Sony Computer Entertainment America Launches SOCOM II: U.S. Navy SEALs

Sony Computer Entertainment
America Launches SOCOM II: U.S. Navy SEALs for the PlayStation(R)2, Sequel to
the Number One Online Console Game

Featuring New Multi-Player Missions,
Weapons, and Enhanced Online Capabilities, SOCOM II: U.S. Navy SEALs Will Be One
of the Hottest Titles This Holiday Season and Beyond

FOSTER CITY, Calif., Nov. 4 Sony
Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today the launch of SOCOM II: U.S.
Navy SEALs, the sequel to last year’s number one online console game and
"Greatest Hit" title, SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs. Developed exclusively for the
PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system by Zipper Interactive, Inc., and
produced by Sony Computer Entertainment America’s Foster City Studio, SOCOM II:
U.S. Navy SEALs improves and expands upon its predecessor, a game already in the
hands of more than two million people worldwide.

SOCOM II: U.S. Navy SEALs, created
in association with Naval Special Warfare Command, places gamers in the role of
an elite SEAL commander trained to protect America from hostile forces
throughout the world, collaborating with international allied forces in unified
missions. Playable both in single-player offline and up to 16 players online
(broadband) via the Network Adaptor (Ethernet/modem) (for PlayStation(R)2) or
over a LAN (Local Area Network) connection, SOCOM II: U.S. Navy SEALs features
all new gameplay within an urban warfare theme, incredibly detailed graphics,
increased chat and online functionality, unique mission types, additional
weapons and more. Robust communication (voice and text chat) improvements make
SOCOM II: U.S. Navy SEALs one of the most interactive and dynamic team-based
games available to date.

 "In addition to launching a
global franchise, SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs demonstrates the demand and driving
force behind online gaming," said Ami Blaire, director, product marketing, Sony
Computer Entertainment America. "SOCOM II: U.S. Navy SEALs further expands the
franchise with 22 playable maps, the addition of new communication and chat
features, as well as all new weapons and armaments, reaffirming its role as the
online game of choice.

In online mode via broadband or LAN
gameplay, up to 16 players (eight per team) can join the fight to take down
hostile forces in 22 different online missions (12 new SOCOM II online missions
and 10 updated, enhanced SOCOM online missions) with five different mission
types including new "escort" and "breach" missions. Using the USB headset (for
PlayStation(R)2) or SOCOM headset (each sold separately), enhanced online
communication enables team members to more easily communicate either in-game or
in the game lobby while viewing the new "who’s talking" display, as well as use
voice alteration and sub-channels for offensive and defensive gameplay strategy.
Players can also utilize the friends list to find fellow gamers online or
conversely take advantage of an ignore list to deny communication with others.
Players can create customized games and match sets or join one according to
their rank, assuring compatible skill-level in online play. Featuring
interactive environments, the ability to call in air strikes and supporting
artillery fire capabilities, detailed player stat tracking and a spectator mode
where up to eight players can observe the action, the online gameplay in SOCOM
II is more robust and intense than ever.

In single-player mode, gamers must
battle through a combination of 12 intense international missions that take
place in both urban and rural settings, in various weather conditions and during
different times of the day in treacherous international locations such as
Algeria, Albania, Brazil and Russia. Some missions will require partnering with
other international Special Ops forces, including (Russian) Spetznaz and
(British) SAS units. Utilizing the best weaponry available, players will have at
their disposal all new items such as the AT-4, LAW (Light Armored Weapon), RPGs,
machine gun turrets, shotguns and other artillery to assure that victory is the
only outcome. In September, Sony Computer Entertainment America announced that
SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs had become a PlayStation 2 "Greatest Hit" title, as it
proved to be a force in driving software sales and a demand factor that lead to
the largest online console gaming audience.

The independent Entertainment
Software Rating Board (ESRB) has rated SOCOM II: U.S. Navy SEALs "M" for
"mature." For more information about the ESRB visit www.esrb.org.

About Sony Computer Entertainment
America Inc. Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the
entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation(R) and PS one(TM) game consoles,
and the PlayStation(R)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.

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