Press release: 2003-08-12: SEGA'S "VIRTUA FIGHTER 4 EVOLUTION" HITS STORES THIS WEEK; DUBBED "THE BEST 3D FIGHTER OF ALL TIME" BY GMR

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: Sega.com (archived)

 SEGA'S "VIRTUA FIGHTER 4 EVOLUTION" HITS STORES THIS WEEK; DUBBED "THE BEST 3D FIGHTER OF ALL TIME" BY GMR	

Next Iteration of Groundbreaking Fighting Franchise Launches With New Fighters, New Modes and Critical Acclaim in Time for 10th Anniversary

SAN FRANCISCO - (August 12, 2003) - Awarded "Gold" from Electronic Gaming Monthly; Dubbed "Perfection" from GMR; Rated 9 out of 10 from Game Informer: SEGA® of America, Inc. today announces the launch of "Virtua Fighter™ 4 Evolution," the next iteration of its blockbuster fighting franchise, which celebrates its 10th Anniversary this year. Exclusively for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, "Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution" ships to retail with two new characters, updated graphics, and new modes, prompting top gaming enthusiast publication Gamepro to recommend that "every fighting fan must have this game." In addition, "Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution" packs a punch with a low suggested retail price of $19.99.

"'Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution' represents the closest thing to perfection a fighting game fan will find this year," said Noah Musler, product manager, SEGA of America. "AM2 turned up the dial to 11 on every facet of this game."

The latest version of SEGA's 2002 hit "Virtua Fighter™ 4," "Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution" has fully optimized graphics for exceptionally detailed arenas and fluid play without "jaggies," raising the stakes in the fighting game genre. Players throw-down against two new characters added to the original cast of 13: Goh the Judoka and Brad the ferocious Muay Thai Kick Boxer. As in "Virtua Fighter 4," players can customize their characters, but this time around there are more than 1,500 new costume items - more than double the amount from last year's release.

In addition, "Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution" features a new "Quest" mode where players battle aggressive highly tuned A.I. opponents modeled after the top players from the arcades of Japan. In this mode, gamers fight for the World Championship through a series of simulated arcade tournaments. In each arcade, gamers are also given missions; once accomplished, players earn items to further customize their characters.

Finally, exclusively for the U.S. market, "Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution" includes "Virtua Fighter 10th Anniversary" mode. In this special "old meets new" section, players can experience the flat polygonal look and feel of the original "Virtua Fighter," with all of the characters and most of the moves included in "Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution" (exempted moves are those that use walls as part of the move sequence). A true tribute to the legendary first game in the franchise, "Virtua Fighter 10th Anniversary" mode features classic moves like "high jump" in which players can clear their opponents' heads to move to the opposite side of the arena, as gameplay is limited to a 2D space. This mode will be sold on a separate disc in Japan and Europe.

"Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution" for PlayStation 2 is rated "T" for Teen, and is available at retailers nationwide for $19.99. For screenshots and artwork, please visit:

About SEGA
SEGA® of America 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/index_2.jhtml

About Sony Computer Entertainment
Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation® game console and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PlayStation game console and the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif., Sony Computer Entertainment America serves as headquarters for all North American operations.