Press release: 2004-03-23: SEGA SHIPS SAMURAI JACK: THE SHADOW OF AKU

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 SHIPS SAMURAI JACK: THE SHADOW OF AKU	

Nintendo GameCube and PlayStation 2 Owners Let Their Inner-Samurai Come Out and Play.

SAN FRANCISCO (March 23, 2004) - SEGA® of America today announced the release of "Samurai Jack™: The Shadow of Aku" for Nintendo GameCube™ and Sony PlayStation®2. Developed by Adrenium (an Amaze Entertainment Studio), and licensed by Cartoon Network™ and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment™, "The Shadow of Aku" delivers a 3D interactive experience that captures the look and feel of Cartoon Network's popular animated series.

As Samurai Jack, players face-off against characters from the show, including Mad Jack and the Scotsman, while trying to find the time portal home to save the kingdom from the evil Aku. During the course of the adventure, players solve elaborate puzzles, release prisoners trapped under lock and key, and master both melee and projectile combat maneuvers.

Adrenium Studios worked closely with Samurai Jack creator Genndy Tartakovsky to develop a broadly appealing action game that incorporates all the visual, audible, and thematic elements of the animated series, including the use of key voice actors and playful references to specific episodes. The show's striking imagery was painstakingly reworked into 3D, and the easy-to-learn controls allow players to pull off the same flashy combos and powerful strikes that have made Jack an action icon on television.

"We are happy to align the launch of 'Samurai Jack: The Shadow of Aku' with the Cartoon Network series and the upcoming release of Samurai Jack: Season One on DVD," said Scott A. Steinberg, vice president of entertainment marketing, SEGA of America, Inc. "The Samurai Jack property lends itself to diverse gameplay and high-action interactive fun. Game fans can expect more high quality, mass-market games carrying the SEGA brand as part of a new initiative to blend acquired content with award-winning, internally-developed IP."

"Interactive games are a great way to give gamers the chance to participate in the adventures of favorite characters, like Samurai Jack. Because everyone expects a high level of detail and artistry from Samurai Jack, we knew we had to execute our first console game for this property perfectly," said John Friend, senior vice president, Cartoon Network Enterprises. "We tapped into Samurai Jack's creative team at every phase of development to make sure that 'Samurai Jack: The Shadow of Aku' is a seamless extension of the Emmy-winning series by Genndy Tartakovsky. We think gamers and Samurai Jack fans will be pleased."

Warner Home Video has recently announced the May 4th release of the first 13 episodes in a two-disk DVD box set titled: Samurai Jack: Season One. Samurai Jack debuted on Cartoon Network in November 2001. During the first weekend it aired, more than 11.5 million viewers tuned in to multiple broadcasts of the 90-minute premiere. Since then, Samurai Jack has established a strong fan base with its distinctive, hard-edged look and its tongue-in-cheek dialogue. On average, over 2 million viewers tune in for each telecast. Of that audience, more than 13% are adults 18-34, making Samurai Jack one of Cartoon Network's top shows among young adults.

"Samurai Jack: The Shadow of Aku" is rated "T" for Teen and is available at retailers nationwide for an MSRP of $39.95.

About SEGA
SEGA® 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/usa.

About Cartoon Network
Cartoon Network, currently seen in 86.2 million U.S. homes and 145 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.'s 24-hour, ad-supported cable service offering the best in animated entertainment. Drawing from the world's largest cartoon library, Cartoon Network showcases unique original ventures such as Codename: Kids Next Door, The Powerpuff Girls, Dexter's Laboratory, Samurai Jack, Courage the Cowardly Dog, Ed, Edd n Eddy and other Cartoon Cartoons. Cartoon Network also features Adult Swim, a late night block of animation for grown-ups. Since its launch in 1992, Cartoon Network has remained one of ad-supported cable's highest-rated networks. Cartoon Network's Web site is located at http://CartoonNetwork.com (AOL Keyword: Cartoon Network).

About Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment Inc., a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is a premier licensor and a publisher of entertainment content for the interactive space across all current and future platforms, including consoles, PC-based gaming and wireless applications.

About Amaze
Amaze Entertainment® is one of the world's largest independent developers of interactive entertainment. Through its five unique studios, the company creates high-quality games for virtually every platform -- from popular handheld devices and PCs to today's advanced game consoles. Recognized for creating top-selling titles, Amaze is expert at developing exceptionally fun and exciting games built on the most popular entertainment brands. www.amazeentertainment.com

SEGA is the trademark of SEGA Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. SAMURAI JACK and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © Cartoon Network. (s04) PlayStation is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Nintendo GameCube is a trademark of Nintendo. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.