Sony Computer Entertainment America Announces New PlayStation2 And PSP (PlayStation Portable) Software Titles To Be Unveiled At E3 2006
Software Lineup Includes Market-Leading Franchises and Original IPs for both thePSP and PlayStation 2 Systems
FOSTER CITY, Calif. May 4, 2006 - Sony
Computer Entertainment America announced a stellar line up of
new software titles due out this year for the market-leading
PSP (PlayStation®Portable) system and PlayStation®2
computer entertainment system, including nine new titles for
the revolutionary PSP system and five new titles for the most
popular gaming platform in North America, Europe/PAL
territories and Japan/Asia.
The PSP system and PlayStation 2 bring unparalleled gaming
experiences to consumers, and with the addition of these
action-packed first-party titles that span across multiple
genres, consumers can look forward to a wide variety of
exciting entertainment experiences for the coming year.
"Our goal for 2006 is to continue to lead and define the
market for interactive entertainment and our exciting
software line-up for the PSP and PlayStation 2 does just
that," said Jack Tretton, Executive Vice President, co-COO,
Sony Computer Entertainment America. "In addition to
providing gamers and retailers with exciting sequels to
best-selling franchises, we're continuing to broaden the
portfolio with terrific new content from some of our best
development teams, further demonstrating our dedication to
our long-term vision for the PlayStation 2 as well as
evolving the multimedia capabilities of the PSP
system."
Following a record-setting launch last year, the PSP system
has quickly become a cultural icon and a market-altering
force with more than 17 million units shipped worldwide. As
of this month in North America, there are more than 100 games
available for the PSP system and more than 350 feature films,
TV programs and videos from major studios combining with
downloadable content from the Internet to create an unmatched
library of entertainment content. The PSP system has also
served as an important driver in retail sales, bringing in
more than $1.6 billion as of calendar year 2005.
As the only gaming platform to enjoy such widespread global
success, to date, more than 103 million PlayStation 2 units
and approximately one billion pieces of software for the
PlayStation 2 have shipped worldwide, making it the
fastest-selling gaming platform in the world. According to
The NPD Group, PlayStation 2 continues to lead console unit
market share with 55.6 percent in the U.S., more than double
of any other console on the market to date. PlayStation 2
also leads on the software front with nearly a 70 percent
lead over any other competitor when it comes to software
titles available at market in March.
(Source: The NPD Group as of March 2006)
Below is a list of the highly-anticipated first-party PSP
system and PlayStation 2 titles due out this year:
ATV Offroad Fury ® Pro (Available October, 2006 / Not Yet
Rated)
The most intense handheld off-road racing package is back
with ATV Offroad Fury Pro for the PSP
(PlayStation®Portable) system. In addition to racing on ATVs,
players can now choose from more than 30 total vehicles,
including MX bikes, buggies, and Trophy Trucks to compete on
64 all-new tracks, including tracks from the original ATV
Offroad Fury titles. Supporting up to four players via
wireless multiplayer connectivity, gamers will speed through
more than 30 visually stunning environments with six distinct
terrain types and can choose from more than 60 unique tracks.
Featuring five new events, new vehicles and mini-games, and
cross compatibility with ATV Offroad Fury® 4 for the
PlayStation 2, ATV Offroad Fury Pro w ill provide players the
opportunity to tackle the trickiest off-road courses anytime,
anywhere.
ATV Offroad Fury® 4 (Available September, 2006 / Not
Yet Rated)
The multi-million selling ATV franchise is back this Fall for
an all-new installment of intense racing action with ATV
Offroad Fury 4 for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment
system. Select your favorite ATV, or for the first time in
franchise history, MX Bikes, Buggies, and Trophy Trucks to
race through 72 tenacious tracks on six different continents.
Featuring an all-new story mode, players will be able to live
the life of a rookie rider and earn a path to the ranks of
professional racer. Additionally, ATV Offroad Fury 4 adds
cross communication capabilities with ATV Offroad Fury® Pro
for the PSP system, including vehicle exchanges and upgrades,
shared online communities, and the ability to share user
created circuits. The game will support up to eight players
online, with other key features including a track editor as
well as extensive vehicle tuning and customization
options.
Gangs of London (Available Fall, 2006 / Not Yet
Rated)
Created by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe's London
Studio, developers of The Getaway franchise, Gangs of
London was designed specifically for the PSP
(PlayStation®Portable) system and will be presented in
stunning graphic-novel style narratives. Dynamic storylines
enable each player to experience their own unique progression
in nearly 60 different missions that immerse gamers in an
elite criminal underworld in modern day London. Offering a
variety of gameplay modes including Story Mode, Gang Battle,
Free Roaming, London Pub Games and a unique Game Sharing
mode, Gangs of London provides intense free-roaming gameplay
perfectly tailored for a handheld system.
