Press release: 2000-07-11: Sega Serves Up Arcade Hit Virtua Tennis for Dreamcast

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 Serves Up Arcade Hit Virtua Tennis for Dreamcast; First Head-to-Head Tennis Game Comes to Sega Dreamcast

SAN FRANCISCO--(BW SportsWire)--July 11, 2000

Sega(R) serves up an ace today with the release of "Virtua Tennis(TM)," its first-ever tennis title for the 128-bit, Internet-ready Sega Dreamcast(TM) videogame console. "Virtua Tennis" features fast-paced gameplay, authentic environments and an array of court surfaces that make this game ultra-realistic and fun to play. "Virtua Tennis" delivers rich 3D graphics and crisp animations so the pros in the game move like the pros in real life. Using simple, intuitive controls, gamers feel like they are actually delivering that drop shot or overhead smash.

"Virtua Tennis" allows gamers to play solo or match up against each other four at a time, for hard-hitting multi-player fun. Gamers can choose to play eight internationally ranked tennis pros including Jim Courier, Cedric Pioline, Tim Henman, Tommy Haas, Mark Phillippoussis, Carlos Moya, Thomas Johansson and Yevgeny Kafelnikov. The pros in the game not only bear each athlete's physical likeness, but also each electronic player has the pros' real life skill attributes. Hear the pros' grunts and groans as they volley for victory with cross-court shots. Watch them go head-to-head on a variety of surfaces -- hard, clay, grass, or carpet -- and see how each surface responds differently.

"Virtua Tennis breaks new ground in the tennis genre in terms of graphics and gameplay," said Gwendolyn Marker, consumer communications manager, Sega of America. "The game is easy to pick up and play, and provides for hours of replay value with multiple playing modes, new lifelike courts and all-new virtual shopping."

"Virtua Tennis" players can choose "World Circuit Mode" and tour the globe as they battle to win all the big tournaments. With each win, players collect "cash" awards and "shop" in the game. Gamers can go into virtual stores and buy new strings for their rackets, cool tennis apparel or energy drinks. If they're feeling like big spenders, they can buy their way into locked stadiums or take on a new identity and buy locked characters. Once players have completed the entire World Circuit, they can access a secret character that can only be seen by circuit champions.

Sega's got a surprise for those who prefer arcade gameplay. In arcade mode, gamers can progress to different locations with each match won. They too will unlock a secret character after winning all of the arcade mode levels.

To add to the realism, "Virtua Tennis" has included crowds that chime in with "oohs" and "aahhs" with every good or bad play. To add to the fun, Sega has included a replay feature, which allows gamers to watch incredible plays over again, right after they're made.

"Virtua Tennis" is available at retailers nationwide or at www.sega.com. The game is rated "E" for everyone.

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 Sega of America

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.

Editors' Note: Screen shots of Virtua Tennis are available at ftp://ftp.accesspr.com/public/sega/sega_dreamcast_games.
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