SEGA SPORTS NBA 2K2 DEBUTS ON XBOX TAKING THE ACCLAIMED BASKETBALL VIDEO GAME SERIES TO NEW HEIGHTS

Sega Sports NBA 2K2 for Xbox Recreates NBA Action in Lifelike Detail

SAN FRANCISCO (February 26, 2002) - Sega Sports(tm), the brand that continues to set new standards in sports gaming, today announced the release of the highly anticipated "Sega Sports(tm) NBA 2K2" for the Xbox(tm) video game system from Microsoft*. Developed by Visual Concepts, a member of the Sega group and the development house behind the sports video game revolution, "Sega Sports NBA 2K2" is the pinnacle of basketball simulations, allowing gamers to experience all the strategy of the actual NBA game along with the unsurpassed athleticism of its star players, from the preseason tip-off all the way to the NBA Finals. "The release of 'NBA 2K2' on Xbox is yet another step in Sega Sports' commitment to delivering high quality and entertaining sports content for all key video game systems," said Tom Nichols, group director of sports marketing, Sega of America. "The game's smarter artificial intelligence, new street courts, and revamped offensive and defensive moves are complemented by the power of Xbox to effortlessly deliver the most accurate and true-to-life visuals of any basketball simulation on the video game market." "Sega Sports NBA 2K2," the first game in the series to be released for Xbox, combines gameplay elements such as new low-post and crossover moves, intelligent coaching decisions, intuitive defensive strategy, and the ability to scrimmage and run plays during practice, to give gamers a true sense of what it's like to be competing during an actual NBA season. An unprecedented level of user control lets the gamer set up pick & roll plays, guard the baseline on defense, fight for the rebound in the paint, and use the game's timing-based steals to intercept balls in the passing lane.

"From the intricately detailed arenas to the realistic player models--right down to the individual tattoos and hairstyles, gamers will appreciate the incredible level of detail in Sega Sports NBA 2K2," said Greg Thomas, president of Visual Concepts. "Our development team was able to harness the power of Xbox to deliver a game with graphics so true-to-life that you can see the emotion animated on each player's face. That combined with real player physics and quick and responsive controls make 'NBA 2K2' for Xbox the next step in sports game simulations."

Taking full advantage of the graphical prowess of Xbox, "Sega Sports NBA 2K2" delivers a visually stunning presentation, with detailed player models that are comprised of more than 6,000 polygons each and enhanced facial animations that brings all of the game's superstars to life. The arenas in "NBA 2K" are designed to the exact specifications of their real-life counterparts and individually lit to recreate their specific look and feel. Adding to the arena atmosphere, are sideline characters such as cheerleaders, camera crews, referees, bench players, and individually modeled coaches. The high level of detail is further carried onto the court, with lifelike player models that are designed in the spitting image of their real-life counterparts, right down to individual tattoos, accessories, and hairstyles. Additionally, more than 500 new animations, including new dunks, blocks, and dribble moves, add to the game's fluid pace, capturing the rhythmic nature of the game of basketball. "Sega Sports NBA 2K2" returns with all of the familiar modes of play, including Exhibition, Season, Tournament, Franchise, Practice and Street. In the popular Street mode, the great street courts from last year are now joined by four new authentic courts in the Xbox version of the game - Hank Gathers Rec Center in Philadelphia, Run N' Shoot in Atlanta, Venice Beach in California and Fonde Rec Center in Houston. The mode also features a familiar "play to 21" street-ball scoring system. Given its improved player models and dramatic camerawork, gamers will have a hard time differentiating "Sega Sports NBA 2K2" for Xbox from a regular NBA telecast. This game is as true-to-life as it gets, with its TV-style overlays, full commentary and analysis during replays, and exciting crowd reactions. Naturally, "Sega Sports NBA 2K2" for Xbox also keeps current with updated rosters, arenas and team uniforms.

Endorsed by Philadelphia 76ers guard Allen Iverson and including a soundtrack featuring exclusive music performed by recording artist R.O.C. and produced by award-winning rapper-producer Jermaine Dupri, the Xbox version of "Sega Sports NBA 2K2" is currently available at retailers nationwide for $49.95. The game is rated "E" for everyone and supports up to four players.

"Sega Sports NBA 2K2" is also available on the Sega Dreamcast(tm) and the PlayStation® 2 computer entertainment system from Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. It will be launching soon on the Nintendo GameCube(tm).

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As the worldwide leader and innovator in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co. Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its popular home video game systems. The systems include Game Boy®, Nintendo® 64, Game Boy® Advance and NINTENDO GAMECUBE(tm). Since the release of its first home video game system in 1983, Nintendo has sold more than 1.4 billion video games worldwide, creating enduring industry icons such as Mario(tm) and Donkey Kong® and launching such franchises as Zelda(tm) and Pokémon®. As a wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America, Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operation in the Western Hemisphere.

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