Video Gaming News - January 2004
San Francisco, CA (January 27, 2004) - SEGA of America today announced
that Cartoon Network and Warner Bros have awarded it the license to publish a
console game based on the Cartoon Network series Samurai Jack. The game will be
developed by Amaze Entertainment and be named Samurai Jack: The Shadow of Aku.
It will be available on Xbox, PlayStation 2, and GameCube in March 2004.
From SEGA:
Samurai Jack is the highly stylized, Emmy-winning action cartoon from Genndy
Tartakovsky, the creator of Dexter's Laboratory and the director of the popular
new animated epic micro series, Star Wars: Clone Wars. "Samurai Jack: The Shadow
of Aku" was developed for a broad audience by Amaze's Adrenium Games studio.
It's a free roaming, easy to control action-adventure that's perfect for fans of
the television series who are both casual players and hardcore gamers. Ensuring
an authentic Samurai Jack experience, the team worked closely with the show's
creator, artists, voice talent and composer. The game portrays all of Jack's
signature moves and weaponry as the kinetic action sequences are combined with
clever puzzles and engaging item quests.
"Amaze Entertainment has done an excellent job developing Cartoon Network's
Samurai Jack into a viable videogame and SEGA of America is proud to establish a
relationship with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment to publish the title
across all platforms," said Hide Irie, President and COO of SEGA of America. "We
will continue to pursue strong strategic partnerships to create exciting and
marketable software based on dynamic properties."
"Samurai Jack, an epic adventure from one of Cartoon Network's greatest
storytellers, Genndy Tartakovsky, is a perfect inspiration for a high-action
video game," said John Friend, senior vice president of Cartoon Network
Enterprises. "We know that SEGA and Amaze Entertainment will bring a new level
of excitement to the Samurai Jack property as we introduce interactive games
across a number of platforms."
"This console game successfully captures the feel of Samurai Jack and offers
compelling and diverse gameplay," said Philippe Erwin, vice president for Warner
Bros. Interactive Entertainment. "Our collaboration with SEGA and Amaze has
produced an exciting game that will provide fans with a new way to experience
the unique world of Samurai Jack and also extend the reach of the Cartoon
Network show."
"SEGA of America has an enviable history publishing great character-based video
games and expanding the brand awareness of licensed properties in the consumer
market," said Dan Elenbaas, CEO of Amaze Entertainment Inc. "A great game and
brand like Samurai Jack deserves a strong publisher and SEGA has the strength
and vision to make this a successful video game franchise."
Cartoon Network's Samurai Jack tells the story of a warrior banished to the
future by an evil shape-shifting wizard. Samurai Jack must travel the world,
encountering an amazing array of cultures and civilizations as he seeks the
portal to send him back to his own time. A man of few words, Samurai Jack relies
on his mental and physical training as a warrior to help him fend off the evil
wizard's forces. The show is highlighted by its magnificent artistry, gripping
action sequences and evocative score, giving Samurai Jack a cinematic feel.
Samurai Jack debuted in November 2001. More than 11.5 million viewers tuned in
to watch one of multiple plays of the 90-minute premiere the first weekend it
aired. Since then, Samurai Jack has established a strong fan base with its
distinctive, hard-edged look and its tongue-in-cheek dialogue. An average of
more than 2 million viewers tune in for each telecast. Of that audience, more
than 13% are adults 18-34, making Samurai Jack one of Cartoon Network's top
shows among young adults. Fifty-two half-hour episodes of Samurai Jack have been
created.
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