Sega's E3 2004 Lineup @ Gaming Target

Written by John Scalzo on May 06, 2004

News: Click the link to find out what (cue early 90s Sega commercial voice) SEGA! has in store for E3.

Everyone loves Sega. Wait, Sega has their die-hard fans that will love everything Sega ever does. Well, Sega was nice enough to let us on what they have planned for E3. So all those that love Sega, you can love this list:

Altered Beast (PlayStation 2): As a special military operative, you are sent to investigate a deadly genetic outbreak in a small West Coast town. Hunted by unspeakable horrors and haunted by your past, you soon discover that in order to overcome evil, you must become more than evil. The only thing that can save you is your darkest power, the ability to transform into a variety of powerful beasts. As you defeat wave after wave of failed genetic experiments, the line between human restraint and primal instinct will blur, until nothing is left but the savage desire to uncover the true nature of the beast.

Astro Boy (PlayStation 2): Join Astro, the robotic superhero with a human mind in a jet-fueled adventure to reunite the robotic race with humans. Working with Tezuka Productions and Sony Pictures Consumer Products, SEGA's SONICTEAM studio has faithfully recreated the Astro Boy universe, paying homage to a classic icon of Japanese anime that is now a featured series on Cartoon Network. In Astro Boy, gamers use Astro's Rocket Feet, Arm Cannon, 1,000,000-horsepower Strength, X-Ray Vision and other special abilities to help save Metro City. With each case solved, Astro's skills develop; preparing him to face off against the strengths of Atlas, Acheron, the Blue Knight and more!

Blood Will Tell (PlayStation 2): Blood Will Tell is a modern day action epic adapted from the classic manga by Osamu Tezuka (Astro Boy). Like the original manga, the game follows the adventures of Hyakkimaru, a samurai haunted by a shocking secret who embarks on a quest to uncover his past and regain his humanity. As a newborn baby he was robbed of every limb, every organ and even the ability to cry. He replaced his missing parts with weapons and departed on a quest to destroy the fiends who robbed his organs, hoping to regain his body and his future. Throughout the game, Hyakkimaru's friend Dororo is there to help and guide players and fight alongside Hyakkimaru.

ESPN NBA 2005 (PlayStation 2, Xbox): ESPN NBA 2005 will change the way virtual basketball is played with a host of new graphical improvements including self-shadowing, advanced reflective lighting, and full 3D crowds. Huge gameplay improvements in IsoMotion and the revolutionary 24/7 mode ensure responsive control and the most satisfying basketball experience available.

ESPN NFL 2005 (PlayStation 2, Xbox): ESPN NFL 2005 is uniting fans with a coupling of the most intense gameplay and the richest multi-player gaming experience possible. Maximum Tackling brings unique on-field control allowing gamers to go for the wrap-up tackle or deliver the big highlight hit. The addition of the V.I.P. System allows gamers to play friends, even if they're not there! Players are invited to show off their coaching skills in Franchise mode and utilise Weekly Prep to fully plan the training regime each week. Full online leagues and tournament play with living rosters rounds make this a complete online experience.

ESPN NHL 2005 (PlayStation 2, Xbox): ESPN NHL Hockey returns to the ice with the confidence of a seasoned veteran. Improved player control, an all-new fighting engine and lightning fast gameplay truly capture the feel and pace of NHL-calibre hockey. ESPN NHL 2005 features several new ways to play online leagues, multi-player mini-games and a deeper Franchise mode, all adding endless replay value to an already robust lineup!

Headhunter Redemption (PlayStation 2, Xbox): Twenty years after the devastation caused by the Bloody Mary Virus, a new order has emerged, based on two distinct, but totally independent worlds, divided by the ultimate consumerist society Ц 'Above' and 'Below.' Headhunter: Redemption continues the gripping story of Jack Wade, a veteran Headhunter keeping order in a futuristic world overrun with unchecked consumerism, vicious organised crime and mind-controlling mass media. When Jack and his protщgщ, the sassy, streetwise Leeza X, stumble upon an arms smuggling operation that threatens the status quo, they must work together to deliver an oblivious world from impending catastrophe, confronting their darkest fears beneath a shroud of evil that blankets the city.

Otogi 2 (Xbox): Otogi 2 takes place directly after the events chronicled in the original Otogi - Myth of Demons. Raikoh, the famed undead warrior, managed to temporarily save the Japanese population from an onslaught of demons, but had not been able to vanquish them all before returning to his grave. The demons have now regrouped from hiding places within the sacred capital of Japan, and they are ready to attempt to take control over man once more. In response, five brave warriors ritualistically take their own lives to resurrect Raikoh. By fulfilling the ritual, Raikoh rises again and the five selfless warriors rise with him, all set to take on the encroaching demonic spawn as a team.

OutRun 2 (Xbox): Seventeen years since its first appearance in the world's arcades, the legendary racer returns. With blistering graphics, remixes of the original sound tracks and game play that demands one more play, the beautiful journey has never been so appealing. As an Xbox exclusive, with all new Xbox Live and Mission modes being added to this conversion of the arcade original, OutRun2 is all set to deliver a unique console experience. Take the wheel of your chosen Ferrari and head to the open road to race against the clock from Palm Beach to one of five final destinations, including Tulip Garden, Metropolis, Ancient Ruins, Imperial Avenue and Cape Way.

SEGA SuperStars (PlayStation 2): SEGA SuperStars for EyeToy is a compilation of 12 mini-games featuring classic SEGA characters and games redesigned exclusively for Sony's PlayStation 2 camera add-on. Now instead of just playing a favorite SEGA game, gamers are part of it! Race through with Sonic, battle Akira or Rau of Virtua Fighter fame in a toe-to-toe power attack or play a variety of instruments in Samba de Amigo rhythm. Multiple mini-games across a variety of genres ensure that there is plenty of fun for the entire family.

SPIKEOUT Battle Street (Xbox): Ten years ago, bad blood spattered the streets in a turf battle between two now-legendary gangs: Team Spike (led by Spike) and Team Inferno (led by Michael). Now, Spike Jr. has spurred a new war against Team Inferno, which is still being led by his father's nemesis. Players get to explore a vast 3D world to engage in true hand-to-hand melee combat against a massive number of enemies. The game's Xbox Live feature allows players to experience cooperative gameplay with friends. Bonus online features include downloadable items, stories, characters, sound files and much more.

Worms: Forts Under Siege (PlayStation 2, Xbox, PC): Since history began, castles have provided the backdrop to some of the most dramatic battles of all time... and in Worms Forts Under Siege, now it's your turn to take part in your own epic struggle, pitting fort against fort, worm against worm, and Catapult against Trojan Donkey! Unleashing destruction on a scale never before seen in a Worms game, take personal command of your worm garrison and battle your way through time... From Ancient Egypt, to the epic struggle for Troy, facing the might of the Samurai, or aiding King Arthur in his knightly quest! You'll need skill, strategy and a healthy dose of Worms attitude if you want to master all 30 different weapons, and unlock the huge array of hidden maps, speech banks, missions, and challenges.

Sega also announced they will be showing Amazing Island (GameCube), Astro Boy: Omega Factor (Game Boy Advance), ESPN College Hoops 2005 (Xbox, PlayStation 2), Puyo Pop Fever (GameCube) and Virtua Quest (GameCube, PlayStation 2).