Heavenly Sword™ Delivers the Perfect Blend of Cinema and Intense Action on PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™)

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) announced today the North American release of Heavenly Sword™, available exclusively for PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™). Developed by Ninja Theory Ltd., Heavenly Sword is an emotional roller coaster that invites players to experience a dramatic tale, as Nariko, a fiery red-haired heroine, embarks on a quest for vengeance against an invading King and his army.

Regarded as one of the most anticipated PS3 titles of the year, Heavenly Sword is an action-adventure title that takes players' expectations to an all-new level with its unparalleled real-time story development coupled with immersive, action-packed gameplay. To aid in the development of the characters and story, Ninja Theory employed the talents of Weta Digital Ltd., an Academy Award® winning visual effects facility based in Wellington, New Zealand, known for its work in creating Hollywood-quality motion capture and Computer Generated Imagery (CGI). Additionally, theatrical performances were directed by Academy Award winning actor and director Andy Serkis, famous for his role as Gollum in The Lord of the Rings and Kong in King Kong. Along with his contributions in the character development, writing, casting, directing and performance capture, Serkis plays the evil King Bohan in Heavenly Sword.

"Heavenly Sword seamlessly combines a robust combat system with extraordinary visuals and dramatic character performance to overwhelm the senses and create an experience that can only be achieved on PS3," said Jeff Reese, director, software marketing, SCEA. "Heavenly Sword has single-handedly exposed the future of the action-adventure genre."

In addition to a compelling storyline and characters, Heavenly Sword showcases stunning graphics and sound effects, as gamers experience the next chapter in epic action through a combination of elements. Featuring a combat engine that can scale up from sophisticated one-on-one encounters to allowing for individual Artificial Intelligence (AI) for hundreds of opponents, enemies are able to employ intelligent squad-based dynamics against battalions, thus pushing gameplay and AI to unprecedented new levels.

Additionally, Heavenly Sword delivers beautiful physics-based environments that are fully destructible, allowing players the ability to sweep debris against opponents, kick tables to halt an oncoming surge of fighters, smash the enemy into the scenery, or throw and maneuver bodies into other enemies using "aftertouch" controls with the SIXAXIS™ wireless controller's motion sensing technology. Offering a wide array of objects and weaponry, including rapid fire crossbows, massively damaging bazookas and catapults, Heavenly Sword takes combat to new heights and delivers a deep, diverse experience.

About Heavenly Sword

Heavenly Sword is a dramatic tale of revenge that sees Nariko, a fiery red-haired heroine, embark on a quest for vengeance against an invading King and his army. The story builds around the ancient Heavenly Sword, which once belonged to a powerful deity. But, the sword can never be wielded by a mere mortal ... at least not without it slowly but inevitably draining their life-force. When the invading King Bohan (played by Andy Serkis) destroys the warrior clan that guards the Heavenly Sword, the clan leader's daughter, Nariko, takes up the sword in a desperate fight for survival. Nariko must now pay the ultimate price as she embarks on one last mission of retribution against the King and his army before her life is finally and irreparably overtaken by the omnipotent Heavenly Sword.

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rates Heavenly Sword "T" for "Teen". 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 console, the PlayStation®2 computer entertain®2 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system, the ground-breaking PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system and its online and network services the PLAYSTATION®Network and PLAYSTATION®Store.

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, PlayStation 2, PSP and PS3 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/

"PlayStation", "PLAYSTATION", "PSP" and "PS one" are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. "PS3" and "SIXAXIS" are trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Heavenly Sword ©2006 Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. Developed by Ninja Theory Ltd. Heavenly Sword is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. All rights reserved.

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Web sites: http://www.playstation.com
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SOURCE: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

CONTACT: Paul Murphy, +1-858-824-5963, paul_murphy@playstation.sony.com,
or Ron Eagle, +1-858-824-5585, ron_eagle@playstation.sony.com, both of Sony
Computer Entertainment America Inc.