God of War® II (Available Q1, 2007 / Not Yet
Rated)
Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment America's Santa
Monica Studios, God of War® introduced a groundbreaking,
combat action-adventure videogame based on Greek mythology
that went on to capture more than a dozen "Game of the Year"
Awards. In God of War, players were introduced to Kratos, a
mortal warrior, who set upon an epic quest to dethrone a God.
But his journey did not end there. In God of War II for the
PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system , players will
retake the role of Kratos. Armed with the deadly blades and
aided by new breath-taking magic and new brutal combat moves,
the journey will take players through vividly striking
environments where they will be faced with a labyrinth of
challenging puzzles and mini-games intricately woven into the
story. The violent world of Greek mythology will come to life
in gory detail as Kratos encounters new mythical characters,
and competes in epic boss battles in his quest to the far
reaches of the earth in order to alter that which no mortal,
or god has ever changed, his fate.
Killzone : Liberation (Available October 31,
2006 / Not Yet Rated)
Developed by Guerilla, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony
Computer Entertainment Europe, Killzone: Liberation for the
PSP (PlayStation®Portable) system is a third-person
action game that puts the players into various missions to
rescue hostages from the evil Helghast. Inspired by the
events in Killzone for PlayStation®2 computer entertainment
system (released in November, 2004), the story continues in
Killzone: Liberation with the battle against the Helghast
still raging on. Featuring an intelligent third person camera
system, Killzone: Liberation allows players a more tactical
surveillance viewpoint to view their action and read the
enemy's behavior during gameplay. Set in an intense
postmodern war reminiscent of the previous PlayStation 2
title, Killzone: Liberation features the unique graphical
style to showcase pure grit and realism. During gameplay,
players will have access to online and offline missions,
supported with a variety of weapons that are unique and
innovative, inspired by modern military equipment.
Lemmings (Available May, 2006 / Rated "E" for
"Everyone")
Developed by Team 17, Lemmings delivers the ultimate
in puzzle gameplay, perfect for quick, on-the-go gaming on
the PSP (PlayStation®Portable) system. In Lemmings,
players will guide a group of cute, but hapless little
creatures within each level from an entrance point to an exit
point. Fast reflexes and quick wits are necessary to ensure
the Lemmings don't walk to their doom. Disaster is at every
step, including the perils of raging rivers, steep cliffs,
pits of lava, and mechanical spikes that stand between the
Lemming masses and safety of the exit. Lemmings will feature
more than 150 levels, including new puzzles exclusively for
the PSP system. In addition, the game will host a new mix of
music, custom level creation, and wireless capability for
players to share newly created levels.
LocoRoco (Available September 2006 / Not Yet
Rated)
Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment Japan, LocoRoco
is an innovative 2D platform/action game available
exclusively for the PSP (PlayStation®Portable) system.
Featuring unique controls utilizing the "L" and "R" shoulder
buttons, players are tasked with controlling via "tilting or
bumping" the landscape of the LocoRoco in order to help them
navigate through the level and keep out of harm's way. With
more than 40 stages, players control and guide the LocoRoco
through vibrant, thriving and lush worlds filled with
slippery slopes, swing ropes and more. Featuring six
different types of LocoRoco that include their own voices and
actions, players will be enchanted by captivating music that
communicates the joyous world of these LocoRoco. In addition,
LocoRoco features the rewarding LocoHouse, three mini-games,
and wireless features.
NBA '07 - PlayStation®2 (Available September 2006 /
Not Yet Rated)
Developed by SCEA San Diego Studios, NBA '07 for the
PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system delivers the most
detailed and engaging NBA experience both on the court and
behind the scenes. Picking up where NBA '06 left off, NBA '07
hits the hardwood with new features, enhanced gameplay, and
"The Life: Volume 2." In the sequel to "The Life," gamers are
exposed to the successes and failures of life in the NBA both
on and off the court - this time as the league's star player.
An all-new Smart Shot Indicator provides a visual gauge of
the impact defense has on shot opportunities, and a new Power
Boarding System is now in place to offer a true 3D approach
for players to position themselves for rebounds.
Additionally, NBA '07 includes refined core gameplay elements
including new mechanics for stealing, passing, and shot
selection as well as more intuitive AI.
NBA '07 - PSP system (October 2006 / Not Yet
Rated)
Developed by SCEA San Diego Studios, NBA '07 for the
PSP (PlayStation®Portable) system brings fast, fluid
gameplay and delivers the most engaging portable NBA
experience available. Featuring new mini-games, players can
participate in an all-new rhythm-based dunk contest as well
as carnival-style games including pop-a-shot, skee-ball, and
pinball. NBA '07 also features a new Conquest Mode, where
players take a team and challenge NBA squads across the
country, as well as a new Pick Up Mode, where gamers can
choose from 10 randomly selected NBA players for a full game
match-up.
