Sega Ships Super Deluxe 80 Transformers The Largest 2-Player Videogame In Todays Arcade Market

CHESSINGTON, England -- Sega Amusements International has unveiled a third implementation of its Transformers-Human Alliance videogame. Called Transformers Super Deluxe, the new model is equipped with an 80" panoramic monitor and surround-sound audio. It joins the 42" deluxe and 55" theater configurations that made their debut at last year's IAAPA Attractions Expo. | SEE STORY

All three videogame versions challenge players to team up with a leader of the virtuous transformer Autobots -- Optimus Prime, Bumblebee or Sideswipe -- and campaign across America, Africa and Europe, destroying the evil Decepticon invaders. Sega says the new deluxe package may be the largest two-player videogame in today's market.

Sega Amusements International chief executive Paul Williams noted that he often is asked whether video is on the way out in the amusement sector. No, he emphasizes, it isn't.

"Video has, is, and will continue to be a significant contributor to Sega and the larger coin-operated amusement industry," Williams asserted. "The success Sega and its customers have enjoyed with Transformers bears this out. Through the utilization of custom cabinets, life-size control elements, surround sound and large format displays, we're able to transport players into the world of our games in a manner unmatched by the consumer industry."

In addition to the immersive 80" monitor and subwoofer-enhanced surround-sound system, Transformer Super Deluxe features cabinet-mounted blasters to reduce accidental damage (they can't be dropped to the floor); the blasters' kinetic simulated recoil action contributes to the realism. The "open-air monitor" cabinet design calls attention to the onscreen action and attracts guests from across the room, Sega observed. And there are five game levels to explore, which encourages repeat patronage. "Players will want to keep playing to see how this story ends," Williams said. And the "humongous footprint -- about the size of a kid's bedroom" makes the game impossible to overlook.

Sega's Transformers-Human Alliance deluxe model ships on three pallets. When assembled, it measures 150" (12'6") D. x 144" (12') W. x 119" (an inch short of 10') H.. Assembled weight is 1,450 pounds.

Sega Amusements International, which serves markets all around the world, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Japan's Sega Corp.