Sega Launches Sega Soccer slam; its first non-traditional sports game for the Nintendo GameCube(tm)

Genre-Defining Soccer Game Blends Speed, Style, and Action with a Field Full of Special Moves, Play Enhancing Power-ups and Distinct Personalities

"'Sega Soccer Slam' is the ideal title for the Nintendo GameCube audience with its outlandish effects, engaging comic book-like characters, pick-up-&-play controls, and all-ages appeal," said Tom Nichols, director of sports marketing, Sega of America. "This game is an upbeat and irreverent soccer-inspired experience that is much different than our acclaimed deep simulation sports titles. 'Sega Soccer Slam' successfully illustrates the depth of Sega's content making ability."

Building momentum in underground leagues and counter-culture clubs, "Sega Soccer Slam's" brutal new brand of soccer is played by cartoonish thugs who take pleasure in breaking rules as well as arms. The action is intense 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."

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 eighteen 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" features traditional matches and tournaments along with performance-enhancing power-ups and hidden venues. There are five ruthless game modes, including the aforementioned Continental Cup Quest mode, the Quick Start mode, an Exhibition mode, and a Tourney mode for sizzling multiplayer action. An additional Practice mode provides the user with an opportunity to master all of the complexities of the various high-flying moves in "Sega Soccer Slam."

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