Submitted by: kirkland on Friday May 07th, 2004 at 10:18 PM EST

SEGA of America today announced its fall and winter lineup of entertainment and sports titles to be featured at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2004. Extending its reach as an independent content publisher, SEGA will feature titles developed for a broad base of home and handheld platforms including PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox video game system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube, and the Game Boy Advance. SEGA's booth will be located in Concourse Hall, Room #151, Los Angeles Convention Center.

The SEGA entertainment lineup features a thrilling blend of action, adventure, sports, platform, and puzzle games, including the highly-anticipated debuts of Astro Boy, Otogi 2, and the return of several classic SEGA franchises like Sonic The Hedgehog, Virtua Figher, and Samba de Amigo - all of which have been enhanced for EyeToy by Yuji Naka's award-winning SONICTEAM studio.

ESPN Videogames, SEGA's sports studio, gears up for the 2005 season packed with unmatched visual enhancements and a deeper level of ESPN integration. The ESPN Videogames lineup includes impressive additions to gameplay that further blur the lines between an authentic ESPN broadcast and a sports video game. The ESPN Videogames 2005 series promises players an unrivaled experience into the world of sports entertainment.

"Our multi-platform lineup at E3 2004 underscores a new global publishing initiative that combines our industry-leading brands and IP with acquired titles that coincide with North American demand," said Hideaki Irie, president and COO, SEGA of America, Inc. "With an enormous catalog of legendary franchises and the addition of some hot acquisitions, SEGA has extended its reach and is well positioned for future growth."

"Building upon the foundation of ESPN Videogames, I'm thrilled about our 2005 lineup," states Greg Thomas, president of Visual Concepts, makers of ESPN Videogames. "This year's games not only showcase ESPN Videogames commitment to excellence, but also invite gamers to explore a host of innovative new features."

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 blurs, until nothing is left but the savage desire to uncover the true nature of the beast. [This title is not yet concept approved by Sony Computer Entertainment America]

Amazing Island (Nintendo GameCube): Amazing Island is a competition-driven, magical monster simulation game that takes place on a fantastic island in another world. The "Black Evil" has taken over this lush and colorful land and has captured the once happy natives -- the Maboo tribe. Players have the ability to defeat the "Black Evil," take back the land and return it to the Maboo tribe. To do so, gamers use their imagination to create their own monster - from nearly an infinite number of possibilities - and enter it in a series of competitions involving timing, speed and head-to-head battles. The victor wins magical orbs that hold the power of the island.

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!

Astro Boy: Omega Factor (Game Boy Advance): Join Astro, the robotic superhero with a human mind, in a jet-fueled adventure to reunite the robotic race with humans. Using his seven super abilities, Astro faces off against the likes of Atlas, Blue Knight, and more than 40 other characters from Osamu Tezuka's iconic anime franchise. Developed by Treasure in conjunction with Hitmaker, Astro Boy: Omega Factor brings classic 2D gaming to the GBA along with an original seven-episode story crafted from previous versions of the Astro Boy animated series. Playing as Astro, gamers learn about justice, compassion, evil, courage and the history of the landmark character - all while building Astro's Omega Factor and strengthening his character and super-human abilities.

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.

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 - '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 organized crime and mind-controlling mass media. When Jack and his protégé, 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 resurfaced from hiding places within the sacred capital of Japan, and they are attempting to take control of man once more. In response, five brave warriors take their own lives in a ritual to resurrect Raikoh. Raikoh rises again and the five selfless warriors rise with him, all set to take on the encroaching demon spawn as a team.

Puyo Pop Fever (Nintendo GameCube): SONICTEAM revamps Sega's signature brainteaser with wacky new puzzle pieces and a combo-crazy Fever Mode. Play as Amitie in the Story Mode and take part in an adventurous tale that requires a zen-like level of concentration and mad reflex skills to complete. Amitie will encounter a rogue gallery of crazy characters who are all willing to challenge her in the ultimate 'Puyo' battle. Players try to obliterate their opponents by linking explosive combinations, and bombarding them with massive chain reaction combo attacks in Fever Mode. The title also features a tremendously addictive multiplayer mode that'll keep players twitching for months.

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.

Virtua Quest (Nintendo GameCube, PlayStation 2): Virtua Quest is a 3D Action/RPG that features both core RPG elements (exploration, treasure gathering, and character development) and a strong fighting component. The player assumes the identity of a young boy named Sei (pronounced "Say"). As the player explores each stage, he/she will discover "Virtua Souls" - data clusters that contain information about the martial arts abilities of the legendary Virtua Fighter characters. These clusters give the player the ability to easily perform complex fighting moves. As the game's story progresses, Sei discovers that only he can unlock the potential of the Virtua Souls, and he subsequently gains the attention of an evil syndicate known as Judgment 6.

ESPN NFL 2005 (Xbox, PlayStation 2): It's the season of the fan. The year of people coming together to celebrate sports. ESPN NFL 2005 is uniting fans with a coupling of the most responsive and 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 utilize Weekly Prep to fully plan the training schedule, intensity, and regimen each week. Full online leagues and tournament play with living rosters rounds out the most complete online experience.

ESPN NHL 2005 (Xbox, PlayStation 2): Poised to defend its title as the #1 rated hockey video game, 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-caliber hockey. ESPN NHL 2005 features breakthrough new ways to play including online leagues, multi-player mini-games and a deeper franchise mode adding endless replay value to an already robust lineup. With exclusive ESPN presentation players will experience all the on-ice action called by ESPN veteran commentators, Gary Thorne and Bill Clement. ESPN NHL 2005 makes skating with the NHL's elite a reality!

ESPN NBA 2005 (Xbox, PlayStation 2): The king of the court gears up for release. ESPN NBA 2005 will change the way virtual basketball is experienced 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 the most responsive control and the most satisfying basketball experience. Let the next movement begin.

ESPN College Hoops 2005 (Xbox, PlayStation 2): In collegiate basketball, there's a world of possibilities no matter how big or small the college program. A season of success or defeat can be determined with one single decision, one coaching change, and even one shot. ESPN College Hoops 2005 is the only game that realizes the passion and pageantry of collegiate competition. ESPN College Hoops 2005 brings the unbridled emotion and wonderful magic only exhibited in a real college basketball game.