Press release: 2000-06-07: Activision Ships Virtual-On: Oratorio Tangram The Explosive Sega Dreamcast Sequel to Arcade Hit Virtual-On

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

SANTA MONICA, Calif., June 7 /PRNewswire/ --

Virtuaroids of immense size and power will rule Sega Dreamcast(TM) when Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) ships Virtual-On: Oratorio Tangram(TM) the week of June 5, 2000. The lightning-fast combat game will be available in retails outlets across North America and has been rated "T" by the ESRB. Virtual-On: Oratorio Tangram will carry a suggested retail price of $49.95.

The sequel to the arcade classic Virtual-On: Cyber Troopers, Virtual-On: Oratorio Tangram ("VOOT") for Sega Dreamcast is a pixel-by-pixel replica of the frenetic 3rd person arcade version. VOOT blasted its way up the Japanese game charts selling over 150,000 units in the first month of release and has now set its sights on North America. The title has received critical praise from the gaming press and has been hailed by GameFan magazine as, "The title hardcore gamers have been waiting for."

"We are pleased to be able bring such a stellar property as Virtual-On: Oratorio Tangram to the North American gaming community," states Michael Pole executive vice president worldwide studios, Activision, Inc. "The Virtual-On franchise has a loyal fan-base and the game's intense third-person combat and fast-paced 60 fps action will deliver an unparalleled gaming experience that Virtual-On fans have come to expect."

Developed by Sega of Japan (SOFTWARE R&D DEPT. #3), Virtual-On: Oratorio Tangram is set in a sci-fi future that pits giant virtuaroids against each other in a battle royale. Players fight as 11 virtuaroids (and one secret character) in high intensity battles using an array of weapons including bazookas, swarm missiles and lasers in an effort to reach the final and most powerful enemy, Tangram. Each virtuaroid employs a unique combination of weapons, speed, strength and ranges of combat moves.

Gamers must dodge enemy fire behind buildings and obstructions as explosives ignite all around them while they battle through 17 intense 3-D arenas including sci-fi cities, an underwater environment, a space station and a desert. Virtual-On: Oratorio Tangram uses detailed graphics, smooth animations and frenzied 60-fps gameplay to add an immersive and highly charged element to the game.

Additionally, the game offers a variety of play modes, allowing players to battle against an arcade opponent or go all out against a friend using a two-player horizontal or vertical split screen. Other modes include Replay, Training and Watch. Gamers can choose from six easy-to-control configurations that will allow their Dreamcast controllers to work as easily, seamlessly and frenetically as in the arcade.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products. Founded in 1979, Activision posted revenues of $572 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000.

Activision maintains operations in the US, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, Australia, and the Netherlands. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's World Wide Web site, which is located at http://www.activision.com.

The statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements." The company cautions readers of this press release that a number of important factors could cause Activision's actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements. These important factors, and other factors that could affect Activision, are described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999, which was filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers of this press release are referred to such filings.
COPYRIGHT 2000 PR Newswire Association LLC
No portion of this article can be reproduced without the express written permission from the copyright holder.
Copyright 2000 Gale, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.