It's all news this week for Sega Amusements Europe Ltd. as it today announces the launch of the official web site for its new multi player football game World Club Championship Football, the release date for the third edition of Initial D and confirms the first Ollie King games are set to reach arcades this month.
Launch of World Cup Championship Football Website
Sega's World Club Championship Football (WCCF) is based on Serie A legends, the Italian World Cup team and international superstars, and utilises the popular Panini players cards to allow customers to build their own teams. The official World Club Championship Football
website gives detailed information on game play, player statistics, card details and sited locations. It also allows viewers the chance to download WCCF wallpapers to their PC. Sega Special Projects Manager Justin Burke said, "Sega learnt with the success of the Derby Owners Club web site and equally the WCCF web site in Japan, the power of them. It is increasingly important for our products to have a dedicated site such as demonstrated by Out Run2 and F-Zero." Sega's Italian distributor, Tecnoplay said, "The feature of the web site for this game has been a fantastic success. We are very excited at the amount of hits it has received. Players are obviously learning about the game from the site. We are confident that it has also helped promote the game outside of the arcade locations."
Sega Announces Initial D 3 Release Date
June 2004 is revealed as the release date for Initial D 3. According to Sega Europe, Initial D 3 will initially be released as a software upgrade kit to upgrade all original Initial D single sit down cabinets and Initial D2 Twin cabinets, followed in September by the release of the dedicated game in a new twin cabinet. Initial D 3 is a "one on one" race game which takes place on a mountain course. Based around the characters from a famous comic strip, the player's goal is to beat the rival and become the legendary fastest driver. Initial D 3 also has a revolutionary card system, which allows players to return to the game at a later date, wherever they last saved in their previous game. The unique card system allows players to build a totally unique custom tuned car that is personal to them. The information is stored on a paper credit card with a magnetic strip similar to those issued at car parks. Players have a choice of car manufacturer, car colours, sponsor and parts to tune the car. Each time they race the car the player accumulates competition points which allows them to add new parts and service the car - allowing players to improve their performance in each level. Players that developed their cards on the original Initial D versions are able to use them on the sequel.
Initial D 3 features the new courses Dosaka Pass and Shomaru Pass, and new course conditions - such as snow on the Akina road. The game boasts new cars including Rancer Evolution 5, Rancer Evolution, 6TME and Skyline 25GT-T. A new feature to this version of the game allows players to challenge their opponent at any time. Before starting the game, players can choose if they want to accept a challenge at any time throughout the game. If a player accepts a challenge and wins – they play the next game for free. Sega's Naomi 2 board powers Initial D 3 and brings unparalleled graphic reality to the game, allowing players to experience a real sense of speed and acceleration. There are three different game modes players can choose from.
Legendary Fastest Driver - one player story-time mode, where players try to become the fastest driver on each of the four mountains. Each mountain has different computer rivals that are based on the story from the comic book.
Time Attack - where the player can practise without competition to achieve their fastest lap. Lap times can be downloaded onto an Internet ranking site.
Link Battle - a one-on-one competition with other players.
First Ollie King Games to Reach Arcades This Month
The final software for Sega Europe's Ollie King linkable skateboard racing game has been completed, and it is confirmed the first of these games are due to reach arcades this month. Sega Amusements Europe first showed a prototype of the new simulation skateboarding sensation at the ATEI in January to great acclaim. Ollie King is housed in the Universal Naomi Upright cabinet and allows up to four cabinets to be linked together for real race action fun. It is a streetwise skateboard action racing game set in a modern day urban jungle. Players can race up to four other contestants to set the record time for the course. The more style the players use to perform the skateboard tricks increases the speed of the game. Ollie King boasts three urban city tracks to choose from including London, San Francisco and Kyoto. Sega Amusements Europe Sales Manager Jean-Luc Diedonne said, "This game is so easy to play that anyone can have a go, but it also has enough depth of game play to ensure even the most proficient skateboarder will find it challenging."
