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Awarded "Gold" from Electronic Gaming Monthly; Dubbed "Perfection" from GMR; Rated 9 out of 10 from Game Informer: SEGA of America, Inc. today announces the launch of Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution, the next iteration of its blockbuster fighting franchise, which celebrates its 10th Anniversary this year.

Exclusively for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution ships to retail with two new characters, updated graphics, and new modes, prompting top gaming enthusiast publication Gamepro to recommend that "every fighting fan must have this game." In addition, Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution packs a punch with a low suggested retail price of $19.99.

"'Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution' represents the closest thing to perfection a fighting game fan will find this year," said ,b>Noah Musler, product manager, SEGA of America. "AM2 turned up the dial to 11 on every facet of this game."

The latest version of SEGA's 2002 hit Virtua Fighter 4, Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution has fully optimized graphics for exceptionally detailed arenas and fluid play without "jaggies," raising the stakes in the fighting game genre. Players throw-down against two new characters added to the original cast of 13: Goh the Judoka and Brad the ferocious Muay Thai Kick Boxer. As in Virtua Fighter 4, players can customize their characters, but this time around there are more than 1,500 new costume items - more than double the amount from last year's release.

In addition, Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution features a new "Quest" mode where players battle aggressive highly tuned A.I. opponents modeled after the top players from the arcades of Japan. In this mode, gamers fight for the World Championship through a series of simulated arcade tournaments. In each arcade, gamers are also given missions; once accomplished, players earn items to further customize their characters.

Finally, exclusively for the U.S. market, Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution includes Virtua Fighter 10th Anniversary mode. In this special "old meets new" section, players can experience the flat polygonal look and feel of the original Virtua Fighter, with all of the characters and most of the moves included in Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution (exempted moves are those that use walls as part of the move sequence). A true tribute to the legendary first game in the franchise, Virtua Fighter 10th Anniversary mode features classic moves like "high jump" in which players can clear their opponents' heads to move to the opposite side of the arena, as gameplay is limited to a 2D space. This mode will be sold on a separate disc in Japan and Europe.

Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution for PlayStation 2 is rated "T" for Teen, and is available at retailers nationwide for $19.99.