SEGA® of America, Inc. announced today that “SEGA Sportsâ„¢
NFL 2K3” has started shipping for the PlayStation®2 computer
entertainment system and the Xbox™ video game system from Microsoft®.
Heralded as the “Best Sports Game” by the “Game Critics
Awards: Best of E3 2002,” “SEGA Sports NFL 2K3”
is poised to redefine the standards of football video games this season with ground-breaking
Artificial Intelligence, unparalleled lifelike animations, an ESPN telecast-style
presentation, full online gameplay options and an in-depth franchise mode featuring
a revolutionary and easy-to-use visual interface. Developed by Visual Concepts
Entertainment, a SEGA development studio, “SEGA Sports NFL 2K3″ pushes
the boundaries of realism and blurs the line between a football video game and
a real-life Sunday afternoon gridiron battle. . .

“The `SEGA Sports NFL 2K’ franchise has consistently pushed the genre
in innovative new directions,” said Tom Nichols, vice president of sports
marketing, SEGA of America, Inc. “That tradition lives on with `SEGA Sports
NFL 2K3′ – a game that challenges the conventions of sports video games and
raises the bar by which all console football games will be judged.”

“Our goal with the “NFL 2K” series is to create the most true-to-life
football video game experience possible,” said Greg Thomas, president of
Visual Concepts Entertainment, a SEGA development studio. “With `SEGA Sports
NFL 2K3′ we have taken a giant step forward in realizing that goal, successfully
capturing the subtle nuances of a real NFL game.”

“SEGA Sports NFL 2K3″ builds on its championship-caliber gameplay
with a variety of new additions and enhancements. More than 4,500 team-specific
plays and the ability to create custom playbooks ensure that each team follows
the exact play-calling tendencies they do in the real world. Similarly, advanced
individual player AI makes each athlete react uniquely to the action around
him on the field. From linebackers slowing down crossing patterns by bumping
receivers passing through their zones to AI quarterbacks more realistically
making formation and coverage reads before making the throw, “SEGA Sports
NFL 2K3″ delivers both an exhilarating and ultra-realistic gameplay experience.

“SEGA Sports NFL 2K3″ delivers a new level of authenticity with an
ESPN telecast-style presentation. Everything from the trademark split-screen
player introductions and analysis, game highlights, scores and overlays to the
famous SportsCenter theme music, help create the look and feel of an actual
ESPN telecast of the National Football League. In “SEGA Sports NFL 2K3,”
weekly wrap-ups show actual game highlights from simulated games around the
league and a variety of post-season awards distinguish the best of the best
in the NFL.

The first-ever online console franchise, “SEGA Sports NFL 2K3″ is
also the only football video game on the market with full online gameplay for
both PlayStation 2 and Xbox. Online features include the ability for gamers
to challenge each other over the Internet, check their win/loss records, download
roster updates and maintain a list of favorite opponents. Providing added value
to the game’s expansive list of features is the brand new SEGA Sports Challenge.
With this feature enabled, the seasoned “SEGA Sports NFL 2K3″ fan
can compare stats accumulated during offline Exhibition games against other
players from around the country. In the SEGA Sports Challenge, gamers track
their stats in a multitude of categories to receive a unique Challenge Code,
which can then be entered and ranked against other gamers on Segasports.com.

Joining the returning Exhibition, Tournament, Season and Practice Modes is
a brand new Situation Mode and the reconstructed Franchise Mode. The Franchise
Mode, which features an innovative visual interface and additional team management
options, arrives for the new season with an extensive overhaul. As users step
into the shoes of their favorite team’s players, coaches and general managers,
they have the option of signing free agents, scouting and drafting rookies,
making trades and even drafting graduating seniors from “SEGA Sportsâ„¢
NCAA® College Football 2K3.” The Situation Mode lets players customize
a variety of options to create their own unique in-game scenario, from running
two-minute drills to lining up for the game winning field goal.

“SEGA Sports NFL 2K3″ athletes have been remodeled using 3D scans
of prototype NFL body types to look more genuine and lifelike than ever. Player
body sizes now match the unique height, weight and girth for each of the individual
positions on the field. The 3D stadiums were also redesigned to more accurately
represent the size and magnitude of actual NFL stadiums. The result is a game
that is visually striking, capturing everything from the cheap seats and crowded
sidelines in the stadiums to the player’s dramatic facial expressions and real-time
reflections on their helmets.

“SEGA Sports NFL 2K3,” featuring Chicago Bears All-Pro linebacker
Brian Urlacher on the cover, is currently available for PlayStation 2 and Xbox
for a suggested retail price of $49.95. The game will also be released
on August 20 for the Nintendo GameCubeâ„¢.

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