Highly Anticipated Sequel, Jak 3™, Arrives This Fall Only on PlayStation®2

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today the first details behind the Fall 2004 release of Jak 3™, created exclusively for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. Developed by Naughty Dog Inc., the company responsible for the award winning Jak and Daxter franchise and the highly acclaimed, multimillion unit selling Crash Bandicoot™ series on PlayStation®, Jak 3 concludes the Jak and Daxter trilogy with a truly plot-driven adventure game filled with friendship, betrayal, death, and a long awaited understanding of the Precursor civilization that has, until now, remained a mystery.

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"Naughty Dog is not just creating a sequel, it is marking an end to one of the greatest storylines found on the PlayStation 2," said Ami Blaire, director, product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "True to the Jak and Daxter franchise, players will be immediately thrown into fast-paced action and seamless adventure that will drive the story along through twists and turns until the final climax -where all is revealed."

One year has passed since Jak and Daxter saved Haven City from Kor and the attacking Metal Heads, yet Haven City is still immersed in deadly chaos as three groups fight for control of the streets. The people of Haven City have grown to distrust Jak's dark powers, and as rumors boil of Jak's ties with Krew and Kor, the city blames Jak for its current woeful circumstances. When the palace is destroyed by a surprise Metal Head attack, even Ashelin cannot protect Jak as the High Council's power broker, Count Veger, forces Jak into banishment to the desolate Wasteland. Jak is flown to the harsh island and dumped. With Daxter and Pecker bravely by his side, the three begin their next adventure where the battle for the city has just begun.

Five times the size of Haven City, the Wasteland is a desert environment with multiple areas including mines and a volcano. Given the enormity and variance in terrain, vehicles play a large role as off-road transportation is introduced, fueled by a true-to-life physics engine. With a rugged new look and suited with armor, Jak is also equipped with an arsenal of new weapons with upgradeable mods that enable players to increase their firepower and enjoy the freedom to strategize and activate their arsenal at any time.

As Jak has been exposed to Light Eco, players can now experience Jak's magnificent transformation to Light Jak. With a glowing electric blue aura and a massive wing span, Light Jak introduces new move sets, including the ability to glide great distances, emit an energy to block enemy attack, and power up at anytime, all of which provide the player with a sense of being invincible. Dark Jak also returns with more capabilities, forcing Jak to find a balance between light and dark.

Additionally, Naughty Dog continues to push the genre forward with the introduction of new technology. For the first time in the franchise, enemies feature realistic "Ragdoll Physics," which will allow gamers to witness a unique death for each enemy that is killed. Naughty Dog has also implemented independent cloth movement technology and enhanced the enemy artificial intelligence (AI) with wall climbing and smart formation capabilities.

Naughty Dog's first smash hit on PlayStation, Crash Bandicoot, was introduced to the world in 1996. Since then, the series has sold more than 25 million units collectively, breaking many sales records worldwide. The team's first venture on PlayStation 2, Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy™, was released holiday of 2001, and was met with much praise from both industry onlookers and consumers. Nine months after its release, it became a bona fide hit and entered the PlayStation 2 "Greatest Hits" program. Jak II launched in October 2003 and has celebrated similar success with over 1.6 million units worldwide, and also won more "Game of the Year" awards than any previous Naughty Dog title.

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has not yet rated Jak 3. 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.

Visit us on the Web at http://www.us.playstation.com/.

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SOURCE: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

CONTACT: Jennifer Clark, +1-650-655-5994, or
jennifer_clark@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.playstation.com/