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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.