Press release: 2002-03-19: The Critically Acclaimed Sega Sports NBA 2K2 Launches on Nintendo GameCube

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

SAN FRANCISCO--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--March 19, 2002

Release Marks the First Sega Sports Game on Nintendo GameCube and the First Sega Game Available on all Video Game Platforms

Sega Sports(TM), the brand that continues to set new standards in sports gaming, announced today the release of "Sega Sports(TM) NBA 2K2" for the Nintendo GameCube(TM). Developed by Visual Concepts, a member of the Sega group and the development house behind the sports video game revolution, "Sega Sports NBA 2K2" will hook every Nintendo GameCube user into a world of video game basketball that realistically mirrors the level of professional play and high flying athleticism of the NBA.

The launch of "Sega Sports NBA 2K2" for the Nintendo GameCube is a milestone for Sega as it is the company's first multi-platform title to have launched on all new next-generation game consoles. Gamers can now experience Sega's critically acclaimed basketball simulation on: the Nintendo GameCube, the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, and the Xbox(TM) video game system from Microsoft(R). The move symbolizes Sega's commitment to being a platform-agnostic third-party publisher and reinforces the company's position as a dominant force in interactive entertainment.

"Last year, Sega Sports made a promise to bring the immersive content and superior gameplay of our titles to all next generation gaming consoles," said Tom Nichols, director of sports marketing, Sega of America. "Today, we fulfilled that promise to the gaming community and look to continue our winning streak with additional sports title releases for the Nintendo GameCube, Xbox and PlayStation 2.

"Sega Sports NBA 2K2," the first game in the Sega Sports franchise to be released for the Nintendo GameCube, brings the intensity of authentic basketball action to gamers, with gameplay and graphics that define the basketball simulation genre. This game includes enhanced gameplay elements such as new low-post and crossover moves, intelligent coaching decisions and more ways to play defense and shut opponents down in the passing lane. Gamers can use pick & roll plays and control how hard players battle for rebounds -- creating an authentic experience by replicating the subtleties of the NBA game. "Sega Sports NBA 2K2" also includes an enhanced one-on-one game experience, with new crossovers, and on the fly alley-oops. The game also incorporates all of the new NBA rules, such as the zone defenses.

"Sega Sports NBA 2K2" for the Nintendo GameCube is equally as adept on the visual end, delivering a game that's as fun to watch as it is to play. With detailed facial expressions that bring players to life, athletes will show their emotional reactions to each outcome with real expressions, whether they are celebrating a spectacular dunk or an in-your-face blocked shot. Presented in a broadcast-quality format, "Sega Sports NBA 2K2" features crafty camerawork, inspired commentary, TV-style overlays and exciting crowd reactions, giving gamers the best seat in the house in arenas that have been recreated in exact detail. Gamers will also recognize the style trends and personality markers of their favorite players -- from high socks to tattoos -- every detail in "Sega Sports NBA 2K2" has been designed to perfection.

"Sega Sports NBA 2K2" also takes the game to the streets, as players can hoop it up at nine of the most famous playgrounds across the country. The great street courts from last year are now joined by four new authentic courts in the Nintendo GameCube version of the game -- Hank Gathers Rec Center in Philadelphia, Run N' Shoot in Atlanta, Venice Beach in California and Fonde Rec Center in Houston.

All basketball fans know that no basketball ball game is complete without great music. That's why "Sega Sports NBA 2K2" features a soundtrack written exclusively for the game, performed by So So Def's rising recording star R.O.C and produced by award-winning rapper-producer Jermaine Dupri.

Endorsed by Philadelphia 76ers' guard Allen Iverson, who appears on the cover of the game, "Sega Sports NBA 2K2" keeps current with updated rosters, arenas and team uniforms. "Sega Sports NBA 2K2" is also available on Sega Dreamcast(TM), PlayStation 2 and Xbox. The Nintendo GameCube version of "Sega Sports NBA 2K2" is available at retailers nationwide for $49.95. The game is rated "E" for everyone.

About Sega

SEGA(R) of America 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.

About Nintendo

As the worldwide leader and innovator in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co. Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its popular home video game systems. The systems include Game Boy(R), Nintendo(R) 64, Game Boy(R) Advance and NINTENDO GAMECUBE(TM). Since the release of its first home video game system in 1983, Nintendo has sold more than 1.4 billion video games worldwide, creating enduring industry icons such as Mario(TM) and Donkey Kong(R) and launching such franchises as Zelda(TM) and Pokemon(R). As a wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America, Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operation in the Western Hemisphere.

About Sony Computer Entertainment

Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation(R) game console and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PlayStation game console and the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif., Sony Computer Entertainment America serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

About Xbox

Xbox (http://www.xbox.com/) is Microsoft's future-generation video game system that delivers the most powerful games experiences ever. Xbox empowers game artists by giving them the technology to fulfill their creative visions as never before, creating games that blur the lines between fantasy and reality. Xbox is now available in North America, Japan, Europe and Australia.

Note to Editors: Xbox is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

The NBA and individual NBA member team identifications used on or in this product are trademarks, copyrighted designs and other forms of intellectual property of NBA Properties, Inc. and the respective NBA member teams and may not be used, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of NBA Properties, Inc. (c) 2002 NBA Properties, Inc. All rights reserved.
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