Kinetica™ Brings the Ultimate Evolution in Racing to the PlayStation®2 Computer Entertainment System

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today the release of Kinetica, exclusively for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. Focusing on the thrill of intense competition, Kinetica provides pure arcade-style racing and incorporates intricate track design, aggressive opposition and futuristic speed and maneuverability to deliver a unique adrenaline-filled racing experience. The first fully internally developed title by Sony Computer Entertainment America, Santa Monica, Kinetica showcases the capabilities of the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, with superior graphics and animations, intense gameplay and detailed racing atmospheres. Complex track designs and carefully tuned artificial intelligence combine to create a fast and competitive racing experience that will captivate gamers for hours.

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Kinetica captures the spirit and competition of arcade-style futuristic racing, as players integrate into one of nine Kinetic suits, scientifically advanced exoskeletons, each engineered for racing in diverse, extreme environments. Moreover, the maneuverability of the Kinetic Suits allows racers to adhere to almost any surface, perform insane aerial stunts, and draft behind opponents to create an unparalleled competitive environment. Intense competition will keep racers on the edge of their seats as each opponent contains an individually tuned artificial intelligence that adjusts and adapts its driving over the course of the race, paving the way for intense competitive races.

"Kinetica allows the spirited nature of racing to assert itself in the most dramatic ways possible. Opponents create an intense rider-to-rider interaction, showcasing the extreme essence of racing. We are thrilled to bring Kinetica to the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system," said Ami Blaire, director, product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. "Through a winning combination of some of the most imaginative people in the industry, Kinetica delivers a one-of-a-kind arcade-style racing experience that is poised to take the racing genre to the next level."

With more than 12 futuristic tracks that have their own distinctive personality, design tempo, and challenging obstacles, Kinetica provides a truly unique racing experience. Kinetica tracks are specifically designed to allow gamers to take full advantage of all conceivable maneuvers, including multiple line corners, alternative crossover pathways and maintaining stability at terminal speeds. Players can explore alternative routes not only in the form of multiple paths, but wall also through riding and gravity defying ceiling runs that give the competitive edge to players with imagination and intestinal fortitude.

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has rated Kinetica "T" for Teen. For more information about the ESRB visit http://www.esrb.org/.

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation® and PS one™ game console and the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. The PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system is set to revolutionize the home entertainment market, offering the most compelling interactive content and the capability to be used as a network terminal in the coming broadband era.

Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PS one console and PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PS one console and the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif., Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

  Visit us on the Web at http://www.scea.com/.

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SOURCE: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

Contact: Patrick Seybold, +1-650-655-5904, or patrick_seybold@playstation.sony.com, or Ryan Bowling, +1-650-655-3657, or ryan_bowling@playstation.sony.com

Web site: http://www.playstation.com/