PSP™ (Playstation®Portable) Bolsters Software Library With Six New Titles for the Upcoming Holiday Season

Market-Leading Portable Entertainment System Continues to Add Consumer Value and Compelling Game Content Across Multiple Genres

PRNewswire
FOSTER CITY, Calif.
09/07/2005

Sony Computer Entertainment America is leading the charge for what will surely be a brisk holiday season for the market-leading PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) system. The PSP system brings an unparalleled gaming experience to the portable market, and with these six new action-packed first-party titles scheduled for release before the end of the year, consumers have an impressive selection of new games to compliment the ever-expanding library of PSP entertainment. The new titles cover multiple genres and provide exciting game options for gamers of all ages, bringing even more anticipation and excitement to the first North American holiday season for the PSP system.

"Our first party developers have created a tremendous line-up of innovative new titles that will allow consumers to take full advantage of the entertainment value of the PSP system through this holiday season," said Jack Tretton, executive vice president, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "With PSP hardware and software sales continuing to lead the industry, we are pleased to introduce a mix of original IPs, popular franchises and PSP exclusives, furthering our commitment for new compelling content for the platform."

After a record-setting launch and months atop the industry as the leading seller among all game platforms, momentum for the heralded PSP is as strong as ever and will be further cemented by the following blockbuster first-party titles:

   MEDIEVIL RESURRECTION™
   Available September 13th -- Rated T

Developed by Cambridge Studios, MediEvil Resurrection is an action- adventure game that is inspired by the myths, characters, and environments of the popular PS one™ franchise, available exclusively to the PSP system. In MediEvil Resurrection, players follow the role of Sir Daniel Fortesque and embark on a series of events to defeat the evil Sorcerer Zarok. Throughout MediEvil Resurrection , players are provided with an enchanting storyline set upon numerous levels and gameplay locations, supported with various characters, unique enemies, weapons, and mini-games that take place in the realm of Gallowmere. Featuring wireless multi-player connectivity via ad-hoc and "game-sharing," players can compete head-to-head in various arcade-style mini games and share both a game trailer and demo of WipeOut: Pure to another player respectively.

   GRETZKY™ NHL® '06
   Available October 4th -- Rated E

This holiday season, gamers can take their hockey game on the road and play anytime, anywhere with Gretzky™ NHL® '06. Offering true hockey fans what no other hockey videogame can, Gretzky NHL '06 features the all-new Wayne vs. Wayne Mode, where gamers have the chance to skate with "The Great One" himself, and earn the ability to employ five playable versions of Gretzky on the ice at once. Additionally, Gretzky NHL '06 retakes the virtual ice with two all-new modes exclusive to the PSP, 3-on-3 Countdown Mode and NHL Showdown Mode, which offer a quick arcade-style experience. Returning features include Quick Game, Exhibition and Season Modes, the Gretzky Challenge, and for gamers on the go, multiplayer gameplay locally or across the nation. Officially licensed by the NHL and NHLPA, Gretzky NHL 2006 features the prefect combination of authentic simulation and arcade style gameplay for the ultimate hockey experience.

   NBA '06
   Available October 4th -- Rated E

NBA '06 for PSP follows up on the best-selling basketball simulation created for the PSP system by providing all-new gameplay features, animations, and mini-games for high-flying NBA action on-the-go. Running at 60 Frames Per Second (FPS), NBA '06 for PSP makes every shot, pass, and dunk as smooth and realistic as the real deal. Two new mini-games, Dodgeball and HORSE, allow gamers to step away from traditional 5-on-5 basketball action and engage in some classic schoolyard battles. A new virtual trading card system allows gamers to collect virtual cards with freeze frame snapshots of highlight-reel plays and exchange them with friends via Ad Hoc mode. In addition, NBA '06 for the PSP features the "Clutch" Shooting Mechanism and a simplified play-calling system, while team and opponent A.I. have been improved. Supporting up to two players via wireless multiplayer connectivity during gameplay and in mini-games, players can select any of the 41 authentic NBA teams.

