San Jose, Calif., Aug. 13, 2003 – Less than two weeks to go before the launch of the highly anticipated SOULCALIBUR®II video game, and the sales and marketing heat is on!   Namco Hometek Inc. announced today that the company’s multi-million dollar marketing campaign is in full swing and the retail community is throwing huge support behind the title’s launch. SOULCALIBUR®II will be available nationwide on August 26, for all major next generation console platforms.

"The launch of SOULCALIBUR®II is truly becoming an industry event," said Robert Ennis, chief financial officer for Namco Hometek Inc.  "The excitement being generated at retail for the title’s release has been tremendous.  Consumers can’t wait to get their hands on the game."

In the U.S., Namco Hometek Inc. is supporting SOULCALIBUR®II with an aggressive marketing campaign that includes broadcast, cable and syndicated television advertising; print and online advertising in enthusiast and general interest publications and websites; highly innovative pre-sell and launch promotions at retail; public relations; an entertainment industry seeding program; and heavy console-specific promotional activities, such as in-store kiosks, demo disks, event marketing and online promotions. Some of the top retailers around the country are launching “midnight madness” events that will offer consumers the opportunity to be among the first to play and own the game, as well as receive free food and drinks, and the chance to win prizes and gear.

“The retail and gamer communities are backing SOULCALIBUR®II in a major way,” said Garry Cole, senior vice president of sales for Namco Hometek Inc.  “The incredible retail promotional support and consumer pre-sell commitments we’ve already received have been a true testament to the power of the brand.”

A continuation of the popular SOULCALIBUR® series, SOULCALIBUR®II received the “Best Fighting Game” award at the 2003 Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles. Along with additional game content unique to the U.S. version, SOULCALIBUR®II features 10 game modes, console-exclusive characters, a host of unlockable characters and arenas, and over 200 collectible weapons and items.  The game is well positioned to exceed consumer expectations and take home even more awards by the year’s end. SOULCALIBUR®II delivers the intense fighting action that fans have come to expect of the series.

SOULCALIBUR®II is rated T for Teen and will be available in stores nationwide on August 26.

About Namco Hometek Inc.
Namco Hometek Inc. is the U.S. consumer division of Namco Limited, a Tokyo-based world leader in the high-tech entertainment industry. Based in San Jose, CA, Namco Hometek Inc. is an award-winning video games publisher for the next generation game consoles.  Namco has created some of the industry’s greatest video game franchises: Tekken, SOULCALIBUR, Dead to Rights, Pac Man, Ridge Racer, Time Crisis and Ace Combat.  For more information about Namco and its products log onto www.namco.com
 

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