NBA '06 Hits the Hardwood and Launches on PlayStation®2

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today the launch of NBA '06, now available in retail outlets across North America. Appearing exclusively for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, NBA '06 delivers an in-depth basketball experience combining new gameplay features, action-packed mini-games, and a genre-defining cinematic story mode that reveals the excitement and energy of the NBA both on and off the court.

(Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000510/SFW104-a )

Introducing an all-new approach to basketball gameplay, NBA '06 provides players the opportunity to experience a magical rookie season from NBA Draft night to The Finals with "The Life: Vol. 1." A first in basketball videogames, The Life is a storybook, rookie season where gamers experience actual events that are par for the course with being a star NBA athlete including injuries, trades, press conferences, and endorsements. In The Life, players will not only use their created character during gameplay missions but will also see their character involved in each cinematic cut scene, producing a more personal gameplay experience.

NBA '06 delivers all-new game design including innovative low post gameplay, accurate defensive schemes, and tandem animation technology where animations are designed and motion captured together to deliver a super-realistic level of basketball action. In addition, a new "Showtime Gameplay" feature challenges players to balance fundamental basketball with highlight reel playmaking. As players successfully complete showtime skills, their character attributes and skill sets increase, raising team play and crowd support.

"NBA '06 demonstrates our team's creativity and innovation to deliver a standout game that will not only attract basketball gaming fans, but also fans outside of the sports realm," said Sharon Shapiro, senior director, promotions and sports product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "We're excited to create NBA '06 from the ground up with new game design, features, and animations. On top of that, introducing a unique, cinematic-style mode such as 'The Life' brings another dimension for gaming fans to truly experience life through the eyes of an NBA player."

Sixteen action-packed mini-games and drills are available in single player, versus, and online modes, including new additions such as "Own the Court," "Shout Out," "21," and Top Rung." The game also includes all-new audio that heightens the experience of occupying an NBA player's shoes. Audio is delivered as a first-person experience through third-person gameplay to authentically reproduce the sounds a player would hear on the floor. NBA '06 will also incorporate a movie-like score for the career mode and all-new original music during in-game action. Players in NBA '06 can also compete in and head-to-head action, or simply take a player created in Life mode online. Popular features such as Eye-Toy™ functionality are back to give added realism to NBA '06.

Amare Stoudemire, all-star power forward for the Phoenix Suns, joins NBA '06 as this year's cover athlete. Known for his amazingly quick first-step, aggressive power dunks, and play in the low-post, Stoudemire has been selected as a member of the U.S. National Senior Men's Basketball Team at the 2004 Games in Athens and was voted to participate in the 2005 NBA All-Star game in Denver.

Marketing efforts for NBA '06 include a multi-million dollar marketing campaign across TV, print and online, that will run nationally throughout the entire basketball season. Additionally, NBA '06 will receive full public relations and promotional support, as well as dedicated point-of-purchase displays and merchandising support.

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rates NBA '06 "E" for "Everyone." For more information about 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 console, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and the PSP™ (PlayStation® Portable) 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. 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 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.

NOTE: The NBA and individual NBA member team identifications reproduced on this product are trademarks and copyrighted designs, and/or other forms of intellectual property, that are the exclusive property of NBA Properties, Inc. and the respective NBA member teams and may not be used, in whole or in part, without the written consent of NBA Properties, Inc.

PlayStation and the PlayStation logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. PlayStation® Portable is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

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SOURCE: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

CONTACT: Alex Armour, +1-858-824-4648, or
alex_armour@playstation.sony.com, or Paul Murphy, +1-858-824-5963, or
paul_murphy@playstation.sony.com, both of Sony Computer Entertainment America,
Inc.

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