April 3^rd, 2002 (12:00am) - SAN FRANCISCO--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--April 2, 2002--SEGA(R) of America today announced that its critically acclaimed fighting game, "Virtua Fighter(TM) 4" for the PlayStation(R) 2 computer entertainment system, was the #1 selling title on the platform during its first week of sales according to independent retail data from NPD TRSTS (week ending 3/23). With lightning-fast gameplay action, breathtaking graphics and all new modes and features, "Virtua Fighter 4," was recently named the "Best Fighting Game Ever Made," by gaming enthusiast publication Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine.

Created by legendary video game developer, Yu Suzuki, "Virtua Fighter 4" is the next generation in SEGA’s blockbuster "Virtua Fighter(TM)" series. Including a new fighting engine built for speed and arcade-perfect graphics, "Virtua Fighter 4" adds an all new Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) "Training Mode," which allows players to coach their own computer-controlled character and challenge it to a match against their friends. Packed with new features, the game also includes ultra-high polygon character models, totally customizable fighting styles and new characters Lei Fei and Vanessa Lewis.

"’Virtua Fighter’ is one of SEGA’s top franchises and bringing it to PlayStation 2 was a monumental occasion for us," said Peter Moore, president and COO, SEGA of America. "With our incredible development talent bringing both our established franchises and new content to all platforms, SEGA is already a heavyweight publisher in the industry