August 21, 2006
Kobe Bryant Scores the Cover of NBA ’07
Three-Time NBA Champ to Endorse Basketball
Franchise Featuring Acclaimed Behind-the-Scenes Mode ‘The Life: Vol. 2’
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
announced today that Los Angeles Lakers guard and eight-time NBA All-Star Kobe
Bryant will suit up as the cover athlete and spokesman for NBA ’07, due to hit
stores in Fall 2006, exclusively for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment
system and PSP(R) (PlayStation(R) Portable) system. Having just completed his
10th season with the Lakers, Bryant led the league in scoring with 35.4 points
per game and put up the second highest NBA single game point total in history by
scoring 81 points against the Toronto Raptors on Jan. 22, 2006.
Drafted in 1996 out of Lower Merion High School
in Philadelphia, Bryant made his official league debut at 18 years of age and
has since solidified his standing as one of the most explosive and clutch
players in the game. During his career Bryant has gained entry into the record
books in numerous categories, including being the youngest player to start an
NBA All-Star Game (1998), reach the 10,000 point mark (2003) and be named to the
NBA’s All Defensive Team (1999-2000). In addition to helping the Lakers win
three consecutive NBA championships from 2000-2002, Bryant has been selected
eight times as a starter for the Western Conference All-Star team and has earned
All-NBA Honors in each of the last eight seasons.
"Kobe Bryant has distinguished himself as one of
the truly elite players in the NBA and we are thrilled to have him represent NBA
’07 as our newest cover athlete," said Sharon Shapiro, senior director,
promotions and sports product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America.
"With his explosive game and storied rise to the top of the NBA’s ranks, Bryant
is a great ambassador for NBA ’07 and its unique gameplay-driven story mode ‘The
Life: Vol. 2.’"
NBA ’07 builds upon the depth and authenticity
introduced in last year’s game by hitting the hardwood with new features,
enhanced gameplay, and a return to the immersive inside experience of life in
the league. In Volume 2 of the acclaimed Life Mode, players not only continue to
experience the ups and downs of life in the NBA but will also delve further into
team politics, press conferences, endorsement deals, and the contentious
relationship between returning characters The Kid and Big W.
NBA ’07’s The Life Vol. 2 introduces the ability
to play from the perspectives of both The Kid and Big W at various stages,
further building the story of their rivalry and highlighting the glory and
anguish of NBA stardom. Additionally, players can challenge Big W and others for
league MVP honors based on overall skill progression and head-to-head match ups.
NBA ’07 includes refined core gameplay elements including new mechanics for
stealing, passing, and shot selection as well as more intuitive Artificial
Intelligence (AI). Additionally, an all-new Open 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.
NBA ’07 features more than a dozen mini-games
including favorites such as 21, Own the Court, and 3-Point Shootout. "Showtime
Gameplay" returns, providing players the opportunity to manage and balance a
variety of game time elements including temperamental crowds, eager teammates,
and individual basketball skills. With online access to compete in a variety of
leagues and tournaments, EyeToy(R) functionality, and an all-new soundtrack, NBA
’07 is prepared to deliver the most realistic professional basketball experience
available — on and off the courts.
The independent Entertainment Software Rating
Board (ESRB) rating for NBA ’07 is "E" for Everyone. For more information about
ESRB visit www.esrb.org.
