From a press release issued by Namco Hometek, Inc.:

Namco Hometek Inc. Announces MotoGP3 Release Date For North America

Namco places you in the center of the intense, high-speed world of professional motorcycle racing, and adds new twists to challenge all racing game fans

San Jose, Calif. – Namco Hometek Inc. announced today that the hot new motorcycle racing sequel, MotoGP3 for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, is scheduled for a North American release date of March 18th, 2003.

Fully licensed and featuring new graphics, mechanics, features and updated season stats, MotoGP3 will thrust players into the high-speed world of professional motorcycle racing while adding new twists to make it more appealing to the mass audience.

“Prior MotoGP titles have been very realistic and focused primarily on simulation”, said Jim Atkiss, Namco product marketing manager. “With MotoGP3, the intent here was not only to please the existing simulator fan-base, but to broaden its appeal to a larger audience of racing game fans by adding more arcade-like features.”

The MotoGP team at Namco conducted massive research that would assure a well-rounded racing title. MotoGP3 has added five new world-class racing circuits to the existing 10. The game also includes 20 fantasy tracks that come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. This brings the total track count to 35.

There are six intense modes available in MotoGP3: Arcade, Season, Time Trial, Challenge, Legends, and Multi-player. Players will also have the option of selecting the new “Brake Assist” feature, if they desire, to aid in handling treacherous curves.

In Multi-player mode, up to a total of 4 contestants are allowed, using the multi-tap (for PlayStation®2). Now, they can also choose the new “Cockpit View” that replicates an actual machine cockpit and throws the players right into all the action.

As with previous MotoGP titles, there will be a plethora of unlockable treats in the Challenge mode including riders, movies and machines. A whopping 100 challenges await completion. “Thanks to new features in the game, MotoGP3 now delivers a well balanced experience that still provides a top-notch motorcycle enthusiast’s title, but will also appeal to the all-around racing game fan,” comments Stacey Hirata, Namco director of marketing.

About Namco Hometek Inc.

Namco Hometek Inc. is the U.S. consumer division of Namco Limited, a Tokyo-based world leader in the high-tech entertainment industry. Committed to providing the ultimate entertainment experience, Namco uses cutting-edge technology and advanced electronics to take their theme parks, arcades, and home video games far beyond traditional entertainment.