   THE CON™
   Available October 18th -- Rated T

The Con is an innovative 3D fighting game exclusively for the PSP system. In an underworld where illegal fighting tournaments exist and high-stakes gambling takes center stage, player's skills as a fighter are matched only by their wits as an ex-con in the game. In The Con, every fight is more than just a fight where players bet for or against themselves to take advantage of the current odds. During the fight, players can throw 'fake' punches or take a dive to tilt the odds and con everyone to ensure a wealthy pay off -- win or lose. Throughout the game, players train their fighter in five different brawling disciplines to fight solo or in a team of three in Story Mode where their ability to build up their team and implementing match-up strategy plays a huge role. In addition, utilizing wireless multi-player connectivity via ad-hoc mode, as well as the "game-sharing" mode, The Con allows players to compete in various head-to-head fighting matches, as well as share a demo version of the game with friends.

   SOCOM: U.S. NAVY SEALs: FIRETEAM BRAVO
   Available November 8th -- Rating Pending

Get ready to take the SOCOM military franchise with you, wherever, whenever this fall with the release of SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs: Fireteam Bravo. This original title created in association with the U.S. Naval Special Warfare Command will be available exclusively for the PSP system. It offers fans of the multi-million selling franchise all-new unique single-player and wireless multiplayer gaming missions. Players are tasked with completing 14 realistic international single-player missions, including in Chile, which is a unique Area of Operation only available in the PSP release. After successfully completing a level, players can replay the mission in an entirely new way through the "Instant Action" option, with different objectives, enemy and object placement.

In addition, SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs: Fireteam Bravo is one of the first titles for PSP to offer interoperability with PlayStation 2 through the latest game in the franchise, SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs, in "crosstalk" objectives. Objectives completion in one SOCOM game will affect the overall play experience in both games. Once a crosstalk task is completed, the player will be notified and able to sync mission critical data from PSP to PlayStation 2 through a USB connection.

   KNGDOM OF PARADISE™
   Available November 15th -- Rating Pending

Kingdom of Paradise is an action-RPG title where players take the role of a young warrior outcast named Shinbu. When one of the five martial clans attempts to disrupt a peaceful balance of power within the land of Ohka, Shinbu seeks to defend his clan and restore equal power to the five clans that once ruled the world. With more than 20 hours of gameplay, players will venture through vast, living worlds and battle mythical enemies in a quest to restore peace to Ohka. More than 150 sword attack styles are available and players can create unique fighting combos by customizing sword attacks and moves gained throughout the game. In Ad Hoc mode, custom-created sword skills can be shared with friends and players can battle in one-on-one matches. Special skills and defensive items, along with an exclusive sword, are available to download via Infrastructure mode.

Following a record-setting launch in March 2005, PSP is fast becoming a cultural icon and has proven to be a market altering force with upwards of 1.95 million units sold in North America. The PSP is available for a suggested retail price of $249.99 (USD) in a PSP Value Pack. In addition to the revolutionary PSP hardware, the PSP Value Pack contains an unprecedented added-value package of accessories and entertainment content, including 32 MB Memory Stick Duo™, headphones with remote control, battery pack, AC adaptor, soft case, hand strap and cleaning cloth, and a movie/music/game video sampler UMD disc including multiple non-interactive game demos. There are currently more than 35 games available for PSP on the proprietary UMD™ (Universal Media Disc) and more than 125 feature films, TV programs and videos from major studios combining to create an unmatched library of entertainment content.

About Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation® and PS one™ game console, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and the PSP™ (PlayStation® Portable) 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. PSP is a new portable entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games, with high-quality full-motion video, and high-fidelity stereo audio.

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, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and the PSP 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 www.us.playstation.com.

NOTE: "PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks and "PSP" and "UMD" are trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

SOURCE: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

CONTACT: Patrick Seybold of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.,
+1-650-655-5904, or patrick_seybold@playstation.sony.com; or Rick Heineman,
+1-310-854-4812, or rheineman@bncpr.com, for Sony Computer Entertainment
America Inc.

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