Ratchet & Clank ® : Size Matters (Available Q1,
2007 / Not Yet Rated)
Developed by High Impact Games, Ratchet & Clank®: Size
Matters is an all-new action platformer made exclusively for
the PSP (PlayStation®Portable) system. Ratchet &
Clank: Size Matters returns the franchise to its roots with
hallmark Ratchet & Clank gameplay sure to please fans of
the series. Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters features all
new gameplay for Ratchet's brainy robotic sidekick, Clank,
who steps out from the shadows to assume a prominent role
alongside Ratchet. Capturing all of the humor from previous
PlayStation 2 installments with engaging cinematics, Ratchet
& Clank: Size Matters will allow up to four players to
compete in action-packed wireless multiplayer gaming.
Rogue Galaxy (Available October, 2006 / Not
Yet Rated)
Developed by Level 5, Rogue Galaxy for the
PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system delivers an
unparalleled role-playing game (RPG) experience with visually
stunning backdrops, an immersive storyline with plenty of
unexpected twists, and a proprietary combat system that gives
the player total control of an epic adventure. Set in a vast
world, this action-RPG allows players to run, jump, swim,
climb, and engage in combat real-time, as they explore active
environments in a quest to locate a legendary planet. Players
can control up to three characters at a time, each colorfully
brought to life within highly detailed environments. In
addition to the compelling storyline, gamers will have access
to multiple sub-quests and be able to generate custom weapons
and items by creating their own factory.
SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 2 (Fall 2006 /
Not Yet Rated)
In SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 2 for the PSP
(PlayStation®Portable) system, players will c ommand a secret
subset of the most elite and deadly fighting force on the
planet through broad combat experiences including new
non-linear mission progression, over 40 authentic real world
weapons and a huge area of operation spanning multiple
terrain types and environments . Multiple players will once
again be able to form clans and take on their friends for
team based high-action gameplay via a Wi-Fi connection. Up to
16 players in close proximity in Ad Hoc mode, and online in
Infrastructure mode, can compete wirelessly through three new
game types across all new multiplayer maps and original
SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo maps. SOCOM: U.S. Navy
SEALs Fireteam Bravo 2 is complete with a variety of new
gameplay features including non-linear mission progression
and a persistent performance rating system. In this system
"Command Equity" points can be used to add new weapons to the
armory or purchase in-game air strikes and supply drops, and
a new "Local Influence" rating system gives players access to
black market weapons and intelligence from locals.
SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Combined Assault (Fall 2006 /
Not Yet Rated)
Protect America and freedom from enemy forces in urban and
rural warfare in SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Combined Assault for
the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system . The
PlayStation 2's top online gaming franchise continues its
assault with an all-new 4-player cooperative play, improved
enemy behavior and tactics, and new vehicles and weapons.
Command the most feared Special Forces team ever assembled
through a single, massive Area of Operation with varied
missions spanning across multiple diverse regions. Players
will have the ability to select an individual tactical
mission area that was previously completed, and play it as a
stand-alone, or 'Instant Action', mission in 4-player online
cooperative play. Players can then customize these Instant
Action missions for nearly endless replay. SOCOM: U.S. Navy
SEALs Combined Assault will also contain the full SOCOM 3:
U.S. Navy SEALs multiplayer online game with all maps,
patches and updates included and it will be completely
compatible with SOCOM 3 Online multiplayer. Improved
Crosstalk functionality between SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs
Fireteam Bravo 2 and SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Combined Assault
allows each game to have even more dramatic effects on the
progression of the other, in addition to unlocking special
features across the titles.
World Tour Soccer '06 (Available June, 2006 / Not Yet
Rated)
As four year's worth of waiting brings about soccer frenzy
and 32 nations prepare to compete in Germany this summer,
World Tour Soccer '06 for the PSP
(PlayStation®Portable) system lets soccer fans bring the game
with them anywhere, anytime. Redesigned specifically for
on-the-go gaming, World Tour Soccer '06 offers a multitude of
quick and thrilling game sessions and the opportunity to take
on the world's best from Africa, Asia, North America, South
America and Europe. To highlight the fundamentals of the
sport, World Tour Mode takes players through 10 all-new
challenges that emphasize passing, ball control, possession,
and style of play. Through Ad Hoc mode, World Tour Soccer '06
supports up to four players wirelessly and the unique game
sharing feature allows players to compete head-to-head with
only one copy of the game. World Tour Soccer '06 embraces the
brilliant and stylish play of Pavel Pardo as he joins the
franchise as its newest cover athlete. Pardo, who has over
110 international appearances, will take a break from his
starring role with Club America in Mexico's first division to
represent Mexico in this summer's World Cup.
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 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 is a new
portable 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 entertainment
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.