KONAMI SHIPS DDRMAX DANCE DANCE REVOLUTION™ TO RETAIL OUTLETS NATIONWIDE

Partial Song List Revealed in the Mega-Popular Dancing Game Series

REDWOOD CITY, CA – October 29, 2002 – Leading videogame publisher Konami of America, Inc. announced today that DDRMAX Dance Dance Revolution (DDRMAX) for the Sony PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system has shipped to retail outlets nationwide. The first game in the revolutionary dance series created specifically for a next-gen console, DDRMAX is the most comprehensive Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) title to date, including never-before-released songs, full-motion video and high-resolution graphics. DDRMAX also includes a host of new gameplay features that will keep fans grooving, and the party going.

DDRMAX is rated E for Everyone and is available at an SRP of $39.99.

“Bringing the high-energy interactive experience of DDR to next generation technology enabled us to take this title and the series to the next level,” said Jason Enos, Product Manager at Konami of America. “People have been clamoring for a dance game of this magnitude and DDRMAX delivers. It is revolutionary to the max!”

Accurately capturing the excitement and enthusiasm of the arcade sensation, the home version of DDRMAX boasts the largest song selection to date, including licensed songs and international dance hits like “Sandstorm” by Darude, one of the most recognizable dance anthems to hit the radio airwaves.  With infectiously catchy music now set to full-motion video and high-resolution graphics, fans will enjoy a high-energy, high-impact dance experience. The game also includes options such as the LESSON mode, enabling novice players to raise their skill level, while the addition of the FREEZE ARROW provides a new dancing experience by, adding an element of complexity for the expert player. One popular feature making its return is the popular WORK OUT option, which now allows players to translate those calories burned during dance sessions to other activities such as jogging or swimming.  DDRMAX introduces a new nonstop challenge, called ONI mode, that puts player’s skills to the test as well as an informative section, called INFORMATION, that tracks players’ status throughout the game, offers insight into the music and announces when the player unlocks something new.

Widely appealing to dancers of all ages, DDRMAX makes use of an electronic dance pad that accurately tracks a player’s dance moves. Connecting the dance pad to a PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system’s controller port is simple and easy, enabling players to experience the full Dance Dance Revolution phenomenon in the comfort of their own living rooms.  The Dance Dance Revolution controller for the original PlayStation® game console is fully compatible with the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system.

Featuring over 70 songs, the largest Dance Dance Revolution in franchise history, players have immediate access to the 37 tracks below.  Through gameplay and player achievements, the remaining songs will unlock, creating even more dancing fun.

About Dance Dance Revolution

The original Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) game swept American pop culture into a dancing frenzy.  High profile U.S. media outlets such as “Good Morning America,” Newsweek, Los Angeles Times, Time and In Style have already enthusiastically reported on the game, confirming the title’s widespread popularity in the U.S. The best-selling dancing game has won over gamers, spawned a dedicated fan community and generated regional competitions and tournaments.

The original arcade game made its debut in Japan in October 1998 and quickly became the number-one gaming craze in the country. The first PlayStation® version of the game was released in Japan in March 1999 and boosted the franchise’s popularity even further, selling over 3 million units cumulatively. DDR hit the U.S. that same year in the arcades, and Konami of America introduced Dance Dance Revolution for Sony PlayStation® in March 2001, which developed a massive fan base. Subsequent releases include Dance Dance Revolution Disney Mix and Dance Dance Revolution KONAMIXä released for the Sony PlayStation® game console in September 2001 and April 2002 respectively.  Dance Dance Revolution made its first debut on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system with DDRMAX Dance Dance Revolution™ in October 2002.

To learn more about Dance Dance Revolution please visit: http://www.konami.com/ddr/

About KONAMI CORPORATION

KONAMI CORPORATION is a leading developer, publisher and manufacturer of electronic entertainment properties, specializing in the home video game market.  KONAMI CORPORATION’s action and adventure titles include the popular franchises Metal Gear Solid, Silent Hill and Castlevania, among other top sellers.  The latest information about Konami can be found on the Web at www.konami.com/usa. KONAMI CORPORATION is a publicly traded company based in Tokyo, Japan with subsidiary offices, Konami of America, Inc. in the US and Konami of Europe in Frankfurt, Germany.

DANCE DANCE REVOLUTION™, DANCE DANCE REVOLUTION KONAMIX™, DDRMAX DANCE DANCE REVOLUTIONä and BEMANIä are trademarks of KONAMI CORPORATION. KONAMI® is a registered trademark of KONAMI CORPORATION. ©1998 2002 KONAMI & KONAMI COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT TOKYO.  Product covered under one or more of the following U.S. patents: Des. 433,717;  Des.  431,267;  Des. 435,604 (Patents pending in the U.S.).  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

del.icio.us | Digg This | Glink It

---