GameTavern - PSOIII Released on GameCube

Quote:

Nintendo GameCube-exclusive is Final Installment in Sonic Team’s
Revolutionary Online Franchise

SAN FRANCISCO (March 2, 2004) -- SEGA® of America today announced the
release of “Phantasy Star Online Episode III: C.A.R.D. Revolution™”
exclusively for the Nintendo GameCube™. The closing chapter in the
"Phantasy Star Online” series, “C.A.R.D Revolution” delivers an
involving experience on or offline, complete with pre-established
characters, manga-styled cut scenes, and a compelling story arc.

“Phantasy Star Online Episode III: C.A.R.D. Revolution” is the second
game on the market – following the 2002 release of “Phantasy Star
Online Episode I and II™” – designed to allow Nintendo GameCube
players to compete, cooperate, and converse in an online environment.
“C.A.R.D. Revolution” wraps up all narrative strands left unresolved
in “Episode I&II” while introducing players to a new conflict erupting
on the surface of the planet Ragol: The development of C.A.R.D.
technology. This technology allows objects and creatures to be
captured on data storage units the size of playing cards. Now,
warriors on both the Hero side and the Dark side of Ragol’s warring
factions can unleash powerful beasts and weapons during battle using
strategically compiled card decks.

The turn-based gameplay offers a greater level of depth and challenge
than prior franchise entries. “C.A.R.D. Revolution” rewards players
who think several steps ahead during competitions and carefully manage
their decks before heading into battle. The new setup allows the play
mechanics to remain fresh even after 100+ hours of online gaming (the
average Japanese player logs an incredible 250 hours/month on
“C.A.R.D. Revolution”).

“‘C.A.R.D. Revolution’ represents a bold new direction for SEGA’s
venerable RPG series,” said Scott A.Steinberg, vice president of
entertainment marketing, SEGA of America, Inc. “This final
installment broadens the appeal of the Phantasy Star universe,
allowing players the option to challenge human opponents around the
world in true player-vs-player arenas.The game also offers a solid
stand-alone offline mode that is competitive with all the other
strategy card games on the market.”

Gamers can sign up to play “Phantasy Star Online Episode III” over the
Internet using a dial-up modem or broadband adaptor for the Nintendo
GameCube. The online service carries a monthly service charge of $8.95
and is available through Sega.com™. The price includes a hunter’s
license and access to online-exclusive content, including seasonal
quests, downloads, special in-game items and more. Those who already
own a hunter’s license on Nintendo GameCube do not need to buy a
second in order to play the game, and if a license is purchased, the
user can play “Phantasy Star Online Episode I&II” without paying
additional monthly fees. Players can also challenge their friends and
trade cards offline in a variety of exciting multiplayer modes.

To accommodate international play, “Phantasy Star Online Episode III:
C.A.R.D. Revolution” features a universal translation system that lets
gamers chat online, whether they speak English, German, Spanish,
French or Japanese, through a series of hundreds of pre-programmed
phrases and expressions.

“Phantasy Star Online Episode III: C.A.R.D. Revolution” is rated “T”
for Teen and is available at retailers nationwide for an MSRP of
$49.99. For screenshots and artwork visit the SEGA FTP site at:
http://segapr.segaamerica.com.

About SEGA

SEGA® of America, Inc. is the American arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA
Corporation, a $3.5 billion corporation by market capitalization,
recognized as a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both
inside and outside the home. The company develops, publishes and
distributes interactive entertainment software products for a variety
of hardware platforms including PC, wireless devices, and those
manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony Computer Entertainment
Inc. SEGA of America’s Web site is located at www.sega.com.

# # #

SEGA and Phantasy Star are trademarks or registered trademarks of
SEGA Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. Nintendo GameCube
is a trademark of Nintendo. All other trademarks are properties of
their respective owners.

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