The latest and greatest hoops game from Sega Sports is on its way to retailers.
GENRE-DEFINING SEGA SPORTS NBA 2K3 LAUNCHES ON PLAYSTATION 2, XBOX AND
NINTENDO GAMECUBE
The Best NBA Simulation Returns With A New Franchise Mode, ESPN
Telecast-Style Presentation, Unprecedented Player Control and Online
GamePlay
SAN FRANCISCO - (October 7, 2002) - SEGA(R) of America, Inc. announced today
the simultaneous release of "SEGA Sports(TM) NBA 2K3" for the
PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox(TM) video game
system from Microsoft(R) and the Nintendo GameCube(TM). Critically acclaimed
for its authentic and entertaining simulation of the NBA game, "SEGA Sports
NBA 2K3" takes the genre to unprecedented levels of realism with unmatched
player and ball physics, an ESPN telecast-style presentation, groundbreaking
animations, an in-depth franchise mode and full online gameplay on
PlayStation 2 and Xbox. Developed by Visual Concepts Entertainment, a SEGA
development studio, "SEGA Sports NBA 2K3" captures all of the nuances of the
NBA game, from Allen Iverson's signature crossover to high-flying dunks from
the league's top skywalkers.
"The 'SEGA Sports NBA 2K' series has consistently delivered the type of
hoops simulation experience that NBA fans crave and it has quickly become a
cornerstone of the SEGA Sports brand," said Tom Nichols, vice president of
sports marketing, SEGA of America, Inc.
"In the development of 'SEGA Sports NBA 2K3,' we concentrated on perfecting
both the gameplay and visual elements that are truly specific to the NBA,"
said Greg Thomas, president of Visual Concepts Entertainment, a SEGA
development studio. "As a result, gamers are closer to the NBA hardwood in
'SEGA Sports NBA 2K3' than any other NBA video game."
Building off the strong gameplay foundation of the "SEGA Sports NBA 2K"
series, gameplay enhancements to "SEGA Sports NBA 2K3" include the ability
to control pass type and direction, fake a pass, freely adjust lay-ups and
dunks in mid-air and lunge out of bounds for loose balls. In the paint, an
enhanced low-post game lets players fake, pivot, drop-step and even front
the offensive player, while total control rebounding allows effective
blocking out and board work. Enhanced ball and player physics produces more
realistic caroms off the rim, while accurate impact collisions on hard fouls
and blocks mimic the precise nature of the NBA.
The game's visual improvements are equally as striking. Specular
Highlighting, a graphical technique designed to show players sweating during
the game, is among the game's key visual enhancements. "SEGA Sports NBA 2K3"
also features the incredibly detailed player faces and lifelike player
expressions that more effectively convey the emotions of an NBA game.
Players are instantly recognizable and react realistically to the action
around them. From the players' tattoos to the mascots, each individual 3D
model is designed to match the exact look of its real-world counterpart.
Rounding out the package is a complete ESPN telecast presentation, which
includes TV-style player introductions, dynamic replays and scoreboards and
graphics overlays.
"SEGA Sports NBA 2K3" returns the series to the online arena with the
introduction of full online play and downloadable content for both
PlayStation 2 and Xbox. Gamers from around the country will be able to
challenge one another over the Internet, check their win/loss records,
download roster updates and maintain a list of favorite opponents.
Additionally, the SEGA Sports Challenge, appearing in the SEGA Sports 2K3
games, allows fans to compare their offline stats against other players
nationwide.
Joining the returning Exhibition, Tournament, Season and Practice Modes are
reconstructed Franchise and Street Modes. The Franchise Mode allows users
the option of signing free agents and coaches, scouting and drafting
rookies, making trades and even drafting graduating seniors from "SEGA
Sports(TM) NCAA(R) College Basketball 2K3." The Street Mode, which features
legendary real-world street courts from around the country, now lets players
customize their own street team by selecting any player from the current NBA
rosters, one of the all-decade legends teams or from their roster of created
players. Other exciting new features in the Street Mode include animated
crowds and the addition of variable weather including rain and fog.
"SEGA Sports NBA 2K3" is endorsed by NBA All-Star Allen Iverson of the
Philadelphia 76ers and is currently available for PlayStation 2, Xbox and
Nintendo GameCube for a suggested retail price of $49.95. Screen shots and
art assets of "SEGA Sports NBA 2K3" are available at
http://segapr.segaamerica.com.