Sony Computer Entertainment America Launches SOCOM II: U.S. Navy SEALs for the PlayStation®2, Sequel to the Number One Online Console Game

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today the launch of SOCOM II: U.S. Navy SEALs, the sequel to last year's number one online console game and "Greatest Hit" title, SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs. Developed exclusively for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system by Zipper Interactive, Inc., and produced by Sony Computer Entertainment America's Foster City Studio, SOCOM II: U.S. Navy SEALs improves and expands upon its predecessor, a game already in the hands of more than two million people worldwide.

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SOCOM II: U.S. Navy SEALs, created in association with Naval Special Warfare Command, places gamers in the role of an elite SEAL commander trained to protect America from hostile forces throughout the world, collaborating with international allied forces in unified missions. Playable both in single-player offline and up to 16 players online (broadband) via the Network Adaptor (Ethernet/modem) (for PlayStation®2) or over a LAN (Local Area Network) connection, SOCOM II: U.S. Navy SEALs features all new gameplay within an urban warfare theme, incredibly detailed graphics, increased chat and online functionality, unique mission types, additional weapons and more. Robust communication (voice and text chat) improvements make SOCOM II: U.S. Navy SEALs one of the most interactive and dynamic team-based games available to date.

"In addition to launching a global franchise, SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs demonstrates the demand and driving force behind online gaming," said Ami Blaire, director, product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "SOCOM II: U.S. Navy SEALs further expands the franchise with 22 playable maps, the addition of new communication and chat features, as well as all new weapons and armaments, reaffirming its role as the online game of choice."

In online mode via broadband or LAN gameplay, up to 16 players (eight per team) can join the fight to take down hostile forces in 22 different online missions (12 new SOCOM II online missions and 10 updated, enhanced SOCOM online missions) with five different mission types including new "escort" and "breach" missions. Using the USB headset (for PlayStation®2) or SOCOM headset (each sold separately), enhanced online communication enables team members to more easily communicate either in-game or in the game lobby while viewing the new "who's talking" display, as well as use voice alteration and sub-channels for offensive and defensive gameplay strategy. Players can also utilize the friends list to find fellow gamers online or conversely take advantage of an ignore list to deny communication with others. Players can create customized games and match sets or join one according to their rank, assuring compatible skill-level in online play. Featuring interactive environments, the ability to call in air strikes and supporting artillery fire capabilities, detailed player stat tracking and a spectator mode where up to eight players can observe the action, the online gameplay in SOCOM II is more robust and intense than ever.

In single-player mode, gamers must battle through a combination of 12 intense international missions that take place in both urban and rural settings, in various weather conditions and during different times of the day in treacherous international locations such as Algeria, Albania, Brazil and Russia. Some missions will require partnering with other international Special Ops forces, including (Russian) Spetznaz and (British) SAS units. Utilizing the best weaponry available, players will have at their disposal all new items such as the AT-4, LAW (Light Armored Weapon), RPGs, machine gun turrets, shotguns and other artillery to assure that victory is the only outcome.

In September, Sony Computer Entertainment America announced that SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs had become a PlayStation 2 "Greatest Hit" title, as it proved to be a force in driving software sales and a demand factor that lead to the largest online console gaming audience.

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has rated SOCOM II: U.S. Navy SEALs "M" for "mature." 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 consoles, 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.

Visit us on the Web at http://www.us.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 Heather Sorensen, +1-650.655.5234, or
heather_sorensen@playstation.sony.com, both for Sony Computer Entertainment
America Inc.

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