Track and field fans, there's bad news. After the successes of Virtua Tennis and World Series Baseball 2K1, Sega has decided not to release Virtua Athlete 2K in America. Now for the good news: Agetec is releasing it here instead. Though it will be renamed Virtua Athlete 2000, the game will otherwise remain unaltered, containing the same seven events, gooney 3D visuals, and flexible create-a-player options that brought the game popularity in Japan.

　　Virtua Athlete 2000 focuses entirely on track and field events: 100-meter dash, shot put, 110-meter hurdles, long jump, high jump, javelin throw, and 1500-meter race. The game provides ten athletes to choose from, loosely based on real-world counterparts. For example, instead of Mark Lenzi, you get Bruce Lenzi. While this may not seem like many participants, Virtua Athlete 2000 also contains a player creation feature, which gives you the opportunity to try your hand at competing with whomever you desire. From facial features and event preferences to body styles and innate skill, there's a lot you can do.

　　It remains to be seen if Agetec will alter any of VA2000's visual or gameplay elements, but considering the popularity of the title, the same Track & Field-style control system and arcade-based timing will likely make it into the US release. You may want to start practicing your button-mashing skills now. Should you become a skilled athlete, you'll also be able to download character ranking data via the Internet, enabling you to see how your character stacks up against players from around the world.

　　Despite the lack of true network play, Virtua Athlete 2000 offers gamers three important things: quality presentation, impressive visuals, and inviting, arcade-style control. Athletes gesticulate and strut just as you'd expect real competitors would, and they move like scared ferrets down the track after the gun fires. Dust kicks up around them, blurring your view. Furthermore, the crowd in Virtua Athlete 2000 is comprised of fully rendered spectators, meaning you'll get to see and hear just what your fans think about you. Rounding it out, there are also instant replays, a recap announcer, and a broadcast-style scoreboard, lending an almost televised flair to the game.

　　Virtua Athlete 2000 won't attempt to emulate the in-depth simulation experience that Sydney 2000 offers. However, similar to Virtua Tennis, those longing for an easy to pick up, arcade-style Olympics title may find a lot to like. Limber up your hands, Agetec's Virtua Athlete 2000 hits stores this September.