Konami Announces Its Most Diverse And Innovative Lineup Ever At Electronic Entertainment Expo 2005
Presenting More Than 15 Games Across all Console and Handheld Platforms, Konami Showcases its World-Class Creativity and Reinforces its Position as an Industry Leader
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LOS ANGELES - Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) Booth #800 - May 17, 2005 - Konami Digital Entertainment - America, a division of Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., today revealed its blockbuster product lineup for the 2005 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles. With more than 15 titles for all platforms - including the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Xbox® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCubeTM, PSPTM portable entertainment system, Nintendo DSTM, and Nintendo Game Boy® Advance - being showcased at this year's event, Konami reinforces its position as an industry leader and trend-setter. Featuring titles across all genres, age groups, and skill levels, Konami continues to set new standards in the bustling music games category as well as impress gamers with original titles for the dominant handheld systems. Additionally, the company will introduce new additions to some of its most renowned franchises.
"Konami's 2005 lineup is the company's richest to date and highlights the creative talents and innovative thinking that is the foundation of our heritage in interactive entertainment," said Tommy Gotsubo, president of Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. "This year we have something to offer every type of gamer from our hit franchises to unique new properties on both home consoles and handheld platforms."
Below is additional information on Konami's E3 2005 titles (listed by genre):
MUSIC
beatmaniaTM
Release date: 2006
Platform: PlayStation 2
beatmania is a revolutionary new interactive DJ simulation game for the PlayStation 2, which combines high-energy pulsating music with cutting-edge videos. Utilizing a specially designed DJ controller and featuring more than 50 tracks, beatmania lets gamers feel the vibe, drop the beats and create the pulsing energy of a club in their own homes.
Karaoke RevolutionTM Party
Release date: 2005
Platform: PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube
Karaoke Revolution Party goes multi-platform for the first time and expands upon what has already made the franchise a popular hit. The series introduces the all-new "Sing and Dance" mode that combines Karaoke Revolution and Dance Dance Revolution into one fun-filled extravaganza, allowing players to sing and dance to the largest song list ever offered! With these new features, plus the support for EyeToyTM USB Camera (for PlayStation®2) and Xbox Live®, Karaoke Revolution Party will be the ultimate party game.
Dance Dance Revolution EXTREMETM 2
Release date: September 2005
Platform: PlayStation 2
The multi-million selling franchise returns to the PlayStation 2 with the added bonus of online play -- allowing dancers to go head-to-head with players from around the globe for the first time. Featuring smash hit songs, EyeToy Camera support and more unique modes and features than ever before, Dance Dance Revolution Extreme 2 pumps up the volume with over 100 minutes of energetic dance music.
Dance Dance Revolution ULTRAMIXTM 3
Release date: November 2005
Platform: Xbox
Dance Dance Revolution Ultramix 3 pushes the boundaries of Xbox Live to deliver the ultimate in
interactive dancing online while maximizing the offline modes for casual, beginner and advanced dancers. With the most robust gameplay and features to date, plus over 100 minutes of energetic dance music, Dance Dance Revolution Ultramix 3 is the ultimate evolution of the revolution.
ACTION
Castlevania®: Curse of DarknessTM
Release date: Fall 2005
Platform: PlayStation 2, Xbox
The latest game in the Castlevania series delivers an entirely new storyline, new main character and makes its debut on the Xbox. Players take on the role of Hector, a new hero in the Castlevania series, who had once refined his skills under Dracula. A Devil Forgemaster, Hector has the ability to cultivate powerful new allies to help defeat enemies throughout the game. Featuring strong RPG and adventure game elements, Curse of Darkness boasts innovative character growth and drastically improved enemy variation. The game's deep storyline unfolds against a backdrop of beautifully rendered and expansive environments.
Castlevania®: Dawn of SorrowTM
Release date: Fall 2005
Platform: Nintendo DS
The first title in Konami's legendary Castlevania series to be made for the Nintendo DS, this game continues the storyline that first emerged in the critically-acclaimed Castlevania®: Aria of SorrowTM. Taking full advantage of the DS' capabilities, Dawn of Sorrow allows players to exchange or trade acquired souls with other players via the DS wireless connection or utilize the touch screen to defeat evil spirits with the "Magic Seal System." Dawn of Sorrow also includes memorable characters such as Dracula incarnate Soma Cruz as well as an incredibly moving score, amazing graphics and stunning special effects.
Crime Life: Gang WarsTM
Release date: Fall 2005
Platform: Xbox, PC CD-ROM
Crime Life: Gang Wars is a gritty, free-roaming third-person action game with an epic storyline that takes gamers deep into urban gang culture. The game features an all-star cast of hip-hop artists, including the voices, likenesses, and original music from members of the hit rap group D12, and the voice of actor Jason Flemyng (Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels, and Snatch). With a focus on traditional beat-em-up fighting action and strategy, Crime Life: Gang Wars confronts gamers with a morally-infused storyline that delivers consequences for every action - good or bad.
