August 28th, 2003 (12:00am) - Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today that NFL GameDay 2004 from the 989 Sports development team is now available in stores for the PlayStation game console and the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. The latest pro football release from 989 Sports features new Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, the deepest Online Mode ever created for a sports game and all-new player models, presenting the deepest and most authentic gridiron gaming experience available. NFL GameDay 2004 offers football fans of all ages the excitement of true NFL action.
Fronted by All-Pro running back LaDainian Tomlinson, the latest version of the NFL GameDay franchise features the most comprehensive online gameplay opportunity for football fans. While challenging an opponent from anywhere across the country via in-home broadband or dial-up connection, revolutionary Voice Recognition (VR) technology allows the gamer to use any PlayStation 2 compatible USB headset to call audibles, put receivers in motion, change defensive coverages or simply call "timeout." With more than 50 VR commands, NFL GameDay 2004, provides gamers the unprecedented opportunity to create game action without the touch of a button.
Additionally, the USB headset allows chat via Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) in game or in the 989 Sports Online lobby, the central location for user or 989 Sports created tournaments, message boards, user mail and more. Updated rosters and sports news, a live sports score ticker and the ability to download real-time weather contribute to NFL GameDay 2004, through this integrated online environment, providing the ultimate football gaming experience.
NFL GameDay 2004 looks and plays better than ever before with enhanced motion-blending technology creating seamless animation transitions, truly capturing the power and grace of NFL football. Each NFL player has been recreated with precise detail to exactly replicate his real-life counterpart, from tattoos to dreadlocks. Stadium models have also been regenerated with new lighting, textures and highly interactive crowds to further create the ultimate football gaming experience.
In addition to having the look and feel of a champion, NFL GameDay 2004 brings to life true NFL authenticity like never before. As a result of consultation from more than 100 NFL players and over 400 hours of developers dissecting game film, NFL GameDay 2004 features intensified computer artificial intelligence on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, allowing the computer to accurately simulate how NFL players would react to formations, play calling tendencies, audibles and more. Furthermore, NFL GameDay 2004 playbooks have been redesigned for each team based on current personnel and coaches to allow gamers to run authentic formations, from the West Coast offense to the disguised 3-4 cover two blitz.
"As a kid, you dream about being in the game, but you never really think about being on the cover," said LaDainian Tomlinson, All-Pro running back, San Diego Chargers, during a visit to Chargers training camp on July 31, 2003. "989 Sports did a great job with the game, the graphics are realistic, everything from the players, the field, even the people in the stands. Awesome!"
"NFL GameDay 2004 delivers true-to-life gridiron action and we are proud of the franchise’s developments this year," said Ami Blaire director, product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "The designers and production team have continued to innovate and the combination of brilliantly realistic graphics, fluid gameplay and the most feature rich Online Mode ever offered, will bring football fans across the country a true-to-life NFL experience from every great hit to every touchdown celebration."
Pressure sensitive controls are also included in this year’s title, putting the game in the user’s hands. These controls determine how quickly a juke, spin or other move is executed and determines the ball carriers timing. Each move and its corresponding animation has been redesigned to meet the challenge of defenders pursuing from different angles; the ball carrier will have to perform a move based on the angle of the attacking defender to advance the ball upfield as a result.
"NFL GameDay is the best looking football game I’ve seen this year, check me out!" said Derrick Brooks, All-Pro linebacker, 2002 NFL Defensive Player of the Year and 989 Sports spokesperson, from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a training camp visit on July 27, 2003. "This game is off the hook!"
The launch of NFL GameDay 2004 in Canada will be supported by a national marketing push, including a targeted television campaign on Canada’s top specialty stations, a title specific feature on the Digital Advertising Network at all equipped shopping centres, print, dedicated point-of-purchase displays and public relations support. The title will also be available for sampling at all PlayStation sponsored Canadian events and at events which PlayStation participates in through December 2003.
