PaRappa The Rapper™ Is Back on the Hip Hop Scene Exclusively for PSP® (Playstation®Portable) System

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today the North American release of PaRappa the Rapper™ available exclusively for PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system. Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment in association with legendary multimedia musician Masaya Matsuura and famed New York artist Rodney Greenblat, the PaRappa the Rapper franchise debuted ten years ago on PlayStation® and established the rhythm action game genre that has spawned a variety of music and timing based games, including two of its own classic titles, Um Jammer Lammy™ and PaRappa the Rapper®2.

Fans of the original will rejoice as PaRappa the Rapper stays true to its iconic art style and flattened animation, combining fun and vibrant characters with infectious music and a humorous storyline. PaRappa's return marks the first time the franchise has been available for a handheld, allowing fans to experience the rapping puppy anywhere, anytime. Rated "E" for Everyone, this classic title is a perfect addition to the PSP software library, offering a fun and entertaining adventure for both nostalgic fans of the original and a new PaRappa audience. A great pick-up and play game with wireless options, PaRappa the Rapper is well suited for the growing PSP consumer base on the go.

"Similar to how the hit single 'Rapper's Delight' spawned a generation of hip-hop music, the original PaRappa the Rapper was a smashing success and started a revolution in video games by creating a new type of music and timing gameplay with a unique artistic style," said Rodney Greenblat. "Ten years later, the PSP version looks to take the franchise to new heights."

PaRappa the Rapper increases the franchise's social appeal this time around by offering a host of new PSP exclusive features, including the ability for four players to compete head-to-head in ad-hoc battles. The new game also allows players to wirelessly share a demo level with four PSP systems simultaneously.

"By allowing up to four players to battle head-to-head, share the game wirelessly via PSP and even download eight remixes to enjoy along with the original soundtrack, PaRappa the Rapper delivers a great portable experience that is exclusive to PSP system," said John Koller, senior marketing manager, Sony Computer Entertainment America.

The timing-based gameplay mechanic allows players to rap to the addictive music by pressing buttons corresponding to the beat. As players' skill levels progress, they are able to break free into a one-of-a-kind freestyle session, giving individuals the freedom to create a new experience with every play. Players are scored on how well they can keep up with ratings that range from "Awful" to "Cool."

PaRappa the Rapper features six music and fun filled levels and the rest of the cast of colorful and flattened characters, including Chop Chop Master Onion, Instructor Mooselini, MC King Kong Mushi and more. Masaya Matsuura's infectious music accompany the iconic PaRappa as he attempts to rap his way into the heart of his dreamy love interest, a sunflower named Sunny Funny, through various missions and adventures. Along the way PaRappa will learn to fight king-fu at a dojo, take a driving course to get his license, get a job at a flea market, buy a car and learn how to bake. All of which culminates in the final test for any aspiring rap superstar, PaRappa must perform a hip hop rap on stage.

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating for PaRappa the Rapper is "E" for "Everyone." For more information about the ESRB visit http://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 consoles, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, and the ground-breaking PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system.

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, the PSP system and the PS3 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.

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SOURCE: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

CONTACT: Scott Goryl, +1-858-824-5792, scott_goryl@playstation.sony.com,
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