kissed beaches of Resort Island, cruise the streets of the colorful metropolis Radical City, explore the Egyptian maze of the Regal Ruin, speed through "loop `d loops" and over potholes in the Reactive Factory and soar through space on a hidden track, the Radiant Emerald.

Gamers are constantly rewarded in "Sonic R" with various hidden elements and power-ups to find along the way. As you race through the levels, you can unlock hidden opponents such as Dr. Robotnik, Metal Sonic, Super Sonic, Teddybear Tails and Egghead by collecting five level coins and finishing in the top three. To earn these hidden characters, gamers have to be faster than speeding bullets and need to know the short cuts to leave the competition in the dust. Power-ups such as floating stars, magnetic power-ups or gold stars can give players a winning edge allowing them to get bonus points, run on water or pick-up relentless speed.

"Sonic in full 360-degree 3D provides a whole new gaming adventure on the PC for every member of the family," said Scott Hawkins, producer, SEI. "In `Sonic R,' Sonic doesn't just run across your screen, he actually takes you into the scenery on a high speed chase."

"Sonic R" features three modes of play including Grand Prix, Time Attack and Network Mode. In Grand Prix Mode, gamers can race against all four characters in all five areas to find the Chaos Emeralds and score the best time. Time Attack Mode is a race against the clock and Network Mode allows players to turn on the burners as they race against up to four other speed demons via LAN, modem and serial link.

"Sonic R" operates on Windows 95" with minimum specification of a 133 Mhz Pentium(tm) with 16 MB of memory, 4X CD-ROM, SVGA with 256 colors and Sound Blaster" 16. "Sonic R" is compatible with a keyboard or any Windows 95 compatible peripheral.

Sega Entertainment, Inc. was founded in April of 1996, and delivers original and customized Sega content in leading genres of the PC gaming market. Leveraging Sega's arcade leadership and library of game content, the company is committed to redefining the PC gaming experience with titles featuring high frame rates, 3D characters and environments, high polygon counts, detailed texture mapping, multiplayer online gaming and emotion-triggered gameplay that is unmatched by competing PC games. Sega Entertainment, Inc. was formed through a joint venture between Sega of America and SOFTBANK Holdings, Inc.