Sony Computer Entertainment America Blows Up Portable Gaming With SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo Available Exclusively for PSP™ (PlayStation® Portable) System

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today that the highly-anticipated SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo is available exclusively for the PSP™ (PlayStation® Portable) system. Developed by Zipper Interactive, Inc., and produced by Sony Computer Entertainment America's Foster City Studio in association with the U.S. Naval Special Warfare Command, the top-selling PlayStation®2 franchise reinvents handheld gaming for both casual gamers and fans of SOCOM with brand new single-player and online gameplay. SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo supports up to 16 players battling together in Ad Hoc and Infrastructure modes for maximum online gaming, an "Instant Action" Mode for short single-player mission replay options, and interoperability with SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs, available exclusively for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051108/SFTU095 )

SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo supports an unprecedented 16 players as they compete wirelessly online via Infrastructure or Ad Hoc Modes in five different mission types. In SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo, players will be immersed in 14 original, realistic international single player missions across four diverse Areas of Operation (AO).

Both SEAL teams on SOCOM 3 and SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo carry out tactics within the same three AOs (Poland, Morocco and South Asia), but have completely different mission objectives. The two-man SEAL team is also tasked with completing mission objectives in Chile, an AO exclusive to the PSP system 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. "Instant Action" missions are designed to last up to 10 minutes, perfect for players short on time and hungry for quick combat.

Pioneering the way for other PSP titles in the industry, SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo is the first PSP game to offer independent gameplay as well as PlayStation 2 interoperability. "Crosstalk" objectives completed in one SOCOM game can affect enemy forces and unlock hidden items in the other. "SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo gives players the classic SOCOM gameplay on the PSP system, but with original missions, features and a control scheme tailored for portable gaming," said Shawn Rettig, associate producer, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "Gamers can devote a few minutes or hours experiencing the authentic, intense team-based SEAL action in SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo. Those with SOCOM 3 can take advantage of the PSP system to PlayStation 2 'crosstalk' interoperability feature by syncing special mission data across the two platforms with a USB cable, changing the way both games are played."

The title is also highlighted by a streamlined control scheme, including one-button press team contextual commands, such as "move to" and realistic lock-on targeting for enemy acquisition. Making the action all the more exciting and realistic to how SEALs operate in the field, SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo offers more than 30 authentic weapon and equipment options allowing players to customize their gameplay experience.

PSP to PlayStation 2 Interoperability

SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo offers never before experienced multi-platform interoperability with SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs for PlayStation 2 through "crosstalk" objectives that when completed, will influence the overall play in both titles.

After completing a "crosstalk" objective, such as uncovering enemy intelligence or weapon pack, mission data synced through a USB cable connecting PlayStation 2 (SOCOM 3) to the PSP system (SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo), will affect the other game's mission structure. The "crosstalk" objectives are bonus objectives and while not necessary for completion of either game, give the players who complete and sync "crosstalk" mission data an extra advantage, while also offering a more complete storyline since both SEAL teams primarily operate in the same Areas of Operation.

Wireless Multiplayer Gameplay

Wireless multiplayer gameplay allows fans to do everything they have come to expect from the SOCOM franchise on their PSP system. Up to 16 players in close proximity (via Ad Hoc mode) or across the country (via Infrastructure mode) can compete using a Wi-Fi* connection for an intense SOCOM gameplay experience. Playing wirelessly, gamers can chose from five different game modes including Free-for-All (independent, death-match style gameplay), Captive (incapacitate the other team and have the ability to revive your own) Extraction, Demolition and Suppression game modes.

SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo also features extensive infrastructure-based community support features including in-game email, message boards, clan support, leader boards, friends list and instant messaging. In addition, gamers enjoying multiplayer action in Infrastructure mode will be able to plan and strategize verbally with their teammates through the PSP Headset (sold separately, available now for SRP $19.99).

Authentic SEAL Gameplay

Replicating authentic SEAL tactics, techniques and procedures while still making it a fun, action packed gameplay experience is possible through the association with the U.S. Naval Special Warfare Command. To learn more about the Navy SEALs, visit www.seal.navy.mil.

Advertising /Marketing Campaign

SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo will be highlighted in the PSP broad-based hardware campaign, inclusive of national broadcast, viral, outdoor, cinema and online media , as well as dedicated promotional and retail support. Major retailers will be supporting these programs with Point-of- Purchase displays, demo discs and advertising.

A SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo dedicated online and viral advertising campaign will also kick off at the launch of the game. Additionally, SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo will tie in with several of the SOCOM 3 marketing efforts, including an online reality show airing weekly through December on www.SOCOMHellWeek.com. The focus will be on a hosted SEAL-like bootcamp where 16 lucky SOCOM fans train for three full days or until they are eliminated as they attempt grueling drills and exercise challenges. Those still standing at the end of the weekend will earn a PSP system and a copy of SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo.

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has rated SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo "M" for "Mature." For more information about the ESRB, please visit www.esrb.org.

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) 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 system is a new 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.

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.

*Certain limitations apply to Wi-Fi connectivity. See manual for details.

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SOURCE: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

CONTACT: Patrick Seybold, +1-650-655-5904, or
Patrick_Seybold@playstation.sony.com, or Heather Sorensen, +1-650-655-5234, or
Heather_Sorensen@playstation.sony.com, both of Sony Computer Entertainment
America

Web site: http://www.esrb.org/

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