Sony Online Entertainment Announces New Real-Time Strategy Game Lords of EverQuest Inspired by the EverQuest Universe

Sony Online Entertainment Inc. (SOE), a worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online gaming, today announced Lords of EverQuest™, the next-generation of Real-Time Strategy (RTS) gaming, marking the company's entrance into offline PC gaming. Inspired by the world of online gaming phenomenon EverQuest, Lords of EverQuest features an enthralling storyline drawing gamers to the land of Antonica as they control one of 15 Lords and manage massive armies in their quest for domination. Lords of EverQuest will set new standards for the traditional RTS genre with thousands of items, hundreds of spells, the ability for all units in the game to gain experience and abilities, and free online multiplayer options* for up to 12 players per game. Lords of EverQuest is being developed by Rapid Eye Entertainment and published by Sony Online Entertainment, and is expected to ship to U.S. and Canadian retail stores this fall.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20011203/LAM002 )

*(Internet connection required for online multiplayer game modes, online connection fees are the responsibility of the user)

"Lords of EverQuest blends the vast mythos and lore behind the EverQuest universe with innovative gameplay dynamics to create an RTS experience like no other," said Michael Lustenberger, director of product marketing, Sony Online Entertainment. "Fans of EverQuest and RTS gamers alike will find that Lords of EverQuest propels the genre to new heights as an unmatched RTS with RPG elements."

"Lords of EverQuest is a revolution in RTS gaming with a powerful 3D graphics engine, high-polygon characters, the opportunity for all units to grow, and an engrossing EverQuest related storyline," said Mark Caldwell, founder and president, Rapid Eye Entertainment. "Our goal is to create the new king in RTS gaming with the best gameplay, untouchable graphics, and some innovations that gamers will have to see to believe."

About Lords of EverQuest

Lords of EverQuest allows you to take command of one of 15 Lords from the dawn of Antonica and lead an army against your enemies in a race to claim a lost artifact. Featuring three different unique factions with which to do battle, and a beautiful game world filled with breathtaking environments, Lords of EverQuest challenges players to command over a hundred troops comprised of Humans, Elves, Dwarves, Fiends and even Dragons! Battle squadrons of hungry kobolds, companies of bloodthirsty undead zombies, and armies of evil creatures as you learn powerful magic that can be used to fight, heal or grow, while building skills for the ultimate challenge. After the story is over, the game has just begun as players take the game online and play via Sony Online Entertainment's upcoming matchmaking service.

  Lords of EverQuest also features:

   --  An epic story playable from three unique and different perspectives
       that involves over 75 hours of single player gameplay

   --  Three completely different factions, each with their own special
       units and strategies

   --  Hundreds of items and magical artifacts to arm troops with

   --  36 challenging single player maps and dozens of multiplayer maps

   --  Take command of one of 15 different Lords

   --  Level up Lords and uncover even greater power as all units level up,
       gaining experience and abilities

   --  The ability to carry over key troops from mission to mission

   --  A spell and ability system with more than 125 unique properties

   --  Superior online multiplayer options for up to 12 players -- No
       subscription fee required

   --  State of the art custom 3D engine providing cutting-edge 3D graphics
       with more than 3 levels of zoom, 32 bit color and support for
       1600x1200 resolution for superior detail

  About Rapid Eye Entertainment

Founded by Mark Caldwell in June 2001, Rapid Eye Entertainment ( www.rapideyegames.com ) is a game developer dedicated to expanding gameplay and pioneering new game genres. Caldwell was an original member and leader of the team behind the highly acclaimed Might and Magic series of role-playing games and the Heroes of Might and Magic series of turn-based strategy games. Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., the company's initial focus is a unique twist in the real-time strategy category.

About Sony Online Entertainment

Sony Online Entertainment Inc. (SOE), a subsidiary of Sony Pictures Digital Inc., is a recognized worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games. SOE creates, develops and provides compelling entertainment for the personal computer, online, game console and wireless markets. Known for its blockbuster franchise, EverQuest®, SOE continues to redefine the business of online gaming and the creation of active player communities while introducing new genres on various entertainment platforms. Headquartered in San Diego, CA, with additional development studios in Austin, TX and St. Louis, MO, SOE has an array of cutting-edge online games in development such as PlanetSide™, Star Wars Galaxies™ and the highly anticipated EverQuest® II.

EverQuest is a registered trademark and Lords of EverQuest is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. SOE and the SOE logo are registered trademarks and PlanetSide is a trademark of Sony Online Entertainment Inc.

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SOURCE: Sony Online Entertainment Inc.

CONTACT: Sean Kauppinen, +1-858-577-3387, skauppinen@soe.sony.com , or
Chris Kramer, +1-858-577-3481, ckramer@soe.sony.com , both of Sony Online
Entertainment Inc.

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