SONIC HEROES SHIPS; DEBUTS ON NINTENDO GAMECUBE

SEGA's Mascot Stars in New Action Platformer Launching on All Three Systems this Month

SAN FRANCISCO (January 6, 2004) - SEGA(r) of America today announced the launch of "Sonic Heroes(tm)" for Nintendo GameCube(tm) - the first original Sonic The Hedgehog(tm) console game in three years. SEGA's most anticipated game launch of the year is expected to ship on Microsoft Xbox(tm) and Sony PlayStation(r)2 January 27.

"Sonic Heroes" challenges gamers to control three characters simultaneously, each offering the unique individual ability of speed, power or flight. Multiple teams follow their own unique story paths across 14 massive stages. Their combined objective: to thwart the plans of Sonic's arch nemesis, the nefarious Dr. Eggman.

"'Sonic Heroes' represents a milestone in the history of SEGA as the first entertainment title launching across all three next generation console systems," said Hide Irie, President and chief operating officer, SEGA of America, Inc. "We are excited to deliver what we feel is the best Sonic game yet to the largest possible gaming audience."

"Sonic Heroes" is designed to appeal to players of all ages and skill levels as they experiment with four unique teams comprised of classic Sonic friends and foes for a total of 12 playable characters. "Sonic Heroes" changes the face of Sonic the Hedgehog and action-platform games in general by offering innovative design while still maintaining the unrelenting action and speed that made the Sonic franchise so enduring over the years. "Sonic Heroes" also includes seven multi-player mini-games to ensure maximum replay value.

Since his birth 12 years ago, Sonic The Hedgehog has spanned several generations of videogame systems to appear in over 30 games that have sold more than 33 million units of software. Consistently a top-selling franchise, Sonic The Hedgehog continues to be a popular icon worldwide in 2004 and one of the most recognized and celebrated video game characters of all time.

"Sonic Heroes" is rated "E" for Everyone and is available at retailers nationwide for an MSRP of $49.95.