Release of Virtua Golf

Release of Virtua Golf

Sega Amusements Europe has released Virtua Golf, following in the footsteps of Sega's renowned sports series of titles. The game is housed in the highly acclaimed Naomi Upright Universal Cabinets making it sleek, stylish and suitable for arcade and bar/pub operations alike.

The game is played over the most realistic 18-hole golf course ever encountered on a video game. Powered by the Naomi board, the graphics show a stunning sense of realism that makes all other golf video games look Neolithic in comparison. The player has a choice of four golfers (2 male & 2 female) to choose from and an option of four competitions that can be played; stroke play; match play (for more than one player), skins and an 18 hole challenge.

Sega Amusements Europe Ltd, Finance Director – Roger Pennington commented "As a very keen golfer myself I am aware that there are in excess of 5000 golf courses in Europe and the game itself is played by young and old alike. It is one of the biggest spectator and participation sports in the world and is ideal subject material for a Sega's latest video game. Initial income test figures from both a bar operation and an arcade operation have shown it to be a real money spinner."

Once the player has chosen the competition he/she wants to play, the game starts at the 1st hole. Firstly the player can opt to change his club and, then the direction to hit the ball, to allow for any wind. To start the swing the player rolls a track ball towards him and then rolls it quickly forward for the downswing, hitting the ball down the fairway in the process. The track ball will allow the player to put various spins on the ball giving the player increased control particularly with shots onto the green.

When the player has reaches the green the green is shaded in such a way to show any gradient. The player can then alter the direction of the put to allow for any borrow.

With the players having perfect swings it allows the club golfer to experience playing golf at a higher level. Concentration is very important in this game of skill. Any bad shot will likely results in a lost shot to par or a lost hole to your opponent. This game will provide golfers with the thrill of playing the game but from the comfort of the clubhouse. Also this course remains open all year!

Sega Amusements Europe Ltd, Sales Director – Paul Williams commented " Virtua Golf was first shown at the AOU show in Japan under the name Dynamic Golf to great excitement. We decided to re-brand the name in Europe and use the "Virtua" name as it is better known in Europe. Sega have looked at developing a golf game several times before, but have shelved the project because they felt that the technology was not available to do the game justice at the time. Fortunately, recently the power of the Naomi board has allowed the R&D team to create a truly realistic game. Whether you play golf or not, the Virtua Golf is great fun for everyone."

For More Information please contact:

Paul Williams

Sales Director

Sega Amusements Europe Ltd

Phone +44 (0) 20 8336 1222

Fax +44 (0) 20 8336 1715

E-mail paulw@sega.co.uk

To view screen shots of the game, please follow this link.