Press release: 2000-03-29: Sega Releases Time Stalkers, a Next Generation Role Playing Game for Sega Dreamcast

From Sega Retro

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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, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 29, 2000 

Solve Mysteries and Explore Different Lands and Eras in This Classic Sega-Styled RPG

Adventurers beware, worlds are colliding! Sega(R) of America, Inc. today announced the release of "Time Stalkers(TM)" for the 128-bit, Internet-ready Sega Dreamcast(TM) videogame console. A shining example of a next-generation role playing game (RPG), "Time Stalkers" takes players on a wild adventure with amazing 3D graphics, highly detailed and expansive 3D environments that are constantly changing, and extensive gameplay amidst a vast storyline. Enhancing the gameplay experience, "Time Stalkers" features seven mini games via the Visual Memory Unit (VMU), allowing you to take games on the road.

In "Time Stalkers," players assume the role of a traveler named Sword who is caught up in a time warp and transported to a world that is an amalgam of people and places from different time periods. The player's goal is to send everyone back to their rightful era and location by unraveling the mystery of the merging realms. This is accomplished by exploring numerous dungeons, while battling it out with a creative array of lurking monsters. Classic turn-based fighting sequences will keep players challenged throughout the adventure.

"Time Stalkers" features new characters, in addition to a few classic ones from the Genesis days. These adventurers include the young male traveler Sword, an elf, a solitary half-lion warrior, a sorceress, a female fighter and a mysterious doll. Players are able to interact with over 30 different characters in massive ever-changing 3D environments ranging from medieval Europe to Japan in the 1980s. Players have complete 360 degree freedom of movement, and the smooth graphics and captivating expansive 3D worlds, including mysterious dungeon caverns, will envelop players in endless hours of gameplay. With "automatic random generation," the layout of dungeons change each time you play the game, so players will never experience the same dungeon twice! "Time Stalkers" also features a holding tank called the Monster House for various creatures that you've captured in battle. These captured monsters can then be used to aid Sword on his quest. However, only a few can be brought along per mission.

"Sega is taking the RPG to the next level with 'Time Stalkers' for Sega Dreamcast," said Charles Bellfield, director of corporate communications, Sega of America. "With in-depth characters, engaging story lines and environments that change each time players visit them, we have unquestionably improved on the classic RPG format."

Continuing to expand the videogame experience via the VMU, "Time Stalkers" includes more seven mini games to give players enhanced gameplay. For example, captured monsters can be downloaded to a VMU to be trained and strengthened for future battles. Players can also draw pictures on their VMU and upload it to a picture frame hanging in the Collection Room. "Time Stalkers" has endless options for gameplay and the intricate storyline will immerse players in the wildest adventure they have ever embarked on. "Time Stalkers" is available at retailers nationwide for $49.95 and at www.sega.com. "Time Stalkers" is rated T for Teens.

About Sega Dreamcast

Sega Dreamcast is available in the US with a built in 56K modem, allowing for full Internet functionality through the Sega Dreamcast Network, including chat, e-mail, web browsing and online gaming. Content for the Sega Dreamcast Network is provided by Sega, Excite@Home and IGN. The system's preferred Internet service provider is AT&T WorldNet Services, the quickest and easiest way to take the system online. Sega Dreamcast currently has more than 40 titles available. Third-party titles currently in the works will bring the total Sega Dreamcast game library count to more than 200 in the year 2000.

Sega Dreamcast's advanced 128-bit architecture makes it the first console with evolutionary capabilities, allowing it to grow and change to match advances in technology and the needs and desires of the consumer. Sega Dreamcast is also the most powerful video game console ever created. It is 15 times more powerful than a Sony PlayStation, ten times more powerful than a Nintendo 64 and has four times the graphics processing power of the fastest Pentium II processor.

In the first 24 hours of availability, Sega Dreamcast netted over $97 million at retail, more than tripling the past entertainment industry record set by Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace at $28 million on its first day. In its initial four days, Sega sold a total of 372,000 Sega Dreamcast systems, easily surpassing the previous industry record holder, Nintendo 64, which took six days to hit 350,000 when it launched in 1996. In the first 13 days at retail, Sega Dreamcast sold more than 514,000 units. Since it launched, Sega Dreamcast has sold more than 1.5 million units, beating sales milestones set by other high-profile consumer and electronics products such as Tickle Me Elmo and Apple's iMac. Sega estimates that the company will sell 2 million units by the end of March 2000.

About Sega of America

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 a nearly $2.5 billion company recognized as the industry leader in interactive digital entertainment media, offering interactive entertainment experiences both inside and outside the home. Sega of America's World Wide Web site is located at www.sega.com.
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