Press release: 2003-01-14: SEGA's Panzer Dragoon ORTA Soars Onto Xbox

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

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 14, 2003

SEGA(R) of America, Inc. today announced the release of the highly-anticipated "Panzer Dragoon ORTA(TM)" exclusively for the Xbox(TM) video game system from Microsoft. Set in a surreal apocalyptic future, "Panzer Dragoon ORTA" delivers a deep sci-fi storyline and intense, cinematic aerial combat, challenging gamers to take control of a giant dragon and fight to save humanity from the brink of extinction.

"Panzer Dragoon ORTA" features mind-blowing 360-degree aerial combat onboard a powerful dragon as players battle through more than 10 stunning environments, including chaotic burning villages, a nightmarish dragon incubator facility and the kaleidoscopic heart of the planet's network infrastructure. With the ability to unleash devastating "berserk" attacks and morph between three offensive and defensive dragon forms in real time, gamers will need speed, strategy and skill to save the world.

The fourth game in the legendary Panzer Dragoon series, "Panzer Dragoon ORTA" continues the epic story from the previous games and introduces a new heroine, Orta. Enslaved by a shadowy force that rules over humanity with a sinister arsenal of bio-mechanical weapons, Orta is freed from her cell by a dragon that takes her on a quest to discover her mysterious past and save mankind.

"SEGA's Panzer Dragoon series has long been one of video games' most revered franchises, thrilling fans with it's cinematic blend of fast action, surreal artistry and grand scale," said Mike Fischer, vice president entertainment marketing, SEGA of America, Inc. "The power of Xbox has enabled SEGA to create the most fully-realized Panzer Dragoon game yet. Long-time fans of the series and newcomers alike will be blown away."

Developed by SEGA's Smilebit studio, "Panzer Dragoon ORTA" expands upon the characters and story of the first three games in the series, "Panzer Dragoon(TM)," "Panzer Dragoon Zwei" and "Panzer Dragoon Saga" originally released for the SEGA Saturn(TM). The game also features its own in-game language, "Panzereese" which blends Greek, Latin, German, Japanese and English to round out a completely immersive game world.

"SEGA has produced another successful follow-up to the Panzer Dragoon series," said Ed Fries, vice president, Microsoft Games. "When coupled with the powerful capabilities of Xbox, "Panzer Dragoon ORTA" is far superior to its competition. The graphical advantage is evident in every combat scenario, from aerial coverage to detailed animation."

The game includes dozens of branching paths and unlockable surprises, including the complete original version of "Panzer Dragoon," hidden characters, sub-scenarios, concept art and a full encyclopedia of the Panzer Dragoon universe, with detailed information about characters, enemies and the game's rich mythology.

"Panzer Dragoon ORTA" is rated "T" for Teen and is available at retailers nationwide for an MSRP of $49.99. For screenshots and artwork visit the SEGA FTP site at: ftp://segapr.segaamerica.com/Sega_Games/SEGA_ENTERTAINMENT

About SEGA

SEGA(R) of America, Inc. is the American arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA Corporation, a $3.5 billion corporation by market capitalization, recognized as a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home. The company develops, publishes and distributes interactive entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. SEGA of America's Web site is located at www.sega.com.

About Xbox

Xbox (http://www.xbox.com/) is Microsoft's future-generation video game system that delivers the most powerful games experiences ever. Xbox empowers game artists by giving them the technology to fulfill their creative visions as never before, creating games that blur the lines between fantasy and reality. Xbox is now available in the continents of North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.

Note to Editors: Xbox is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
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