Press release: 2005-01-18: SEGA SHIPS VIRTUA QUEST FOR GAMECUBE, PLAYSTATION 2

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 VIRTUA QUEST FOR GAMECUBE, PLAYSTATION 2	

Classic SEGA Characters Reborn as Virtual Mentors

(January 18, 2005) - SEGA® of America today announced the availability of Virtua Quest™ -- an action-RPG spin-off of the renowned Virtua Fighter franchise -- for the Nintendo GameCube™ and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system.

Virtua Quest is designed to introduce the Virtua Fighter characters to younger players, an audience more familiar with story-driven action games than complex arcade fighting games. In Virtua Quest, the player assumes the identity of a young boy named Sei (pronounced "Say"). As the player explores each stage, he/she discovers data clusters called "'Virtua Souls". When these Virtua Souls unlock, players are trained how to perform a range of flashy fighting moves by the most popular Virtua Fighter brawlers.

"With Virtua Quest, we wanted to develop a title that would resonate with our younger audience," said Scott A. Steinberg, vice president of entertainment marketing, SEGA of America, Inc. "The play mechanics offer significant depth while remaining user-friendly for inexperienced gamers."

Traditional role-playing game elements such as leveling up, skill branches, and extensive cinematic cut-scenes give this adventure a robust 'quest' feel. There are more than 45 special moves to master, and beyond using his fists and feet, Sei also wields a super-powered, whip-style energy wire. Virtua Fighter cameos include fan-favorites Akira, Lau, Pai and Wolf, among others.

Virtua Quest is rated "T" for Teens and is available at retailers nationwide for an MSRP of $39.95.




SEGA, Virtua Quest, and Virtua Fighter are trademarks or registered trademarks of SEGA Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries