Press release: 2002-02-19: Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. Acquires Rights to Publish `Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future' and `Headhunter' for PlayStation 2 Computer Entertainment System

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


GLEN COVE, NY--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--February 19, 2002

Heralded Dreamcast Titles Enhance Company's

Next-Generation Product Lineup

Continuing to strengthen its dynamic next-generation product lineup, Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ.SC: AKLM), a leading global video entertainment software developer and publisher, today announced that it has acquired the rights to publish Ecco the Dolphin(TM): Defender of the Future and Headhunter(TM) for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system in North America. Already highly regarded titles for the Sega Dreamcast among consumers and the media, Ecco the Dolphin(TM): Defender of the Future and Headhunter(TM) boast stunning graphics, immersive gameplay and vast replay value.

"We're thrilled to continue our successful relationship with Sega and offer two proven brands that are perfectly suited for the expanding PlayStation(R)2 audience," said Sarah Anderson, Senior Vice President of Brand. "Delivering countless hours of action and entertainment, both titles illustrate our ongoing commitment to publishing compelling next-generation software for the masses."

Ecco the Dolphin(TM): Defender of the Future

When an evil force threatens to destroy the Earth, it's up to Ecco the Dolphin to save the future. Everyone's favorite mammal makes his PlayStation(R)2 debut in Ecco the Dolphin(TM): Defender of the Future, an all-new aquatic adventure of epic proportions. In order to save the planet and win back his future, Ecco must travel through mysterious and breathtaking underwater worlds filled with puzzles, friends, foes and danger while in search of the stolen dolphin-power that he must recover from the far reaches of time and space. The future of the Earth now rests on the fins of this friendly dolphin in the underwater gaming experience of a lifetime. The Sega Dreamcast version of Ecco the Dolphin(TM): Defender of the Future was acclaimed by the press as:



 "One of the most beautiful games ever. Playing Ecco is like transforming your television screen into a porthole on the side of the Nautilus." - gamespot.com

 "One of the most visually stunning games released on a platform to date." - IGN.com

 "Ecco delivers the goods with a huge splash." - Gamepro



Ecco the Dolphin(TM): Defender of the Future will offer many exciting features, including:

- Cutting-edge stealth action, such as slithering against walls, peeking around corners and attacking enemies from behind in total anonymity;

- Play as both ruthless Headhunter Jack Wade and his alluring accomplice, Angela Stern;

- Rip through the streets at speeds of over 200 mph on an ultra-bad bounty hunting motorcycle;

- Various license tests challenge gamers' Headhunting skills and unlock hidden game features;

- Intense gameplay action in both third- and first-person perspectives;

- Vast arsenal of weapons, including mines, machine guns, missile launchers and more;

- Meticulously detailed environments, ranging from seedy biker hangouts to futuristic laboratories;

- Incredible mixture of storytelling and action, delivered through the use of over one full hour of painstakingly rendered real-time FMVs;

- Cinematic in-game soundtrack composed by Richard Jaques and The London Philharmonic Orchestra.



Headhunter(TM)

Crime is out of control. Bounty hunters rule the streets. Human organs have replaced money as currency. Welcome to the future of America and meet Jack Wade, Headhunter. After awakening from a coma in a sterile hospital room, Jack realizes that his memories, identity and mind have all been stolen. The only way he can regain what he has mysteriously lost is by embarking on a shadowy quest for his past in the hope of saving his future. When the AntiCrime Network's chief officer is murdered in cold blood, it's up to Jack to bring his killers to justice by any means necessary. Players join Jack along with his accomplice, the sultry Angela Stern, in a tactical adventure where stealth and espionage are the only means to survive.

The Sega Dreamcast version of Headhunter(TM) was very well received by the media, who had the following to say about the game:



 "Headhunter is an excellent action/adventure title. 9/10" - IGN.com

 "Headhunter is both visually stunning and highly immersive." - gamespot.com



Headhunter(TM) will include an array of special features:



- Cutting-edge stealth action, such as slithering against walls, peeking around corners and attacking enemies from behind in total anonymity;

- Play as both ruthless Headhunter Jack Wade and his alluring accomplice, Angela Stern;

- Rip through the streets at speeds of over 200 mph on an ultra-bad bounty hunting motorcycle;

- Various license tests challenge gamers' Headhunting skills and unlock hidden game features;

- Intense gameplay action in both third- and first-person perspectives;

- Vast arsenal of weapons, including mines, machine guns, missile launchers and more;

- Meticulously detailed environments, ranging from seedy biker hangouts to futuristic laboratories;

- Incredible mixture of storytelling and action, delivered through the use of over one full hour of painstakingly rendered real-time FMVs;

- Cinematic in-game soundtrack composed by Richard Jaques and The London Philharmonic Orchestra.



Ecco the Dolphin(TM): Defender of the Future will be available for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system at the end of February at a suggested retail price of $49.99. Headhunter(TM) will ship in the spring for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment also a suggested retail price of $49.99. For more information on these titles and Acclaim's product lineup, please visit www.acclaim.com.

About Acclaim Entertainment

Based in Glen Cove, N.Y., Acclaim Entertainment, Inc., is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and mass marketer of software for use with interactive entertainment game consoles including those manufactured by Nintendo, Sony Computer Entertainment and Microsoft Corporation as well as personal computer hardware systems. Acclaim owns and operates six studios located in the United States and the United Kingdom which includes a motion capture and recording studio in the U.S., and publishes and distributes its software through its subsidiaries in North America, the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Spain. The Company uses regional distributors worldwide. Acclaim also distributes entertainment software for other publishers worldwide, publishes software gaming strategy guides and issues "special edition" comic magazines from time to time to support its time valued brands, Turok and Shadow Man. Acclaim's corporate headquarters are in Glen Cove, New York and Acclaim's common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ.SC under the symbol AKLM. For more information please visit our website at www.acclaim.com.

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