Press release: 2000-05-11: Sega Showcases Industry `Firsts' in Videogaming At the Electronic Entertainment Expo

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: The Free Library

Sega Showcases Industry `Firsts' in Videogaming At the Electronic Entertainment Expo; From Networked Titles to Voice Recognition Games to Breakthrough Genres -- Sega's Got it All.

E3Expo 2000

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 11, 2000

Today at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), Sega(R) of America showcased more than 100 titles for the 128-bit, Internet-ready Sega Dreamcast(tm) videogame console, including plenty of online multiplayer games available via SegaNet(tm), the only high-speed online console gaming network and ISP. Reinforcing Sega's commitment to online gaming via Sega Dreamcast, more than 40% of the Sega booth display area featured networked gameplay.

Among the fully networked titles on display for SegaNet(tm) were "Sega Sports(tm) NBA 2K1" and "Sega Sports NFL 2K1," both running at a smooth 60 frames-per-second. These sports titles break new ground in the genre and in console gaming, giving players an exciting new level of competition by playing against opponents across town, states or country. Although gamers can play Sega online games on another ISP, SegaNet offers a unique advantage to gamers with its high speed connectivity, the lowest latency on the Net today, reliable customer support and access to all other areas of the web.

In addition to online gaming, Sega demonstrated many of the company's premiere offline titles, which incorporate groundbreaking technologies, genres and characters. "Seaman(tm)" is the first-ever console game to incorporate voice recognition technology. Using the Sega Dreamcast microphone, players can talk to and interact with this outrageous half man/half creature. Another breakthrough title, "Jet Grind Radio(tm)," has blown the gaming industry away with its innovative visual style that has never before been seen in a videogame. This fast paced "skate and stamp" street game resembles an urban cartoon in action, with unique 2D characters against 3D backgrounds that are loaded with style. Finally, the landmarking title, "Shenmue(tm)," is not only one of the most highly anticipated console games of all time, it defines a new genre centered around a true living digital experience. "Shenmue" is an epic masterpiece from Yu Suzuki that surpasses all previous console games in both artistry and gameplay.

"There is no question that the content presented by Sega today at E3 reflects our ability to keep ahead of the competition," said Charles Bellfield, director of communications, Sega of America. "Sega not only delivered on the promise to take console gaming online, but we broke new ground and delivered many innovative firsts to gamers in the offline world as well."

Sega showcased more than 100 Sega Dreamcast titles at E3. Following are some highlights:

-- "Jet Grind Radio(tm)" -- Join a graffiti crew, stamp your territory and protect it from rivals who want to take control. In "Jet Grind Radio," gamers must evade the police, collect spray paint cans and perform radical in-line skating tricks, while jamming to the hip tunes being broadcast from the Jet Grind Radio program. This innovative urban action game looks like a 2D cartoon, but is composed completely of polygonal models. Ship date: Fall 2000

-- "Samba de Amigo(tm)" -- It's time to break out the maracas peripherals and start shaking away! On paper it might sound odd, but on the screen this game has been a huge smash in the Japanese arcades. Using maracas, players must shake them at various points on the screen in an energetic body-taxing fashion, while infectious Latin-flavored pop songs provide the soundtrack. Ship date: Winter 2000

-- "Seaman(tm)" -- Prepare for a unique gaming experience that allows players to communicate with and grow a half man/half creature named "Seaman," while using a special microphone peripheral. Seaman, with his arsenal of over 5,000 pieces of dialogue and a great memory, is a milestone in videogame artificial intelligence. Players are challenged to ensure that the environment is just right for Seaman to thrive by feeding him, controlling the temperature of his tank and keeping him company. Ship date: Fall 2000

-- "Sega Sports NBA 2K1" -- The successor to the most realistic basketball game ever created, "Sega Sports NBA 2K1" features updated graphics, advanced AI, crisper animations, more lines of commentary and for the first time ever, network play via Sega Dreamcast. In Network Mode, gamers can hoop-it-up over the Internet, giving them a new level of competition. Sega Sports continues to break new ground in this category. Ship date: Fall 2000

-- "Sega Sports NFL 2K1" -- The sequel to the breakthrough sports title of 1999, "Sega Sports NFL 2K1" returns with revolutionary new features and superior gameplay. For the first time in history, gamers can play football against each other via the Internet. "Sega Sports NFL 2K1" also features Franchise Mode, allowing gamers to be the General Manager: signing players, drafting rookies and managing the salary cap. Ship date: Fall 2000

-- "Shenmue(tm)" -- This epic mystery elevates the platform genre to a true living digital experience. With thousands of rooms, hundreds of interactive characters, and real-time environments that accurately reflect changes in time, weather and seasons, this seemingly endless world will enthrall gamers for hours. Created by legendary developer Yu Suzuki, "Shenmue" sets a new standard for realism. Ship date: Winter 2000

-- "Sonic Shuffle(tm)" -- Whether players are playing online or offline, they can join Sonic and all his friends in the ultimate party game set in a whole new magical world. This interactive 3D board game has a slew of fun-filled environments, all with unique themes, bosses and loads of challenging mini-games to master. Ship date: Winter 2000

-- "Space Channel 5(tm)" -- Dance up a storm with the futuristic newscasting diva Ulala, as she sets out to conquer evil invading aliens, rescue their funky dancing hostages, and raise her television ratings! "Space Channel 5" merges adventure, action and addictive techno dance music action with a hip leading lady who will groove the hearts and minds of gamers of all ages. Ship date: Summer 2000

About Sega Dreamcast

The 128-bit Internet ready Sega Dreamcast is available in the US with a built-in 56K modem, allowing for full Internet functionality via SegaNet(tm), the only high-speed online console gaming network and ISP service for Sega Dreamcast and PC users. Sega Dreamcast currently has more than 80 titles available. The total Sega Dreamcast game library count will be more than 200 in the year 2000.

About SegaNet

Sega.com, Inc. is a new online entertainment company whose goal is to become the online destination for gamers. Sega.com integrates SegaNet, the only high-speed online console gaming network providing Dreamcast users with the ultimate in speed, reliability and content. SegaNet offers gamers the best in 3D multi-player games, chat, community, cheat codes, tournaments and content. SegaNet is also an ISP for Sega Dreamcast and PC users, offering gamers everything they need to know about gaming and other areas of interest that tie in with gaming including music, TV, community, movies, sports and e-commerce.

About Sega

Sega of America Dreamcast, Inc. 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 $2.5 billion company recognized as the industry leader in interactive digital entertainment media, offering interactive entertainment experiences both inside and outside the home. Sega of America's World Wide Web site is located at www.sega.com.

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