Sega Announces Ship Date for the Epic Masterpiece, Shenmue; Highly Anticipated Sega Dreamcast Game to Hit the U.S. Market in Q4

Business Wire, May 11, 2000

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

E3Expo 2000

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 11, 2000

Today at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), Sega(R) of America announced that on November 14, 2000, arcade legend Yu Suzuki's "Shenmue(TM)" will ship for the 128-bit, Internet-ready Sega Dreamcast(TM) videogame console.

With an attention to detail that surpasses anything ever seen on a videogame console before, "Shenmue" is being hailed as the most realistic game ever designed. "Shenmue" features hundreds of speaking characters, a 3D world with an enormous amount of interactive rooms and motion-captured movements, plenty of operational items and groundbreaking real-time environments. The game will also feature an online component, which will greatly enhance gameplay.

"Since no game has ever matched the epic scope of `Shenmue,' there is an overwhelming amount of anticipation," said Charles Bellfield, director of communications, Sega of America. "'Shenmue' reaffirms that Sega is still the leader when it comes to innovative and engaging content."

In "Shenmue," players assume the role of Ryo Hazuki, a boy who must unravel the mysterious death of his father by exploring a sprawling lifelike world. As in real life, weather and landscapes change according to the season and the time unfolds throughout each day. The audio is also far from static, as many simultaneous sounds can be heard while the volume shifts depending on proximity and the direction Ryo is facing. Even the smallest digital detail is crafted to reflect its organic counterpart, such as delicate movements like hair swaying and lips moving in sync with voices. "Shenmue" blurs the line between playing a game and taking an active part in a true living digital experience.

"Shenmue" also features an online component called "Shenmue Passport." By using "Shenmue Passport" via SegaNet or another ISP, players are able to archive information about people they meet, places they go, and new moves that they master, as well as having the ability to post scores online and to download images of characters to their Visual Memory Unit (VMU).

About Sega Dreamcast

The 128-bit Internet ready Sega Dreamcast is available in the U.S. with a built-in 56K modem, allowing for full Internet functionality via SegaNet(TM), the only high-speed online console gaming network and ISP service for Sega Dreamcast and PC users. Sega Dreamcast currently has more than 80 titles available. The total Sega Dreamcast game library count will be more than 200 in the year 2000.

About SegaNet

Sega.com, Inc. is a new online entertainment company whose goal is to become the online destination for gamers. Sega.com integrates SegaNet, the only high-speed online console gaming network providing Dreamcast users with the ultimate in speed, reliability and content. SegaNet offers gamers the best in 3D multi-player games, chat, community, cheat codes, tournaments and content. SegaNet is also an ISP for Sega Dreamcast and PC users, offering gamers everything they need to know about gaming and other areas of interest that tie in with gaming including music, TV, community, movies, sports and e-commerce.

About Sega

Sega of America Dreamcast, Inc. is the arm of Tokyo, Japan-based Sega Enterprises, Ltd. responsible for the development, marketing and distribution of Sega videogame systems and videogames in the Americas. Sega Enterprises, Ltd. is a nearly $2.5 billion company recognized as the industry leader in interactive digital entertainment media, offering interactive entertainment experiences both inside and outside the home. Sega of America's World Wide Web site is located at www.sega.com.