Coded ArmsTM
Release date: Summer 2005
Platform: PSP portable
Coded Arms is a visually stunning first-person shooter that places the gamer in the role of a computer hacker who infiltrates an abandoned virtual reality system. Players will fight through six different game worlds, utilizing more than 30 different weapons to battle against various types of enemies. The game will also take advantage of the platform's wireless capabilities for intense multiplayer action. Delivering stunning graphics, intense firefights and a futuristic story, Coded Arms will be one of the PSP portable's premiere titles.
Death, Jr.TM
Release date: Summer 2005
Platform: PSP portable
Featuring one of the most unique new characters to enter the industry in years, Death, Jr. is among the most anticipated titles for the PSP handheld system. The game stars Death, Jr., the son of the Grim Reaper who is a mischievous youngster armed with a mighty scythe, which serves as both a weapon and unique platforming tool. Boasting some of the best graphics on the PSP portable, Death Jr. seamlessly blends first-person shooter elements with third-person platforming action and serves up a large dose of intense gameplay and weapon heavy combat.
Dragon BoosterTM
Release date: Fall 2005
Platform: Nintendo DS
Based on the popular animated series airing on ABC Family and Toon Disney, Dragon Booster is a fast paced third person racing/action game set in a fantastical world where humans and dragons coexist. When their peaceful way of life is disrupted, Beau, a legendary dragon, chooses Artha Penn, an ordinary 16-year old, to become a mythical hero known as the Dragon Booster. Play as Artha or his crew, race incredibly fast dragons, collect gear to make them stronger, and release the hero within!
Frogger®: Helmet ChaosTM
Release date: Fall 2005
Platform: PSP portable, Nintendo DS
The first 3D handheld game for the Frogger franchise with 3D environments and traditional 2D gameplay, Frogger makes his debut on the PSP portable and Nintendo DS. Players will go "hopping" mad on more than 30 levels of action. Incorporating the classic, addictive "hop and dodge" gameplay and a wide range of character moves that allow players to climb walls, double jump, tongue grab, and more, this latest escapade finds Frogger called upon to stop an evil force that threatens his home. For extra nostalgia fun, Helmet Chaos also includes the ability to unlock the original 1981 Frogger arcade game.
Frogger®: Ancient ShadowTM
Release date: Fall 2005
Platform: PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube
Frogger: Ancient Shadow is a beautiful 3D action platformer that merges the traditional Frogger "hop and dodge" gameplay with modern platforming elements for an exciting new challenge. Gamers join Frogger at his home in Firefly Swamp, where a dark secret has recently been uncovered and Frogger must save the day. Joining the hero on his adventures are two new playable characters with their own unique skills -- Lumpy and Berry. As a special bonus, retro fans can enjoy a blast from the past as they unlock the original Frogger arcade game!
S.L.A.I.TM
Release date: Fall 2005
Platform: PlayStation 2
Konami brings the first online mech combat game to the PlayStation 2 with S.L.A.I. (Steel Lancer Arena International). This fast paced mech action game is the sport of the future, where players pilot their customized mechs to win cash and worldwide dominance. Over 1 million possible mech configurations and phantom stealth abilities make this one mech party you'll have to crash.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles® 3: Mutant NightmareTM
Release date: Fall 2005
Platform: PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo DS
The Turtles are back to battle the nefarious Shredder and his evil Foot Ninjas in an all-new action game for consoles and the Nintendo DS handheld system. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 3: Mutant Nightmare lets amers play as their favorite Turtle and improve the character's abilities as they progress. Taking teamwork to the next level, TMNT3 adds features that make bashing bad guys even more fun as a group.
Yu-Gi-Oh! Nightmare Troubadour
Release date: September 2005
Platform: Nintendo DS
Yu-Gi-Oh! Nightmare Troubadour brings a new round of dueling action to the Nintendo DS. Utilizing the unique features of the DS, players will experience the world of Yu-Gi-Oh! on two screens with touch pad controls as well as engage in wireless duels and card trading. Featuring more than 1000 of the latest and greatest cards and packaged with three exclusive trading cards, the game boasts unique "friendship" and "time" features that enhance the interactivity of the game beyond any Yu-Gi-Oh! release to date.
ROLE-PLAYING
Lost In BlueTM
Release date: September 2005
Platform: Nintendo DS
This innovative RPG takes players on a journey of survival, adventure and mystery. After a disastrous incident at sea, the hero and heroine must work together and share responsibilities to survive. While planning their escape, they will learn survival skills, such as hunting, fishing, trapping, searching for food and building tools, as they uncover the island's many mysteries. Featuring a Dual Phase System, gamers gain a completely different gameplay experience when playing as the hero than they do as the heroine.
