NBA 08 Takes Center Court and Brings Authentic Basketball Action Exclusively for PlayStation®3, PlayStation®2 and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable)

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) announced today the launch of NBA 08, available exclusively for the PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, and the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system. The three new titles in the NBA 08 franchise offer uniquely different gameplay experiences, and are ready to deliver fans the complete package of basketball gaming with everything from high-definition realism and customization on PS3, to addicting Block Party™ mini-games on PSP, to "The Life v.3" on PlayStation 2.

Building on the success of last year's best-selling NBA game on PS3, NBA 08 raises the bar on its high-definition graphics and adds an innovative Upside Progression System™, where players earn credits that are used to unlock items as well as modify player attributes and accessories. Additionally the game adds enhanced SIXAXIS™ wireless controller functionality, and Key Control™ Play Calling to set primary go-to players. NBA 08 for PSP makes a huge return this year with an engaging handheld NBA experience that features new carnival mini-games as a part of Block Party along with an enhanced Conquest mode. Not to be outdone, realistic NBA action once again returns to PlayStation 2 with the acclaimed "The Life" series, this time bringing the third installment with NBA 08 "The Life, v.3."

"NBA 08 showcases the talent of SCEA's development team to create the most realistic and exciting basketball game available across all PlayStation platforms," said Scott Rohde, director, sports product development, SCEA. "From superior graphics, to addicting mini-games, to the conclusion of "The Life v.3", NBA 08 offers something for everyone. No matter what type of basketball gaming our fans want, they can find it on PS3, PlayStation 2, and PSP."

NBA 08 delivers an all-new soundtrack complete with some of today's hottest acts from a variety of genres including M.I.A., LCD Soundsystem, legendary old-school artist Gangstarr, four new instrumentals by hip-hop mercenary EL-P, and two by renowned producer The Alchemist. The cover of NBA 08 returns one of the brightest young stars in the NBA, Phoenix Suns All-Star Amare Stoudemire. Taken ninth overall by the Suns in 2002, Stoudemire averaged 13.5 points and 8.8 rebounds per game as a rookie. He finished this past season with an average of 20.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocked shots per game, earning All-NBA First Team honors along with a second All-Star appearance.

In addition to Progression mode, NBA 08 for PS3 brings back an improved NBA Replay mode, complete with new challenges and added realism such as floor markers where shots were actually taken in the game. In conjunction with the SIXAXIS controller, the game also features the new Free 6™ enhanced control set that allows fans to use intuitive wireless motions to defend high and low, initiate crossover dribbles, and keep the ball away from defenders in a triple-threat pose. For the first time, NBA 08 includes comprehensive audio commentary from top broadcast talent Kevin Calabro of the Seattle SuperSonics for play-by-play and former NBA great Mark Jackson for color analysis. Finally, the game introduces a never-before-seen Key Control system, where players can issue commands to specific primary players, creating a more "team-based" gaming environment that mimics real play dynamics in the NBA. With a completely reworked user interface, updated character models and environments, and revised online system with player profiles and quick play options, NBA 08 brings an unsurpassed basketball experience to PS3.

NBA 08 for PSP introduces the new Block Party compilation of mini-games specifically designed for players to enjoy quick gaming action anytime. Block Party delivers a host of new mini and carnival style games including Fast Break, Block-a-Shot, and Shootin' Bricks, to provide fans with traditional and non-traditional basketball gameplay. In the enhanced Conquest mode, players challenge various cities to expand their territory domination, with added player and team training as well as city upgrades where players will go from challenges in training centers to playing in full-blown arenas. Additionally, NBA 08 for PSP includes revamped gameplay mechanics and Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) to create a more realistic and action-oriented experience. Combining quick pick-up-and-play mini-games with more in-depth Conquest and Season modes, NBA 08 for PSP offers the most complete portable NBA package available for fans.

For PlayStation 2, fans can play the third installation of The Life with NBA 08's "The Life: v.3." In this chapter, players will look to create an NBA dynasty as Coach T. roams the sidelines during his last season. Offering more than 60 different game scenarios, The Life now allows players to experience playing all five starting positions. NBA 08 for PlayStation 2 delivers new play-by-play commentary and improved A.I. as well as enhanced on-court and crowd audio. With two-dozen mini-game challenges, online access, and an all-new soundtrack, NBA 08 once again adds up to a robust basketball experience that further brings quality content to PlayStation 2.

Marketing efforts for NBA 08 include a multi-million dollar marketing campaign across TV, radio, print, and online, that will run nationally throughout the entire National Basketball Association® season. Additionally, NBA 08 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 08 "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 console, the PlayStation®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 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.

Visit us on the Web at http://www.us.playstation.com/

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SOURCE: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

CONTACT: Ron Eagle, +1-858-824-5585, Ron_Eagle@playstation.sony.com, or
Alex Armour, +1-858-824-4648, alex_armour@playstation.sony.com, both of Sony
Computer Entertainment America Inc.

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