War of the Monsters™ Brings Classic Monster Movies To Life on PlayStation®2

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today the release of War of the Monsters™, a historic brawler of monstrous proportions developed exclusively for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. Incog Inc. Entertainment, developers of the critically acclaimed Twisted Metal:Black™, has teamed up with the company's Santa Monica Studio, to bring epic monster movies to life. Inspired by 1950s and 1960s classics, War of the Monsters allows users to experience all out destruction as 100-foot tall monsters let loose in a raging battle on planet Earth. With 10 distinct monsters, 13 fully destructible environments and numerous weapons at their disposal, War of the Monsters allows gamers to take part in and relive their favorite gargantuan monster movies.

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

"War of the Monsters is the classic, giant interactive monster movie that players have always dreamed of, but never had, until now," said Ami Blaire, director, product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "With the innovative two-player split screen that merges into one when opponents fight in close range, fully interactive and destructive environments, and big monster movie feel, War of the Monsters breaks through traditional fighting game boundaries."

Players can choose from 10 unique monsters equipped with special short and long range attacks, including Congar, a super gorilla with a sonic roar, Ultra V, a giant space age robot with an energy sword, and Preytor, a huge flying mutant mantis with piercing appendages. A two-player split screen dramatically merges into full-screen action as combatants approach one another, for a truly unique gaming experience.

In each of the 13 fully destructible and interactive environments set in locations such as thriving cities, an airfield, and a volcanic island resort, players can scour the battlefield for weapons such as steel girders, army tanks and radio antenna to bring down buildings or opponents. Thunderous uppercuts, grappling moves, combos and countless weapons add to each furious battle set to an original epic musical score. Environmental attacks, such as tidal waves and earthquakes, can also be triggered in battles to surprise and dominate opponents.

Gamers can clash in intense battles with up to three opponents at once, either against three CPU-controlled monsters in single-player mode, or challenge a friend and two CPU-controlled opponents in two-player mode. Additional monster "costumes," mini-games such as dodge ball and multiple gameplay modes including Adventure, Free-for-All, Elimination and Endurance extend the replay value of War of the Monsters and provide numerous opportunities to revel in triumph for total supremacy.

National broadcast and print media, gaming publications, Web sites and retailers are gearing up for this highly anticipated title, as a major marketing campaign behind War of the Monsters is unveiled by Sony Computer Entertainment America. Support will be provided in the following categories:

NATIONAL BROADCAST/CABLE ADVERTISING:

The television campaign targeting ages 13 and older for War of the Monsters will kick off on January 13 and run in various time slots on major network, cable and syndicated programming continuing through March 2003. Two different executions will air on Primetime and Late Night including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, UPN and WBN networks, reaching viewers of "King of the Hill," "Cedric the Entertainer," "Star Trek Enterprise," "Late Night With Conan O'Brien," "Buffy The Vampire Slayer," "Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn," "Mad TV," "Last Call with Carson Daily," "Smallville," "Charmed," "WWE Smackdown" and fans watching the pre-game Superbowl program. Targeted Cable programming will also be utilized, with spots running on BET, E!, ESPN, ESPN2, FoxFX, Comedy Central, TNN, MTV, Sci-Fi Channel, Speedvision, TBS, VH1, WON SuperStation and G4.

NATIONAL PRINT/ONLINE ADVERTISING:

Print advertising will reach millions of readers through a wide range of outlets including Sports Illustrated for Teens, DC Teen, Top Cow, Maxim, Stuff, Gear, The Source, Spin, Transworld Skateboarding and WWE as well as through targeted industry gaming magazines including Electronic Gaming Monthly, The Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine, GameNow, Game Informer, PSM, Game Pro, PLAY and PSE2.

NATIONAL RETAIL SUPPORT:

Key merchandising support for War of the Monsters at all national retailers includes a dedicated point of purchase campaign. An in-store tournament with an exclusive poster giveaway will be available at Electronics Boutique locations. Demo discs are available as part of the direct marketing campaign in addition to a dedicated online campaign and official game Web site.

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has rated War of the Monsters "T" for Teen. For more information about the ESRB visit www.esrb.org.

About Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

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 PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PS one game 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.

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SOURCE: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

CONTACT: Patrick Seybold, +1-650-655-5904, or
patrick_seybold@playstion.sony.com, or Heather Crosby, +1-650-655-5234, or
heather_crosby@playstation.sony.com, both of Sony Computer Entertainment
America

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