Publisher: Sega

Developer: Sonic Team

Release Date: February 12, 2002

Genre: Action

ESRB: (E) Everyone

Available for: GC

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - (February 12, 2002) - Sega® of America today announced the release of "Sonic Adventure™ 2 Battle" for the Nintendo GameCube™. The title, which is the first to take advantage of the Nintendo GameCube™ Game Boy® Advance Cable, also marks Sonic's first appearance on a new next-generation video game console.

Featuring more than 150 missions spread over 30-plus frenetic, action-packed stages, "Sonic Adventure 2 Battle" challenges gamers to either save the world or conquer it, in an action-packed showdown between Hero and Dark characters. The title also delivers dozens of all-new two-player battle levels and takes Chao raising to new heights with Nintendo's Cable connectivity, allowing gamers to transfer their Chao to and from the Game Boy Advance.

"Sonic's debut on the Nintendo GameCube in 'Sonic Adventure 2 Battle' is a historic moment for Sega in our new position as a leading publisher of interactive entertainment," said Mike Fischer, vice president of entertainment marketing, Sega of America. "The Sonic franchise has always been about pushing limits, and we're proud that 'Sonic Adventure 2 Battle' will make a splash as the first title to take advantage of Nintendo's Cable connectivity."

In "Sonic Adventure 2 Battle," gamers race across an array of terrains including stunning cityscapes, dense jungles, massive military bases and outer space - avoiding obstacles, collecting gold rings and adhering to the agenda of either a Hero or Dark character. Hero characters include Sonic, Knuckles and Tails, while diabolical Dark characters include Dr. Eggman, Shadow and Rouge. There are also six playable characters from the Sonic The Hedgehog® series, including Amy, Metal Sonic and Chaos Zero. Each character has unique abilities for deep and varied two-player battle gameplay.

The title also features six styles of multiplayer battle gameplay, including Sonic's high-speed 3D action racing, Knuckles' treasure hunting, Tails' shooting match, kart racing, Chao racing and Chao karate. These stages are divided into skill levels for easy pick-up-and-play action for beginners and experts alike.

"Sonic Adventure 2 Battle" will be available at retailers this week and carries a MSRP of $49.99. The game is rated "E" for everyone. For screenshots, artwork or an illustration of the Chao transporting process utilizing the Cable, visit the following link: ftp://ftp.accesspr.com/public/Sega/Sega_Games/Nintendo_Gamecube/

The "Sonic Adventure 2" soundtrack is also available from Tokyopop, featuring 26 original songs from the game.

Posted: February 12, 2002