Dark Cloud(R) 2 Delivers Unique and Refreshing Gameplay to Role-Playing Game…

Dark Cloud(R) 2 Delivers Unique and
Refreshing Gameplay to Role-Playing Game Genre

Greatest Hits Title Returns With Sequel
Exclusively on PlayStation(R)2

FOSTER CITY, Calif., Feb. 21 /PRNewswire/ —
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today the release of Dark
Cloud(R)2, an imaginative, invigorating and vibrant 3D action-adventure,
role-playing game (RPG) developed exclusively for the PlayStation(R)2 computer
entertainment system. The follow-up to the successful 2001 release, Dark Cloud 2
features a new character-driven story with two playable characters, an enhanced
graphical look utilizing cell-shading technology, the return of the GEORAMA —
the unique ability enabling players to create, build and customize a fully
interactive, 3D world, and the introduction of the Invention System which allows
players to create an array of items for later use in battle and exploration.

The original Dark Cloud was released in May
2001 on PlayStation 2 and was greeted with much enthusiasm by consumers. Only
nine months after its release, the game became a bonefide hit and entered the
"Greatest Hits" program.

"Dark Cloud 2 brings with it even more
elements of what made the first title so popular," said Ami Blaire, director,
product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "By combining fast-paced
action, strategy, puzzle-solving, mini-games and world-building with
conventional exploration and battle elements, Dark Cloud 2 delivers a
revitalizing and fresh look to the RPG genre that will satisfy fans of the genre
and supporters of the first game, as well as those looking for a unique gameplay
experience."

The compelling saga of Dark Cloud 2 will
captivate gamers as they undertake the roles of two playable characters —
Maximilian and Monica. Maximilian is a young inventor with the heart of a hero
who always lets curiosity get the better of him. Monica is a skilled warrior
from the future and a master of magic who favors her graceful sword and
possesses a magical bracelet. When Maximilian, who has never set foot outside of
his town, uncovers a secret involving the fate of the world, Monica leads
Maximilian on a journey through the past, present and future to prevent an evil
madman from destroying the world. In the process, they find themselves assisting
a diverse group of villagers, battling monsters, rebuilding the world and
unlocking secrets that will lead them to their ultimate destiny.

One of the biggest enhancements made in Dark
Cloud 2 is the introduction of an innovative new gameplay mechanic called the
Invention System. When players portray Maximilian, they will obtain a camera
during the early part of the game that they can use to take photos within the
environment. These photos help to give Maximilian ideas on items he can create
for later use to assist him in battle and exploration. Dark Cloud 2 allows
gamers to play as either Maximilian or Monica, both who have their own set of
weapons and abilities. The game features an enhanced detailed weapons system,
allowing players to upgrade their weapons by leveling up, spectrumizing,
synthesizing or building them up. In addition, Dark Cloud 2 features an improved
battle system including close and long range attacks, special maneuvers and
evasive moves. Max’s "Ridepod" inventions are capable of combating the toughest
of enemies and Monica can morph into various monster forms during battles, to
trick her enemies.

The innovative GEORAMA element returns in
Dark Cloud 2, where players can create and build a fully interactive, 3D world,
and then immediately roam through their newly constructed environments, all in
real-time. This time around, however, players can fully customize everything
from choosing the color of a house to where the chimney should be placed,
allowing players to take full ownership of how they want to create the world
they are building so that the future can flourish. As Maximilian or Monica,
gamers will travel to the future completing various tasks and goals to see the
result of their GEORAMA building, and sometimes will pick up new clues or
objectives in the process.

In conjunction with the release of Dark Cloud
2, Sony Computer Entertainment America is unleashing a major marketing campaign
behind the title with national broadcast and print media, gaming publications,
Web sites and retailers.

Support will be provided in the
following categories:

NATIONAL BROADCAST/CABLE
ADVERTISING:The television campaign targeting ages 13 and older for Dark Cloud 2
will kick off this month and run in various time slots on major network, cable
and syndicated programming continuing through April 2003. One 30-second
execution will air on Primetime and Late Night including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, UPN
and WBN networks, reaching viewers of "South Park," "Roswell," "SportsCenter,"
"Blind Date," "Buffy The Vampire Slayer," "Seinfeld," "Friends," and Home
Improvement." Targeted Cable programming will also be utilized, with spots
running on BET, ESPN, ESPN2, FoxFX, Comedy Central, TNN, MTV, Sci-Fi Channel,
TBS, USA, VH1, WGN and G4.

NATIONAL PRINT/ONLINE ADVERTISING:

To support Dark Cloud 2, a print advertising
campaign will reach millions of readers through a wide range of national
consumer publications including Maxim, Stuff, FHM and Spin, comic and
role-playing game magazines such as Wizard, Anime Invasion, Inquest Gamer,
Dragon, Animerica, Dark Horse, DC Comics — Teen, Marvel Comics Jr. and Top Cow
and targeted industry gaming magazines including Electronic GamingMonthly, The
Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine, GameNow, Game Informer, PSM, GamePro, PLAY,
PSE2, Tips & Tricks and Silicon Magazine.

The independent Entertainment Software Rating
Board (ESRB) rates Dark Cloud 2 "T" for "Teen. 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) game
console 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 game console and develops, publishes, markets and distributes
software for the PlayStation 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.

NOTE: Visit us on the Web at

http://www.playstation.com
.

SOURCE Sony Computer Entertainment
America Inc