...say that three times fast.
The arcade-style soccer game from Visual Concepts (NFL 2k2, NBA 2k2) and Black Box (NHL Hitz 2002 for Midway) should be available soon at a retailer near you, provided you live in North America. Planet GameCube should have impressions and a review very soon. Until then, you know the drill...
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
SAN FRANCISCO (March 19, 2002) - Sega® of America announced today the
release of "Sega® Soccer Slam (tm)," an action-packed, smash-mouth soccer
spin
off for the Nintendo GameCube (tm). Produced by Visual Concepts, makers of
the
acclaimed Sega Sports 2K series, "Sega Soccer Slam" is easy to learn,
challenging to master, and incredible to watch. Employing sophisticated
motion-captured 3D models and multiple modes, "Sega Soccer Slam's" wild cast
of characters will dazzle gamers with their detailed expressions, athletic
prowess and exaggerated personality traits. Prepare for pandemonium when
this addictive game, which takes an unorthodox approach to the world's most
popular sport, hits the market.
"'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.
