Sega Sets a New Standard in Role Playing Games With "Shining the Holy Ark".

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 14, 1997--Sega of America is lighting the way for next generation role playing games (RPGs) with "Shining the Holy Ark," the first 3-D RPG for the Sega Saturn.

With unlimited exploration of beautiful 3-D environments, high resolution graphics in gameplay and cinematics and more than 80 hours of addictive role playing, "Shining the Holy Ark" is a shining example of the next generation RPG.

As the newest addition to the well-known "Shining" series, "Shining the Holy Ark" provides all the engaging role playing of a classic RPG with real-time fighting sequences, adding an element of action to the gameplay.

"Sega is taking the RPG to the next level with `Shining the Holy Ark,'" said Lydia Gable, group director of marketing, Sega of America. "With in-depth characters, detailed story lines and a turn-based combat system, Sega game developers have unquestionably improved on the classic RPG format."

The Sega website (www.sega.com) is featuring a special "Shining the Holy Ark" section in which visitors can receive background information on the game and previous titles in the Shining series, character and battle gear descriptions and an RPG event calendar. Visitors can also enter the on-line contest to win a copy of the game and exclusive strategy guide information from the game producer.

Set in the kingdom of Enrich, gamers assume the role of Arthur, a mercenary soldier summoned by the king to capture Rodi, a renegade ninja, in the mines of the Mountain of Desire. Along with Melody and the conjurer Forte, Arthur sets forth to capture Rodi. When the mine suddenly collapses, the group is miraculously rescued by mysterioius forces, and they learn their true mission -- to solve the mystery of the Holy Ark and save Enrich.

Making their way through the intricate labyrinth networks, murky enchanted forests, frozen mountain passes and haunted ruins, players must face multiple enemies and battles. Upon meeting each enemy, there are a variety of different options/modes to choose from during each battle, including:

--Switch -- allows players to choose which character will be the

first to brave the battle.

--Magic -- arms characters with the ability to cast a spell

either to attack the enemy or help out friends.

--Battle -- shifts to first-person view to see every slash of

the sword during the attacks.

--Retreat -- allows players to walk away and seek more

experience before confronting a difficult enemy.

To assist RPG fans through the hours of in-depth gameplay, players can track their course through the complex labyrinth of beautiful 3-D caves, dungeons, twisting passageways, dead ends and forking paths with the advanced automap feature. With this detailed course layout, players can keep track of the whereabouts of their enemies and prepare themselves for the next series of battles.

"Shining the Holy Ark" will be available nationwide starting Monday for a suggested retail price of $49.99.

Sega of America is the arm of Tokyo-based Sega Enterprises Ltd., responsible for the development, marketing and distribution of Sega videogame systems and videogames in the Americas. Sega Enterprises is a nearly $3.6 billion company recognized as the industry leader in interactive digital entertainment media, and is the only company that offers interactive entertainment experiences both inside and outside the home. Sega of America's World Wide Web site is located at http://www.sega.com

CONTACT: Sega of America, Redwood City

Angela Edwards, 415/802-3908

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Access Communications, 415/904-7070

Jennifer Walker, ext. 283

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Karen Schachter, ext. 230

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