Video Gaming News - August 2004

San Francisco, CA (August 17, 2004) - SEGA today announced the launch of Astro Boy for Sony PlayStation 2 and Astro Boy: Omega Factor for Game Boy Advance.

From SEGA:

Astro Boy for PlayStation 2 was developed by SONICTEAM, from the creators responsible for Rez, Space Channel 5, and Sonic Heroes; while Astro Boy: Omega Factor, the Game Boy Advance title, was developed by Hitmaker, a SEGA development studio, in conjunction with Treasure, the studio behind such 2D classics as Gunstar Heroes and Guardian Heroes.

"We are excited to bring the most recognizable anime character to video game consoles for the very first time," said Scott A. Steinberg, vice president of Entertainment Marketing, SEGA of America. "Having grown up with Astro Boy, SEGA developers have achieved an action-adventure title that remains true to the character; engaging a younger audience with great gameplay and one of the most innovative flight mechanics of all time."

Astro Boy (PlayStation 2) allows gamers to use Astro's Jet-powered Feet, Arm Cannon, 100,000-Horsepower Strength, Searchlight eyes with 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) brings classic 2D gaming to the GBA along with an original seven-episode story crafted from previous versions of the Astro Boy animated series. 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.

Osamu Tezuka, who is known as the pioneer of Japanese animation and the "father of manga," created Astro Boy in 1952. Since then, Astro Boy has become one of the most recognized characters in Japanese animation and was the first Japanese animated television show shown in America. Airing in more than 40 countries and selling more than 80 million comic books and $3 billion in merchandise in Japan, the beloved character has amassed a global following that borders on cult status.

Astro Boy (PS2; priced at $39.99) and Astro Boy Omega Factor (GBA; priced at $29.99) are both rated 'E' for Everyone and are available at retailers nationwide.

« Back to last page   ·   News Page »