At this week's ASI show, Sega will be unveiling six new titles in seven configurations. Along with new products, Sega will also introduce a revolutionary game feature on Club Kart Deluxe and Standard called the Memory Card Reader & Dispenser, (MCRD).
What's new at ASI Show?
CLUB KART
In Club Kart-European Session you'll compete on twelve exotic reproductions of racecourses located in Southern France, Spain and Italy. Race past ancient roman ruins, along expansive Mediterranean beaches, and treacherous mountain switchbacks as you battle for the checkered flag. Winning moves you to the next course where your skills are put to the test on a more difficult raceway. After successfully completing a series, you're awarded "sponsorship" logos to affix to your Kart. There are over fifty authentic corporate logos from some of the worlds most successful and recognizable companies adding to the game's realism. Up to eight Club Karts can be linked together providing the highest level of competitive, head to head game play. Club Kart-European Session will be produced in two configurations, a 50" deluxe and a 29" standard. Shipping begins the second quarter of 2001. To view screen shots and more information, please visit the
product database.
MCRD
The Memory Card Reader & Dispenser ushers in a revolutionary new feature for coin-op entertainment. Players have the option to play without the card or, for a one-time additional fee, (factory set to 4 coins) purchase a Club Card. The card lets players customize the color scheme of their Kart, helmet and race suit, select corporate sponsorship logos, gives them access to all twelve tracks, (with out the card, players can only access 4 tracks) and, most importantly, save their game where they ended it. Players can then take the stored data on their Club Card to any Club Kart game in the world and start their game exactly where they left off on.
"The MCRD is a very important innovation in coin-op entertainment", said SEU president and chief operating officer, Alan D. Stone. "It personalizes game play, creates player loyalty, lengthens product earnings cycles, and increases weekly collections. Our market research shows a significant increase in coin drop and player enjoyment directly attributed to the Club-Card."
WILD RIDERS
Wild Riders puts players in the middle of a classic chase scene. Players choose one of two riders, Keith Raven or Trish Moon, each equipped with a unique set of skills and abilities that make them hard to catch. Players have to avoid capture by jumping over, sliding under, and steering around barricades and obstacles. Bonus points and additional playtime are rewards for precisely timing your moves. If you miss too many jumps or slides, the police will catch you and end your game. Hitting small objects adds additional time and bonus while hitting large ones takes time away.
Players control their bikes using a motorcycle handlebar that can be pushed down or pulled up. Pushing down makes the bike slide and pulling up makes it jump. The right hand grip has a rotating throttle with a hand brake to stop the front tire. The rear tire is stopped using the brake pedal mounted in front of the right foot peg.
The game is shipped in an eye-catching sit-down cabinet equipped with a high-resolution 29" monitor. Sega's Naomi 2 GD ROM hardware system delivers graphics similar to Crazy Taxi with even greater clarity, depth, and speed. A sub woofer in the seat lets players feel the roar of the bike as they race through the streets.
Sega will begin shipping Wild Riders during the second quarter of 2001. To view screen shots and more information, please visit the
product database.
VIRTUA STRIKER III
Virtua Striker III, (VS3) takes a great deal of it's content directly from the 2002 World Cup. The same 32 countries making up the field for WC02 are in the game, including 1998 champion France and WC02 hosts Japan and Korea. Team uniforms, stadiums, and current rosters are accurately reproduced creating a realism seldom seen in a sports game. New for VS3 is the introduction of World Cup rules including Yellow Cards, Red Cards, and off-sides. Player controls have been improved by increasing character movements an astonishing 10 X.
The result is seamless character shifting and more natural reactions. One-on-one, team interaction, and player positioning have all been improved resulting in action so real, onlookers will think they're watching World Cup highlight films. "It is truly astounding what our designers have been able to create," observed Sega president of manufacturing and deputy COO Howell Ivy. "The power of our Naomi 2 GD ROM hardware empowers our game designers with the tools they need to create incredibly realistic game play experiences."
Virtua Striker III will be available as a full kit. Shipping will begin during the second quarter, 2001. To view screen shots and more information, please visit the product database.
