Historic Japanese Samurai Swordfighting Adventure Arrives on PlayStation®2 With Release Of Genji: Dawn of the Samurai™

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today the release of Genji: Dawn of the Samurai™, available exclusively for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. Developed by Game Republic, Sony Computer Entertainment Japan, Genji: Dawn of the Samurai is an intense 3D single-player samurai swordfighting action-adventure game set upon twelfth century feudal Japan. A dramatic samurai plot fused with mythology, Genji: Dawn of the Samurai delivers a story of two noble warriors engaged in a crusade against mythical forces controlling Japan.

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Genji: Dawn of the Samurai features motion-captured swordplay choreographed by Japan's leading swordsman, elegantly styled environments of feudal Japan and more than an hour of rich cinematics developed by industry pioneers to tell a dramatic story of revenge. Gamers will battle their way through 30 missions against mythical enemies and fantastical creatures using two characters possessing unique fighting styles, a robust advanced enhancement system consisting of an extensive weapon, armor, and upgrade system making Genji: Dawn of the Samurai an intense 3D action-adventure must-have title for PlayStation 2.

"Genji: Dawn of the Samurai blends the best of both literature and entertainment to create an epic and historic video game showcasing the dawn of the samurai," said Susan Nourai, director, online and product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "Through our work with motion-picture industry pioneers in cinematics, motion-capture and more, we've made great efforts to satisfy fans of the action-adventure and fighting genres. This immersive title will definitely blow away our PlayStation 2 fans due in large part to its enriching graphics and unique Japanese historic storyline."

Storyline/Gameplay Description For Genji: Dawn of the Samurai

This historic samurai tale is set against the beautiful and elegant environments of 1159 A.D. feudal Japan where the aristocratic period has come to an end and wealth and family lineage no longer control the land. Power now rules the country and the people. Genji: Dawn of the Samurai delivers a story of two noble warriors engaged in a crusade against mythical forces controlling Japan.

The Heishi, a brutal samurai clan armed with powerful mythical stones has struck fear into the citizens of Kyo with its tyrannical rule and mysterious power. As Yoshitune, a cunning swordsman and one of the few surviving descendants of the vanquished Genji clan, players embark on an epic adventure across the beautiful country of feudal Japan to rid it of the Heishi clan's oppressive rule. With swords in hand and the aide of a powerful ally, players must wage war against skilled swordsmen, vicious demons and a world rife with evil. The dawn of the samurai has arrived.

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has rated Genji: Dawn of the Samurai "M" for Mature. For more information about the ERSB visit www.esrb.com.

About Sony Computer Entertainment America

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). 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 system 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 http://www.us.playstation.com/ .

NOTE: PlayStation and the PlayStation logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. PSP is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

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SOURCE: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

CONTACT: Ryan Bowling of Sony Computer Entertainment America,
+1-650-655-3657, or ryan_bowling@playstation.sony.com, or Norma Kelly,
+1-310-854-4800, or Nkelly@bncpr.com, for Sony Computer Entertainment America

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

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