FantaVision™ Brings an Explosive Display of Brilliant Pyrotechnics Into the Home on PlayStation®2

PRNewswire
10/26/2000

  Innovative New Fireworks Puzzle Action Game Displays the Full Graphic
                               Potential of

               PlayStation 2 Computer Entertainment System

FOSTER CITY, Calif., Oct. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today the release of FantaVision™, a fast-paced action-puzzle game for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system that allows players to create, control and detonate dazzling fireworks displays any day of the year. With its combination of innovative, addictive gameplay and advanced graphics, mixed with stunning lighting and special effects, FantaVision is one of the most visually impressive titles available for the launch of the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000510/SFW104-a )

FantaVision takes puzzle games to a whole new dimension combining action, shooting, strategy and puzzle-play mechanics, allowing gamers to set the skies ablaze by controlling magnificent fireworks displays in settings all over the world. Players use an on-screen cursor to select color combinations of fireworks that are launch onto the screen and then detonate them to create stunning chains of explosions. The more impressive the display, the more points that are awarded, allowing players to move onward to advanced levels and to unlock bonus rounds. The 3D graphics and real-time lighting effects allow users to individually render totally unique fireworks sequences every time they play.

"FantaVision takes full advantage of the graphic capabilities of the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and combines it with highly-addictive puzzle gameplay that is sure to ignite a whole new craze around the world," said Ami Blaire, director, product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. "FantaVision was designed to entertain and challenge players of all ages. Once you get the hang of it, you won't be able to put it down!"

FantaVision delivers adrenaline-pumping action to players as they blast their way through eight levels of frenetic gameplay, creating intricate and impressive fireworks displays over a variety of settings, including familiar cityscapes, an amusement park and an orbiting space station. A two-player mode adds even more depth and challenge to this innovative experience, where quick-thinking and lightning-fast reactions are the only weapons at your disposal.

In addition, FantaVision encourages players to step back and admire the true splendor of their handiwork through the replay mode, which allows them to select the camera angle, change conditions such as weather, and add a variety of cool, psychedelic special effects.

  Key Features of FantaVision:

  -- A pyrotechnics puzzle craze: A fast and furious puzzle game taken to
     all new heights. Combines action, shooting, strategy and puzzle
     gameplay. It's totally addictive with mind-blowing intensity
  -- Addictive, challenging, fast-paced gameplay: A combination of unique
     gameplay and advanced graphics, mixed with stunning lighting and
     explosive visual effects.  The game delivers progressively challenging
     and graphically stunning landscapes for an experience like no other on
     the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system
  -- Think fast and react even faster: Test your reflexive skills both
     strategically and reactively-timing is everything in this action-packed
     extravaganza
  -- Spectacular display of colorful fireworks: The full graphical
     capabilities of the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system are
     truly exposed in this new action-puzzle game.  The fireworks are made
     up of hundreds of particles, each particle calculated in real-time to
     deliver a breath-taking display of graphical excellence
  -- 1 - 2 players head-to-head action: Play against the CPU or blow your
     friendships to smithereens.  Guaranteed for hours of explosive and
     electrifying thrills

  Key features in FantaVision (continued)

  -- Set in environments all over the world: From cityscapes and amusement
     parks to the far reaches of outer space. Design and detonate an awesome
     show of willow, peony, circular and splash flares
  -- Combinations, chain reactions, explosions: Players can create fantastic
     fireworks displays using a combination of unique gameplay and advanced
     graphics, mixed with excellent lighting and explosive visual effects,
     making this one of the most visually-impressive launch titles available
     on PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rates FantaVision "E" for "Everyone." 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® 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 PlayStation game console and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PlayStation game console and the upcoming 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.

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SOURCE: Sony Computer Entertainment America

Contact: Charlotte Panther, 650-655-3542, or
charlotte_panther@playstation.sony.com, or Ryan Bowling, 650-655-3657, or
ryan_bowling@playstation.sony.com, both of Sony Computer Entertainment
America

Website: http://www.esrb.org/

Website: http://www.playstation.com/