Press release: 1999-05-13: UBI SOFT SUPPORTS SEGA DREAMCAST WITH A FULL LINEUP OF TITLES

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: Ubisoft website (archived)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - (May 13, 1999) E3 Booth #1346 --Ubi Soft® Entertainment announced today its joint venture with Sega®of America. Initially, Ubi Soft will develop three racing titles for Sega Dreamcast™ available Fall 1999. Monaco Grand Prix® will submerge gamers in the exhilaration and challenge of the Grand Prix racing world. Redline Racer® is a high intensity superbike racing simulation. Speed Devils® is an arcade-style racer integrating customizable Hot Rod racing action with high stakes gambling. Later releases will include a 3D action/adventure for Rayman in Rayman® 2: The Great Escape and an underwater action/adventure with Deep Fighter: The Tsunami Offensive.

These titles are set to take full advantage of Sega Dreamcast’s powerful hardware for cutting edge graphics and distinctive sound effects. Incorporating extensive and unique features, each game caters to console and arcade racing fans that demand steadfast, action-packed gameplay.

“We are happy that Ubi Soft is on board with the development of multiple titles that will help make this launch a huge success,” said Bernie Stolar, CEO, Sega of America. “With amazing capabilities, rich graphics and a multitude of upcoming titles, Sega Dreamcast will be the ultimate console on the market today,” Stolar continued.

“Ubi Soft is quite pleased to release these exciting titles for Sega Dreamcast. We are confident they will take full advantage of the system’s power and resources,” said Yves Guillemot, CEO, Ubi Soft Entertainment.

Monaco Grand Prix
Sit down, strap up and get ready for a dose of intense reality. Monaco Grand Prix, the most challenging 3D racing simulation game ever is racing onto Sega Dreamcast. Making the most of Sega Dreamcast’s amazing graphic capabilities, Monaco promises incredible realism with 15 customizable car configurations spectacular lighting, weather and smoke effects. Special features particular to Sega Dreamcast include 19 music tracks, new cinematic sequences and 11 opponents in head-to-head mode that will envelop gamers in the reality of a Grand Prix weekend.

Redline Racer
Pitted against 12 challenging tracks and enhanced AI in the toughest environments on two wheels, enter Redline Racer. Play single-player or multi-player on split-screen for maddening speed and dynamic gameplay with at least 8 motor bikes. Feel the power as cutting edge 3D graphics and 3D environment sound shifts players through 12 grueling tracks that are waiting to be tamed. Three levels of difficulty will tailor to the novice up to the diehard racing fan to deliver longevity, challenge and fun they demand.

Speed Devils
Gear up for arcade-oriented gameplay, comprehensive upgrades, high stakes challenge and wild American Hot Rods racing through the United States and Canada. Speed Devils delivers high-octane arcade racing action with players placing wagers on the outcome of the race adding to the emotional intensity of the game. Winning these wagers provides cash for repairs, adding new components, customizing paint jobs, and even purchasing new vehicles. Compatible with Sega Dreamcast’s VMU (Visual Memory Unit) players can accumulate money, buy and sell cars with other players, save their progress and customize options. Life-like American tracks inspired from real locations are incorporated into 5 game modes to give visually realistic environments. In addition, the environments come to life with extreme climate conditions, dinosaurs and much more creating an outrageously fun experience.

Deep Fighter-The Tsunami Offensive
Ubi Soft Entertainment will present a new underwater 3D action/adventure developed by Criterion Studios. Fierce 3D dogfights, intense mission runs and exploration in copious 3D environments allows players to interact with, and eventually command their own units protecting civilization. Using 3D hardware for ambient sound and graphical effects gives Deep Fighter realistic explosions, subtle shadowing, incredible lighting and a mesmerizing underwater feel of movement.

Rayman 2
Scheduled for a later release, Ubi Soft’s well-known character, Rayman will return in a new 3D adventure for Sega Dreamcast. Rayman 2, will captivate game players with plush 3D environments, vivid graphics and familiar platform elements of the first. Players will be engrossed as they are lead through 13 magical worlds with 45 intricately hand drawn areas amid gorgeous 2D textured backgrounds. Exercising his talents, Rayman will jump, run, rock climb, slide, loop the loop and use his hair as a helicopter, to propel players through an amusing storyline and heroic adventure.

Ubi Soft Entertainment is a European-based producer, publisher and international distributor of interactive entertainment products. The company has office in 15 countries including France, the United States, Canada, Germany, England and China and sells its product in a total of 52 countries.

The company is best known in the U.S. for Rayman, the blockbuster action/adventure game for all ages that debuted in 1995, and POD, a revolutionary online multi player racing game that enables up to eight players to compete directly over the Internet. Products are available through a nationwide network of resellers and distributors. For more information, call Ubi Soft at 415/547-4000 or 800-UBI-SOFT or visit the company web site at http://www.ubisoft.com/usa.

 
Ubi Soft Entertainment
Sandra Yee
415/547-4022
415/547-4001 (fax)
[email protected]