SEGA
Once, it wasa console competitor. Now, Sega is purely software focused, but that hasn't done any harm to its ambition or the quality of its titles. Except for Shadow the Hedgehog. Shudder.
Recently, though, Sega has relied less on its internal developers - perhaps balking at the severe drop in quality shown by recent Sonic titles -combining the in-house teams of Sonic Team with the acquisition of Western success stories like The Creative Assembly.
PUBLISHER SCORE: 74%
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THE STUDIOS
Sonic Team| Founded 1988
Originally, this studio was known as Sega AM8, but the overwhelming success of the team's Sonic series prompted the rechristening. It's certainly Sega's best known studio, although recent releases have been critically panned, with no sign of the old Sonic Team magic.
Studio score: 58%
The Creative Assembly | Acquired 2005
This exciting British studio is home to one of gaming's greatest RTS franchises - Total War. Rome and Medieval II pushed the series forward, and the hugely ambitious Empire launches next year. But Creative Assembly also has an action-orientated streak, with Viking: Battle of Asgard due in 2008.
Studio score: 80%
Sega Racing Studio | Founded 2005
Tasked with developing top-notch racing titles under the Sega banner, Sega Racing Studio's first attempt -the next-gen Sega Rally - was a decentrally sim memorable more for itsphysics tech than its gameplay.Here's hoping the sequel evens the balance.
Studio score: 76%
Sports Interactive | Acquired 2006
Another of Sega's Western purchases, aimed at broadening the company's audience. That said, SI caters to more hardcore niche geek than mainstream gamer with the unparalleled Football Manager series. In the last few years, however, SI has expanded to attract baseball and hockey geeks, too.
Studio score: 88%
