Naughty Dog Inc. Returns with Jak II™, the Much-Anticipated Sequel to Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy™

Acclaimed Developer Unveils Follow-Up to Best-Selling Action-Adventure Exclusively for PlayStation®2

PRNewswire-FirstCall
FOSTER CITY, Calif.
03/18/2003

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today the worldwide fall 2003 release of Jak II™, created exclusively for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. Developed by Naughty Dog Inc., the company responsible for 2001's smash hit Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy™ and the highly acclaimed multi-million unit selling Crash Bandicoot™ series on PlayStation, the newest installment of the Jak and Daxter series, Jak II, takes action-adventure gaming to a whole new level.

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

Featuring advanced technology and characters both familiar and new, Jak II is a true plot-driven adventure game, where every mission has a direct effect on the storyline. With stunning graphics and animations, Jak II takes gamers on a journey through an enormous mystical world, darker than they have experienced before, as an immersive tale unfolds.

"We are ecstatic to continue the engaging and compelling saga of Jak and Daxter this fall," said Jason Rubin, co-founder, Naughty Dog Inc. "Jak II will push the PlayStation 2 to new levels, adding visual impact and detail to both the environments and the characters. With the addition of multiple weapons that can be employed at any time, and numerous power-ups available to the player in every game location, Jak II provides far more freedom and immersion than gamers have experienced before."

"Jak II will deliver a whole new cinematic gaming experience to players," adds Andy Gavin, co-founder of Naughty Dog, Inc. "Intriguing adventures, perilous exploration, shocking discoveries and over one hour of gorgeous cinematic animations, help drive the story along through twists and turns until the final climax."

Sony Computer Entertainment America introduced Naughty Dog's first smash hit on PlayStation®, Crash Bandicoot, to the world in 1996 and since then, the series has sold more than 20 million units collectively, breaking many sales records worldwide. The team's first venture on the PlayStation 2, Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy, was released during the holiday season in 2001 and was met with much praise and excitement from both industry onlookers and consumers. Only nine months after its release, Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy became a bonafide hit and entered the PlayStation 2 "Greatest Hits" program.

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has not yet rated Jak II. For more information about the ESRB visit www.esrb.org.

About Naughty Dog Inc.

Naughty Dog Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., develops cutting-edge technology, graphics and gameplay for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. Additional information can be found on the company's web site at http://www.naughtydog.com/ .

About Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

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 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.

NOTE: Visit us on the Web at http://www.playstation.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 Tina Casalino, +1-650-655-8102, or
tina_casalino@playstation.sony.com, both of Sony Computer Entertainment
America Inc.

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

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