E3 2004: Sega Line-Up Exposed

Sega's latest E3 line-up exposed - but there may still be a surprise or two to look forward to. Full power, must-see details and analysis.

SOA: Sega today announced its E3 2004 line-up.

Sega has announced its E3 line-up to be shown next week in Los Angeles - and suggested there might be more surprises still to come.

The sparkling line-up is led by big name hitters including OutRun 2, SpikeOut Battle Street and Sega SuperStars for EyeToy - but a wealth of other key titles are also expected to impress at the show.

Altered Beast and Blood Will Tell will get their second E3 showings, both presumably in playable form this year, while Astro Boy and Otogi 2 make their Western debuts.

The ESPN sports series returns for its 2005 outing, while European originating titles such as Football Manager 2005, Worms Forts Under Siege, Headhunter: Redemption, Eastside Hockey Manager and Warhammer Online all make an appearance.

OutRun 2 leads Sega's attractive E3 2004 line-up.

Sonic Mega Collection Plus for PS2 and Sonic Heroes for PC are welcome additions to Sega's most famous franchise.

But the official announcement misses a title or two we're still expecting to see at Sega's booth - including Virtua Fighter: Cyber Generation which has now been referred to as "Virtua Quest" by Sega of America, although that doesn't necessarily mean it will be the final western name or that it's been confirmed for western release at all yet.

Also, the unveiling of a new Shining Force title for PS2 is just around the corner and might make an E3 appearance, but then again, it might not. And a game called Amazing Island is expected. Indeed, today's announcement states that the below "includes but is not limited to" the complete line-up. So watch this space for first details of what else we might be able to expect.

And finally, don't rule out any additional surprise game announcements - although a 'game announcement' is unlikely to be the subject of Sega of America's mystery Announcement Event on Wednesday morning next week.

Fresh from the happy bouncing quote boat, Sega's Naoya Tsurumi said: "Extending our immensely successful internal IP and brands, such as Sonic the Hedgehog in SEGA SuperStars for EyeToy, with acquired external content like the superb Football Manager, is key to our growth in Europe and highlights our continued commitment to bring quality games to all."

We guarantee the most comprehensive Sega coverage from the show next week, including a truckload of video interviews and follow-up impressions after the show.

OutRun 2 (Xbox) - Announced last week, OutRun 2 for Xbox is likely to be the biggest game at Sega's booth this year. Seventeen years since its first appearance in the world's arcades, the legendary racer returns. As an Xbox exclusive, with all new Xbox Live and Mission modes being added to this conversion of the arcade original, OutRun 2 is all set to deliver a unique console experience. See our huge coverage here.

SpikeOut Battle Street (Xbox) - From Toshihiro Nagoshi's Amusement Vision comes this long-speculated arcade to Xbox conversion. 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. See the first Xbox screen here.

SEGA SuperStars (PS2) - SEGA SuperStars for EyeToy is a compilation of 12 mini-games featuring classic SEGA characters and games redesigned exclusively for Sony's PS2 camera add-on. Now instead of just playing a favourite SEGA game, gamers are part of it! Race through with Sonic, battle Akira or Lau 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.

Astro Boy (PS2) - Join Astro, the robotic superhero with a human mind in a jet-fuelled adventure to reunite the robotic race with humans. Working with Tezuka Productions and Sony Pictures Consumer Products, Sonic Team 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. Check out our coverage here.

Headhunter Redemption (PS2, Xbox) - Headhunter: Redemption continues the gripping story of Jack Wade, a veteran Headhunter keeping order in a futuristic world overrun with unchecked consumerism, vicious organised 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 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 regrouped from hiding places within the sacred capital of Japan, and they are ready to attempt to take control over man once more. In response, five brave warriors ritualistically take their own lives to resurrect Raikoh. By fulfilling the ritual, Raikoh rises again and the five selfless warriors rise with him, all set to take on the encroaching demonic spawn as a team.

Blood Will Tell (PS2) - Formerly known as Dororo, 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. See our TGS impressions here.

Altered Beast (PS2) - 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. Here are our impressions from last year.

Worms Forts Under Siege (PS2, Xbox, PC) - Team 17's new Worms title courtesy of Sega Europe. Since history began, castles have provided the backdrop to some of the most dramatic battles of all time... and in Worms Forts Under Siege, now it's your turn to take part in your own epic struggle, pitting fort against fort, worm against worm, and Catapult against Trojan Donkey! You'll need skill, strategy and a healthy dose of Worms attitude if you want to master all 30 different weapons, and unlock the huge array of hidden maps, speech banks, missions, and challenges.

Sonic Mega Collection Plus (PS2) - SEGA finally shows it has the common sense to release such an excellent value compilation on a more viable format. All of your favourite Sonic games are back in the most entertaining Sonic compilation ever - Sonic the Hedgehog 1,2,3, Sonic & Knuckles, Dr. Robotnik's Meanbean Machine - with additional game content, including character illustrations, movies and comic book covers.

Football Manager 2005 (PC) - Football Manager 2005 will give you an unparalleled choice - over 3,000 teams to manage, in 140 divisions, from more than 40 countries, including ALL of the world's top leagues. SEGA Europe and Sports Interactive have teamed up to bring you the next stunning evolution in football management. (Viewable by appointment only).

ESPN NBA 2005 (PS2, Xbox) - ESPN NBA 2005 threatens to "change the way virtual basketball is played" 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 responsive control and the most satisfying basketball experience available.

ESPN NFL 2005 (PS2, Xbox) - ESPN NFL 2005 is uniting fans with a coupling of the most 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 utilise Weekly Prep to fully plan the training regime each week. Full online leagues and tournament play with living rosters rounds make this a complete online experience.

ESPN NHL 2005 (PS2, Xbox) - 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-calibre hockey. ESPN NHL 2005 features several new ways to play online leagues, multi-player mini-games and a deeper Franchise mode, all adding endless replay value to an already robust lineup!

Eastside Hockey Manager (PC) - SEGA Europe proudly presents the most in-depth Ice Hockey Management game ever developed. Created by Sports Interactive, Eastside Hockey Manager showcases over 15 years of Sports Interactive's development heritage. Eastside Hockey Manager allows ice hockey fans to take complete control of their favourite ice hockey team.

Sonic Heroes (PC) - The all-formats console game comes to PC. If you missed our coverage, slap yourself around the face, and click here.

Warhammer Online (PC) - Warhammer Online is a new kind of massively multiplayer online game set against the backdrop of Games Workshop's dark and gritty fantasy world from Sega Europe.

Keep it here for Superior Sega Coverage.

Adam Doree
Director, Kikizo.com