ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS(R)IX U.S. RELEASE ANNOUNCED

KOEI Corporation Unveils Next Installment of Legendary Series

Burlingame, CA - December 15, 2003 - KOEI, recognized worldwide as a leading publisher of strategy and simulation games, announced today its plans to release ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS IX for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system. The ninth installment of the longest running simulation series in console history will ship to North American Retailers in February 2004.

"Outside of Japan, long time fans of the Romance series have had to wait up to a year's time after the Japanese release for an English version of the game," said Amos Ip, Vice-President of Sales & Marketing for KOEI Corporation. "We've listened to the fans' many requests, and by adjusting our development schedule, we are now able to bring the epic title to North America only two months after the Japanese release."

About Romance of the Three Kingdoms IX

With Ancient China as the backdrop, the game chronicles the dramatic events of the 2nd and 3rd centuries when the once grand empire fell into civil war. While retaining many of the features that have become hallmarks of the Romance series, RTK IX (ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS IX) is vastly different from previous games in the series. Most notable is that players immediately take the rank of a Ruler. Traditionally reserved as the highest rank in the series, the role of Ruler will test any player's leadership, management and strategy skills.

As a Ruler, one of the keys to maintaining authority is a strong corps of loyal officers, so RTK IX's Officer Development System has been enhanced with a new point and item system. With the new point system, players earn points to increase officer abilities and skills. With the item system, certain items can further an officer's development, heighten intelligence or improve his abilities in war. Players can now use save data from Dynasty Warriors(TM)4, Dynasty Warriors 4 Xtreme Legends(TM) or Dynasty Tactics(TM)2 to obtain a new officer.

RTK IX's combat has evolved in many ways and takes place at a much higher tempo than previous games in the series. Players can handle political and military affairs at the same time, and as a result use diplomacy while under attack or shift strategies against enemy units in the midst of combat. Players can also build towers to defend bases or construct obstacles to hold back invasions. Furthermore, certain troop formations can activate specific tactics such as "Arrows" or "Crossbow," and with the new Tactical Combo System, players can set officer formations to unleash a barrage of tactics.

In addition to officers, foreign tribes are now a pivotal force and can help players protect their dominion. The "Wuwan", "Xi Qing", "Shanyue", and "Nanman" tribes have powerful armies, yet refrain from expanding their territories. If a player establishes relations with a tribe, the tribe may send reinforcements if needed. However, if the player declares war against them, the tribes may attack.

ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS IX also features:

•   New Personality Dependent System affects an officer's response to player commands

•   New display shows capital, troop movements, geography, enemy strongholds, and more all on a single map.

•   20 historical and fictional scenarios with multiple story endings and epilogues

•   Challenge Scenarios where players must clear a mission within a limited time

•   Character-specific events and clear bonuses

•   34 special event sequences

•   Over 30 different tactics and 12 military formations

•   A stirring score with 23 orchestrated pieces

•   Play with up to 8 characters at once

•   Updated Tutorial System

•   Hidden features and more

ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS IX is in development by KOEI's internal studios and is produced by Kou Shibusawa, who's previous credits include: the Nobunaga's Ambition(TM) series, Crimson Sea(TM), the Winning Post(TM) series, the P.T.O.(TM) series, and the Kessen(TM) series. ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS IX is exclusive to the PlayStation 2, and is a 1-8 Player game. The title is rated "RP" (Rating Pending) by the ESRB.

Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Nobunaga's Ambition, Crimson Sea, Winning Post, P.T.O., Kessen, Dynasty Warriors, Xtreme Legends, Dynasty Tactics, and the KOEI logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of KOEI Co., Ltd. in Japan and/or other countries. (C)2004 KOEI Co., Ltd. All rights reserved. All other titles are trademarks of their respective owners. "PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Dolby, Pro Logic, and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.

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