The famed Sega Sports brand finally has a GameCube presence.
Xbox and PS2 owners have already been enjoying NBA 2k2 and NFL 2k2 for a few months, but Sega didn't forget GameCube fans. Now the latest basketball sim from Visual Concepts is available on all systems, and Nintendo fans have an alternative to Courtside 2002 and NBA Street. Here's the official press release:
The Critically Acclaimed Sega Sports NBA 2K2 Launches on Nintendo
GameCube(tm)
Release Marks the First Sega Sports Game on Nintendo GameCube and the First
Sega Game Available on All Video Game Platforms
SAN FRANCISCO (March 19, 2002) - Sega Sports(tm), the brand that continues
to set new standards in sports gaming, announced today the release of "Sega
Sports(tm) NBA 2K2" for the Nintendo GameCube(tm). Developed by Visual
Concepts, a member of the Sega group and the development house behind the
sports video game revolution, "Sega Sports NBA 2K2" will hook every Nintendo
GameCube user into a world of video game basketball that realistically
mirrors the level of professional play and high flying athleticism of the
NBA.
The launch of "Sega Sports NBA 2K2" for the Nintendo GameCube is a milestone
for Sega as it is the company's first multi-platform title to have launched
on all new next-generation game consoles. Gamers can now experience Sega's
critically acclaimed basketball simulation on: the Nintendo GameCube, the
PlayStation*2 computer entertainment system, and the Xbox(tm) video game
system from Microsoft(tm). The move symbolizes Sega's commitment to being a
platform-agnostic third-party publisher and reinforces the company's
position as a dominant force in interactive entertainment.
"Last year, Sega Sports made a promise to bring the immersive content and
superior gameplay of our titles to all next generation gaming consoles,"
said Tom Nichols, director of sports marketing, Sega of America. "Today, we
fulfilled that promise to the gaming community and look to continue our
winning streak with additional sports title releases for the Nintendo
GameCube, Xbox and PlayStation 2.
"Sega Sports NBA 2K2," the first game in the Sega Sports franchise to be
released for the Nintendo GameCube, brings the intensity of authentic
basketball action to gamers, with gameplay and graphics that define the
basketball simulation genre. This game includes enhanced gameplay elements
such as new low-post and crossover moves, intelligent coaching decisions and
more ways to play defense and shut opponents down in the passing lane.
Gamers can use pick & roll plays and control how hard players battle for
rebounds - creating an authentic experience by replicating the subtleties of
the NBA game. "Sega Sports NBA 2K2" also includes an enhanced one-on-one
game experience, with new crossovers, and on the fly alley-oops. The game
also incorporates all of the new NBA rules, such as the zone defenses.
"Sega Sports NBA 2K2" for the Nintendo GameCube is equally as adept on the
visual end, delivering a game that's as fun to watch as it is to play. With
detailed facial expressions that bring players to life, athletes will show
their emotional reactions to each outcome with real expressions, whether
they are celebrating a spectacular dunk or an in-your-face blocked shot.
Presented in a broadcast-quality format, "Sega Sports NBA 2K2" features
crafty camerawork, inspired commentary, TV-style overlays and exciting crowd
reactions, giving gamers the best seat in the house in arenas that have been
recreated in exact detail. Gamers will also recognize the style trends and
personality markers of their favorite players - from high socks to tattoos -
every detail in "Sega Sports NBA 2K2" has been designed to perfection.
"Sega Sports NBA 2K2" also takes the game to the streets, as players can
hoop it up at nine of the most famous playgrounds across the country. The
great street courts from last year are now joined by four new authentic
courts in the Nintendo GameCube 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.
All basketball fans know that no basketball ball game is complete without
great music. That's why "Sega Sports NBA 2K2" features a soundtrack written
exclusively for the game, performed by So So Def's rising recording star
R.O.C and produced by award-winning rapper-producer Jermaine Dupri.
Endorsed by Philadelphia 76ers' guard Allen Iverson, who appears on the
cover of the game, "Sega Sports NBA 2K2" keeps current with updated rosters,
arenas and team uniforms. "Sega Sports NBA 2K2" is also available on Sega
Dreamcast(tm), PlayStation 2 and Xbox. The Nintendo GameCube version of
"Sega Sports NBA 2K2" is available at retailers nationwide for $49.95. The
game is rated "E" for everyone.
