Press release: 1996-08-20: Prepare to fly! ''NiGHTS'' exclusively for Sega Saturn hits U.S. retail shelves Tuesday

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

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 20, 1996--Sega of America Inc. Tuesday shipped to 20,000 stores nationwide its critically acclaimed 3-D flight-action title ``NiGHTS,'' a ground- breaking new Sega Saturn game featuring panoramic graphics and 360- degree flight.

Currently topping the video-game charts and pushing Mario 64 out of the top-10 list in Japan, Sonic Team's ``NiGHTS'' is proving to be the most sought-after next-generation video game.

``After much anticipation, we are thrilled to bring this phenomenal Sega Saturn hit to the U.S. market,'' said Ted Hoff, executive vice president of sales and marketing, Sega of America. `` `NiGHTS' is the perfect kickoff to our stellar lineup of fall titles, which will have our consumers raving and our competitors running for cover!''

A newly designed Sega Saturn 3D Control Pad which features an analog thumbpad for precision gameplay has also been created for this game and is available bundled with the game or sold separately.

The launch of ``NiGHTS'' is being supported by the largest marketing campaign yet for a Sega Saturn game. The cornerstone of the ``NiGHTS'' marketing effort is a multimillion-dollar national TV advertising campaign that resurrects the hallmark ``Sega Scream.''

Flanked by promotion campaigns with highly visible companies such as Six Flags Theme Parks, Fox Kids Network, Cherry Coke, Toys R Us and Tang Instant Breakfast Drink, the launch will also support an additional 5,500 in-store Sega Saturn demo units featuring the game.

``NiGHTS'' is as technically advanced as it is emotionally and visually entrancing. High-speed 3-D flight, real-time reflective imagery, 360-degree movement, shifting gravitational effects and new polygon rendering techniques break new ground in gameplay and graphics.

Upon reviewing the game, Die Hard Gamefan editors said it ``is one of the most immensely playable games ever'' and ``is truly something you've never played before.''

Sega's Yuji Naka, creator of ``Sonic the Hedgehog,'' developed ``NiGHTS,'' which is as revolutionary today as Sonic's speed and spindash were to the 16-bit video-game industry in 1991.

Under his direction, the Sonic Team utilized the Sega Saturn's second video display processor and other previously untapped hardware resources to create new interactive experiences that will help other game developers unlock more of the system's potential. This will ensure that Sega Saturn games will continue to set the standard for next-generation video games.

``NiGHTS'' can be purchased bundled with the new Sega Saturn 3D Control Pad for a suggested retail price of $69.99; the products can also be purchased separately, with ``NiGHTS'' priced at $49.99 and the controller priced at $39.99. The Sega Saturn 3D Control Pad intensifies the 3-D gaming experience and is compatible with all Sega Saturn games.

Sega of America is the arm of Tokyo-based Sega Enterprises Ltd. responsible for the development, marketing and distribution of Sega video-game systems and video games in the Americas.

Sega Enterprises is a nearly $3.5 billion company recognized as the industry leader in interactive digital entertainment media, and is the only company that offers interactive entertainment experiences both inside and outside the home.

Sega of America's World Wide Web site is located at http://www.sega.com. -0-

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CONTACT: Sega of America

Angela Edwards, 415/802-3908

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Manning, Selvage & Lee

Kelly Fitzsimmons, 213/782-6600
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