Pursuit Force™ Introduces an Original, High-Speed Police Action Game Exclusively for the PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) System

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today the Spring 2006 release of Pursuit Force™, available exclusively for the PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) System. Developed by BigBig Studios, Ltd., Pursuit Force brings Hollywood-style movie action to life by delivering high-speed vehicle chases and thrilling shootouts, all in the quest for justice. In Pursuit Force, players take the role of a young rookie police officer, responsible for tracking down and thwarting five criminal gangs in and around Capital City. The title gained critical acclaim at this year's E3 show, earning an IGN 2005 E3 award as "PSP Game of the Show" and "Best PSP Action Game," as well as receiving a GameSpot 2005 E3 Editors' Choice Award as "Best PSP Game" and nomination for "Game of the Show."

Set across five distinct environments, Pursuit Force presents a variety of gameplay elements for each criminal case, including collect and follow assignments, high-speed pursuit, on-foot action, and aerial attacks. Throughout the game, players will skirt along city highways and dusty tracks in speeding cars, bikes, SUVs, and buses, while high-powered speedboats are available for chases through metropolitan waterways and scenic, canyon-lined rivers. On foot sections provide run and gun combat through gang territory strongholds and city streets. Additionally, players will take control of a helicopter mini-gun during aerial attack missions.

Pursuit Force also implements a never-before-seen gameplay mechanic where players can jump from vehicle to vehicle at speeds of more than 150 MPH, keeping the action moving literally non-stop. Players will hang perilously as they battle with enemy gangs and attempt to commandeer a number of vehicles. 30 challenging criminal cases are available throughout the game and to further diversify the gameplay, Pursuit Force provides access to more than 50 different vehicles and more than 10 types of weapons.

"Pursuit Force is an original IP exclusive for the PSP system that introduces a number of innovative features sure to make it one of next year's most wanted titles," said Susan Nourai, director, online and product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "With superb production value, a huge variety in missions, and the groundbreaking gameplay mechanic of leaping between moving vehicles, Pursuit Force delivers intense action that adds depth to the ever expanding lineup of PSP software."

Pursuit Force introduces a brand new police action thriller that follows a young officer in his quest to contain five notorious gangs throughout Capital City. Tension throughout the city is at an all-time high due to increased gang activity and the police force is rapidly losing control. Following police protocol has not worked, and the Chief is desperate for results. As part of a new special unit called The Pursuit Force, players will track down each of the deadly gangs and incorporate unconventional tactics to overcome the impending criminal threat. Each gang in Capital City has a specific agenda and each must be brought to justice. The Killer 66 bring their brutal brand of Far-Eastern violence to the streets, while the Capellis are steeped in the Mafia underworld. The Convicts, fresh from a prison break, disregard law and life as they attempt to gain freedom at any cost. The Warlords wreak havoc on the city in their quest for power and to push their political agendas. The Vixens, a group of ex-Hollywood stunt girls, have chosen a life of crime to pay for their lavish lifestyles.

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.

SOURCE: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

CONTACT: Patrick Seybold, +1-650-655-5904, or
patrick_seybold@playstation.sony.com, or Alex Armour, +1-858-824-4648, or
alex_armour@playstation.sony.com, both of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

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