Press release: 1998-06-05: If You Can't Stand the Heat, Get Out of the Game

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

If You Can't Stand the Heat, Get Out of the Game; Sega Brings Hot New Game "Burning Rangers" to the Sega Saturn.

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 5, 1998--Blast into the death-defying world where gamers are rewarded for saving lives rather than extinguishing them.

This is the daring mission given to players in the latest Sega Saturn(R) game "Burning Rangers(tm)" available today from Sega(R) of America. In this revolutionary action title, gamers assume the heroic role of fire fighters equipped to conquer glowing blazes and rescue innocent people from the burning buildings.

"Burning Rangers" thrusts players into a futuristic world where explosive situations require the expertise of fire fighters called Burning Rangers, an elite search and rescue team equipped to handle life-threatening missions. Whether gamers have dreamed of becoming a daring fire fighter or not, this action title will bring out the grit and bravery of the most skillful or novice players.

Beating the blazes depends on your ability to react at lightning speeds when battling unpredictable firestorms. Each ranger is outfitted with protective gear, weapons, shields, a navigation system and powerful jump jets which allow the characters to backflip, somersault, jump and fly through buildings with 360 degrees of movement. Jumping is key to a successful rescue because rangers must move fast when explosions and fires become deadly.

"Burning Rangers" features two multi-powered concessive blast weapons -- the "Laser Blast" and the "Shot" -- which give gamers the strength to destroy foes and extinguish intense blazes. These weapons, combined with crystalline energy, are vital to a successful mission. Red and green crystals appear just after a fire has been stopped and they can also be found floating in each environment. Players must gather crystals to load the weapons, keep their energy levels high and transport survivors of disaster to safety.

Gamers must think on-the-fly because the "Laser Blast" weapons should only be utilized to stomp out the worst blazes, while the regular "Shot" can be deployed to clear small fires. While the "Laser Blast" packs a powerful punch, using it depletes all crystalline energy once it is deployed.

Players can select from five Burning Rangers. Choices include two recently trained rangers, Show Amabane and Tillis. These rookies share a common bond -- both characters have suffered personal losses from fires.

"Burning Rangers" transports gamers into four highly-explosive missions where innocent people are trapped by raging firestorms. Their only chance for survival depends on the rescue team. Missions take place in a power plant on the brink of self-destruction, a damaged undersea marine research lab and a space station headed for disaster. Many bizarre characters will try to sabotage the rangers during missions, so gamers must stay focused when rescuing people from the burning structures.

"'Burning Rangers' allows gamers to play the role of a hero where split-second decisions can save a life," said Andrew Stein, marketing manager, Sega of America. "This remarkable action title rewards players for taking care of victims amid a constant struggle against an unpredictable and explosive enemy -- fire."

Rangers rely on crystals, ID cards, charge gauges, shields and a navigation system to survive the intensely hot and terrifying missions. Not only do the red and green crystals power the rescue team's weapons, they also increase the strength of protective shields, keeping fire and heat at bay. If a ranger is touched by fire or has direct contact with an enemy, the crystals will be lost and the shields will lose their powers!

Each member of the elite team is fully-equipped with a sophisticated navigation system which serves as a reliable guide throughout the game. Ranger Chris is the lead communicator. Her job is to provide information so rangers can find their way through the colossal structures. If gamers find themselves cornered by flames and looking for cover, information can be granted quickly with a push of a button.

"Burning Rangers" offers a "Random Generation" feature which automatically changes the locations of survivors and obstacles after every play, making missions original and distinct. Rangers that successfully complete their goal are rewarded with access to a secret password which gives them the advantage to disable the variable "Random Generation" function.

Brought to you by the world famous creator of Sonic the Hedgehog(tm), Yuji Naka, "Burning Rangers" utilizes the special engine found in the blockbuster title, "NiGHTS(tm)."

Sega of America is the arm of Tokyo, Japan-based Sega Enterprises, Ltd. responsible for the development, marketing and distribution of Sega videogame systems and videogames in the Americas. Sega Enterprises, Ltd. is nearly a $3.0 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).

CONTACT: Sega of America

Dan Stevens, 650/802-3996

or

Access Communications

Susan Carlson, 415/904-7070, ext. 231

[email protected]

Karen Schachter, 415/904-7070, ext. 230

[email protected]
COPYRIGHT 1998 Business Wire
No portion of this article can be reproduced without the express written permission from the copyright holder.
Copyright 1998, Gale Group. All rights reserved. Gale Group is a Thomson Corporation Company.