The Epic Legacy of Jak and Daxter Concludes This Holiday With Jak 3™ Exclusively on PlayStation®2

Loyalties Are Tested, a Climatic Battle Is Fought and Shocking Secrets Are Revealed in Final Installment of Acclaimed Trilogy

PRNewswire
FOSTER CITY, Calif.
11/09/2004

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today the launch of Jak 3™, the third and final installment of the Jak and Daxter trilogy, 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, multi-million unit selling Crash Bandicoot™ series on PlayStation®, Jak 3 takes Jak and Daxter on their ultimate adventure as they uncover conspiracy, danger and ultimately the Precursors themselves.

"Jak 3 is an evolution of the Jak and Daxter story Naughty Dog wanted to tell when they first began work on Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy," said Grady Hunt, senior producer, product development, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "We are pleased that Jak 3 is part of our stellar PlayStation 2 holiday lineup, as the game will immediately immerse players into a fast-paced action and seamless adventure that will drive the story along through twists and turns until the final climax -- where all is finally 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. Now banished to the Wasteland, Jak begins his quest for redemption joined by pals Daxter and Pecker. Their objective is to escape from an area five times the size of Haven City, filled with hazardous environments, a vicious volcano, the hostile city of Spargus and cavernous mines. With access to off-road transportation, including lizards, hovercrafts and off-road vehicles featuring true-to-life physics, Jak fights to return to civilization while waging a personal war within himself.

Now possessing Light Eco power, in addition to the Dark Eco abilities that led to his banishment, Jak's struggle to balance the two add further intrigue to the compelling storyline. The game is also enhanced through the introduction of new technology called "Ragdoll Physics," a technology which allows gamers to witness a unique death for each enemy that is killed, independent cloth movement technology and enhanced the enemy artificial intelligence (AI) with wall climbing and smart formation capabilities. Additionally, Jak is equipped with a Morph-Gun that utilizes 12 new gun types, enabling the player to battle through massive levels in an effort to answer the unanswered and conclude the Jak trilogy.

"Naughty Dog never rests on its laurels," said Evan Wells, studio director, Naughty Dog. "It's important to us to keep the universe fresh, so with each outing in the Jak and Daxter franchise, we looked at ways to create a game that offered the player a brand new experience that built on the previous games. Looking back at all of the ideas we were able to implement for Jak 3, we are confident this is our best game yet."

To prepare for this holiday season, Jak 3 is receiving full marketing support in the following categories to extend consumer awareness for this innovative title.

National Print Advertising Campaign

To support the mainstream appeal of Jak 3, a massive print advertising campaign, running through the holiday season, will reach more than 40 million readers through a vast variety of national consumer publications, including Entertainment Weekly, URB, Maxim, Stuff, Sync, Revolver, Rolling Stone, Thrasher, Transworld, Spin, Source, and many more. Targeted publications also include leading gaming magazines such as Electronic Gaming Monthly, The Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine, GameNow, Game Informer, PSM, Game Pro, Tips and Tricks, PLAY, and PSE2.

National Broadcast/Cable Advertising Campaign

The television campaign for Jak 3 will begin the week of November 8 run through the holidays, and the spots will run in various time slots on network, broadcast, and syndication through the holiday season. A total of three different executions will air for a variety of programming including "Arrested Development," "The Partner," "Fear Factor," "CSI," "Pimp My Ride," "Jimmy Kimmel," and "Adult Swim."

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has rated Jak 3 "T" for Teens. 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/ .

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/