Press release: 2004-03-02: SEGA OF AMERICA RELEASES PHANTASY STAR ONLINE EPISODE III: C.A.R.D. REVOLUTION

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 OF AMERICA RELEASES PHANTASY STAR ONLINE EPISODE III: C.A.R.D. REVOLUTION	

Nintendo GameCube-exclusive is Final Installment in Sonic Team's Revolutionary Online Franchise

SAN FRANCISCO (March 2, 2004) --SEGA® of America today announced the release of "Phantasy Star Online Episode III: C.A.R.D. Revolution™" exclusively for the Nintendo GameCube™. The closing chapter in the ''Phantasy Star Online" series, "C.A.R.D. Revolution" delivers an involving experience on or offline, complete with pre-established characters, manga-styled cut scenes, and a compelling story arc.

"Phantasy Star Online Episode III: C.A.R.D. Revolution" is the second game on the market - following the 2002 release of "Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II™" - designed to allow Nintendo GameCube players to compete, cooperate, and converse in an online environment. "C.A.R.D. Revolution" wraps up all narrative strands left unresolved in "Episode I & II" while introducing players to a new conflict erupting on the surface of the planet Ragol: The development of C.A.R.D. technology. This technology allows objects and creatures to be captured on data storage units the size of playing cards. Now, warriors on both the Hero side and the Dark side of Ragol's warring factions can unleash powerful beasts and weapons during battle using strategically compiled card decks.

The turn-based gameplay offers a greater level of depth and challenge than prior franchise entries. "C.A.R.D. Revolution" rewards players who think several steps ahead during competitions and carefully manage their decks before heading into battle. The new setup allows the play mechanics to remain fresh even after 100+ hours of online gaming (the average Japanese player logs an incredible 250 hoursa month on "C.A.R.D. Revolution").

"'C.A.R.D. Revolution' represents a bold new direction for SEGA's venerable RPG series," said Scott A. Steinberg, vice president of entertainment marketing, SEGA of America, Inc. "This game broadens the appeal of the Phantasy Star universe, allowing players the option to challenge human opponents around the world in true player-vs-player arenas. The game also offers a solid stand-alone offline mode that is competitive with all the other strategy card games on the market." Players can also challenge their friends and trade cards offline in a variety of exciting multiplayer modes.

Gamers can sign up to play "Phantasy Star Online Episode III" over the Internet using a dial-up modem or broadband adaptor for the Nintendo GameCube. The online service carries a monthly charge of $8.95 and is available for purchase on Sega.com. This Hunter's License includes access to online-exclusive content, including seasonal quests, special in-game items, and more. A valid Hunter's License allows gamers to play both Nintendo GameCube PSO titles ("PSO Episode I & II" and "PSO Episode III: C.A.R.D. Revolution") online.

To accommodate international play, "Phantasy Star Online Episode III: C.A.R.D. Revolution" features a universal translation system that lets gamers chat online, whether they speak English, German, Spanish, French or Japanese, through a series of hundreds of pre-programmed phrases and expressions.

"Phantasy Star Online Episode III: C.A.R.D. Revolution" is rated "T" for Teen and is available at retailers nationwide for an MSRP of $49.99.

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.