FOSTER
CITY, Calif., September 8, 2004 - Demonstrating the massive appeal of
the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and its software
library, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. today announced five
additions to its PlayStation®2 "Greatest Hits" lineup: Jak
II(tm), Ratchet & Clank®: Going Commando, Rise to Honor(tm), SOCOM
II: U.S. Navy SEALs and ATV Offroad Fury®2. Today's announcement marks
a total of 87 "Greatest Hits" titles for PlayStation 2.
To
qualify as a PlayStation 2 "Greatest Hit" a title must have
sold 400,000 copies, proving to be a driving force in driving software
sales and heightening the demand for the hardware that supports it.
PlayStation 2 "Greatest Hits" games are available in stores
for as low as $29.99, providing an incentive for casual gamers.
"We
are proud to deliver the most impressive, compelling gaming experience
to millions of consumers around the world," said Andrew House,
executive vice president, Sony Computer Entertainment America.
"This holiday season, we are excited to introduce our latest
'Greatest Hits' titles, presenting users with the best entertainment
experience they can imagine, all while further extending the PlayStation
2 value proposition."
The
success of Jak II, Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando, Rise to Honor,
ATV Offroad Fury 2 and SOCOM II: U.S. Navy SEALs validate Sony Computer
Entertainment America's leadership position in both the online and
offline gaming market. Through games like SOCOM II and ATV Offroad Fury
2, Sony Computer Entertainment America has claimed the largest online
console gaming community in North America. In fact, SOCOM II is one of
the most widely played online titles, garnering more than 370,000 player
hours per day. In addition, more than 30,000 simultaneous users are
logging on each day, far more than any other console title on the
market. SOCOM II: U.S. Navy SEALs fans are able to access the games'
online community at no extra charge, using the broadband service of
their choice - a feature that can only be offered by a company that's
committed to providing innovative content and the greatest degree of
access at the best value.
About
Recently Added "Greatest Hits" Titles:
ATV
Offroad Fury 2 provides intense, free-roaming offroad racing
gameplay, packed with additional courses, large environments, extra
modes, mini-games, ATVs and all-new online gameplay for an immersive
racing experience.
Rated
"E" for Everyone.
Jak II
combines adventure, action-platform, puzzles, strategy, racing and
exploration into one vast, epic interactive experience. Winner of
numerous awards and one of the hottest titles of the year, Jak II stuns
players with its innovative character designs and animations, superior
technology and spectacular graphics.
Rated
"T" for Teen.
Ratchet
& Clank: Going Commando takes consumers on a high flying,
inter-galactic, sci-fi, action-shooting adventure filled with plenty of
explosions and devastation. Featuring brand new experienced-based
character growth and weapons upgrade systems, beautifully diverse
environments, an engaging storyline and a unique arsenal of the coolest
weapons and hi-tech gadgets ever imagined.
Rated
"T" for Teen.
Rise
to Honor represents three years of collaboration with Jet Li and
acclaimed action director, Cory Yuen to produce the grand master
champion of action-fighters. Rise to Honor incorporates a unique 360°
fight system that puts players in the center of the action by allowing
them to simultaneously battle multiple enemies. In addition to
hand-to-hand fighting, players will engage in intense gunplay,
single-player fighting sequences, contextual action and the opportunity
to use single and double-stick weapons, all featuring unique and dynamic
animations.
Rated
"T" for Teen.
SOCOM
II: U.S. Navy SEALs is one of the most popular online games of all
time, selling over 900,000 copies in its first 100 days on store
shelves. SOCOM II places you in the role of an elite SEAL commander
whose team's orders are simple - strike targets of importance within 12
all new intense international missions ranging from Algeria, Albania,
Brazil and Russia.
Rated
"M" for Mature.
About
Sony Computer Entertainment America
Sony
Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the
entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation® and PS one(tm) game
console, and the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment 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.
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 and the
PlayStation 2 computer 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.