SEGA SOCCER SLAM DEBUTS ON XBOX; DELIVERS ACTION PACKED GAMEPLAY AND A LIVELY CAST OF CHARACTERS

Featuring Lightning-Quick Gameplay and Limitless Style, Genre-Defining Soccer Game Blends Speed and Non-Stop Action

SAN FRANCISCO (August 20, 2002) - SEGA(R) of America, Inc. announced today the release of "SEGA(R) Soccer Slam(TM)" for the Xbox(TM) video game system from Microsoft(R). Produced by Visual Concepts Entertainment, a SEGA development studio, and developed by Black Box Games, the critically acclaimed "SEGA Soccer Slam" features pick-up-and-play gameplay and striking visuals that take advantage of the powerful Xbox hardware. Employing sophisticated motion-captured 3D models and multiple modes of play, "SEGA Soccer Slam's" wild cast of characters will dazzle gamers with their detailed expressions, athletic prowess and exaggerated personality traits. Prepare for pandemonium when this exciting game, which takes an unorthodox approach to the world's most popular sport, hits the market.

"The ideal arcade sports game, "SEGA Soccer Slam" delivers dazzling power-up moves, a comical cast of characters and an intuitive gameplay system," said Tom Nichols, vice president of sports marketing, SEGA of America, Inc. "Xbox owners longing for engaging arcade-style sports gaming are in for a thrilling experience."

Cartoon-style thugs, who take pleasure in breaking rules as well as arms, play "SEGA Soccer Slam's" brutal new brand of soccer. New to the Xbox version are an Arcade Mode with exhibition matches, a quick match option and two totally new and addictive mini-games. Also new is an added Challenge Mode, which lets gamers custom create their own team using existing characters inside the game. Here gamers can also unlock three new teams, who join the original six eccentric squads.

The intense action continues in the Quest mode, where players select one of the six elementally themed teams and play through a 10 game regular season and single elimination tournament in pursuit of the coveted Continental Cup. During the course of the season, the best players are recognized in a mid-season All-Star game, statistics are tracked in 24 categories, and money earned from winning matches is spent on buying accessories and attributes for the individual players. While victories unlock venues and mystery items that boost player attributes, the game's Challenge stages, which occur in between each match, let the players get familiar with the various special moves and abilities in "SEGA Soccer Slam." The game also features a Tourney Mode for sizzling multiplayer action and an additional Practice Mode.

With pick-up-and-play controls and a balanced competitive atmosphere for players of all skill levels, "SEGA Soccer Slam" skirts the intimidating nature of deeper simulation sports games. However, the action in "SEGA Soccer Slam" is fast and furious, as players dole out brilliant spotlight maneuvers and team specific powered-up plays, all shown with dazzling special effects. The players in "SEGA Soccer Slam" are as detailed as they are aggressive. Utilizing complex 3D models, individual voices and personalities, noticeable facial animations, and more than 1,000 motion-captured moves, including signature goal celebrations and character-specific kicks.

"SEGA Soccer Slam" is available at retailers nationwide for $49.95. The game is rated "E" for everyone.

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