Shaman KingTM: Master of spirits 2
Release date: August 2005
Platform: Game Boy Advance
In this exciting, action-packed RPG, players will continue their quest to become the next Shaman King. Returning to the role of Yoh Asakura, players must traverse multiple stages filled with perils, enemies and traps in order to stop a diabolical shaman from resurrecting the evil "Guardian of Demons." To assist in the quest, players can collect the spirits of vanquished opponents and use them to help in battle. As players progress, they will build their skills and unlock special moves, combo systems and abilities.
Winx ClubTM
Release date: Fall 2005
Platform: PlayStation 2, Game Boy Advance, PC
Based on the first season of the hit animated series currently airing on Fox, Winx Club is an engaging RPG. Created for young gamers, Winx Club is filled with familiar characters and a strong storyline that will whisk players away on a fantastic interactive adventure. Fans will fall easily into the game's storyline which, like the TV series, emphasizes communication and relationships. Focusing on friendship, love, fantasy, fashion and music, the game is filled with community-based activities and collectibles as well as a wide range of magical moves and spectacular spells for hours of fun.
Ys: The Ark of Napishtim
Release date: Fall 2005
Platform: PSP portable
The Ys series is one of the most beloved RPG franchises of all time. Now on the PSP portable, gamers-onthe-go can experience the beautifully rendered environments, distinct storytelling, exciting plot twists and unique characters that set Ys apart from other action RPGs. Additionally, players can unlock new minigames and databases revealing the secrets of Ys, as well as listen to the game's complete soundtrack in the Ys Jukebox mode.
About Konami Corporation
Konami Corporation is a leading developer, publisher and manufacturer of electronic entertainment properties, specializing in the home video game market. Konami Corporation's action and adventure titles include the popular franchises Metal Gear Solid®, Silent Hill® and Castlevania®, among other top sellers. The latest information about Konami can be found on the Web at www.konami.com. Konami Corporation is a publicly traded company based in Tokyo, Japan with subsidiary offices, Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. in the US and Konami of Europe in Frankfurt, Germany. Konami Corporation, the parent company of Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. is traded in the United States on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol KNM. Details of the products published by Konami Digital Entertainment - America can be found at www.konami.com/gs.
""KONAMI" is a registered trademark of KONAMI CORPORATION.
"CASTLEVANIA" is registered trademarks of KONAMI CORPORATION ® 1986 2005 KONAMI & Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo
"Coded Arms" is a trademark of trademark of KONAMI CORPORATION. ® 2005 KONAMI.
Death, Jr., the Death, Jr. character, and the Pandora characters are trademarks of Backbone Entertainment. All rights reserved ® 2004, Backbone
Entertainment. KONAMI is a registered trademark of KONAMI CORPORATION. KONAMI is a registered trademark of KONAMI CORPORATION.
"PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks and PSP is a trademark of SCEI.
"S.L.A.I. STEEL LANCER ARENA INTERNATIONAL" is a trademark of KONAMI CORPORATION. ® 2005 KONAMI
"LOST IN BLUE" is a trademark of KONAMI CORPORATION.
® 2005 Konami Digital Entertainment ® 2003 Nihon Falcom Corporation.
"KONAMI" and "BEMANI" are registered trademarks of KONAMI CORPORATION. "beatmania" is a trademark of KONAMI CORPORATION. ® 1997
2005 KONAMI.
"KONAMI" and "Dance Dance Revolution" are registered trademarks of KONAMI CORPORATION. Dance Dance Revolution ULTRAMIX" is a trademark
of KONAMI CORPORATION. ® 1998 2005 KONAMI.
"Dance Dance Revolution EXTREME" is a trademark of KONAMI CORPORATION. ® 1998 2005 KONAMI KONAMI® is a registered trademark of
KONAMI CORPORATION.
® 2005 Mirage Studios, Inc. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ® and related logos, names, characters and distinctive likenesses thereof are trademarks of
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® 1996 KAZUKI TAKAHASHI
"Konami" and "Nightmare Troubadour" are trademarks or registered trademarks of KONAMI CORPORATION. TM, ® and Nintendo DS are trademarks of
Nintendo. ® 2004 NINTENDO. The ratings icon is a registered trademark of the Entertainment Software Association.
TM The Story Hat Properties, LLC, used under license by Alliance Atlantis. ® 2004 ApolloScreen/ApolloProScreen. ® 2003 The Story Hat Properties,
LLC. All Rights Reserved. Distributed by Alliance Atlantis.
Winx Club is not yet concept approved by Sony Computer Entertainment America.
Winx ClubTM logo, all related characters and elements are trademarks of Rainbow S.r.l ® 2005 All rights reserved.
"PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks and PSP is a trademark of SCEI. Xbox is a registered trademark of Microsoft
Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance are trademarks of Nintendo.
Media Contacts:
Konami Digital Entertainment - America Great Dane Consultants Bender/Helper Impact
Marc Franklin/Denny Chiu Tracey Thompson Adam Fenton/Stefanie Acken
650-654-5600 626-744-9608 212-689-6360
mfrankpr@konami.com/chewyd@konami.com tracey@gr8danepr.com adam_fenton@bhimpact.com