Sony Announces Rise of the Kasai for the PS2 in 2005

SPELLS AND INTENSE FIGHTING ABOUND IN
RISE OF THE KASAI, EXCLUSIVELY FOR
PLAYSTATION®2 IN 2005

Sequel to Highly Acclaimed
The Mark of Kri™
Offers Gamers Dramatic, Artistic Style Gameplay Combined with Online,
Collaborative Combat

LOS ANGELES, May 11, 2004
– Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
announced today that Rise of the Kasai, the sequel to the critically
acclaimed The Mark of Kri™, will return exclusively for the PlayStation®2
computer entertainment system in the first quarter of 2005. Developed by
Bottlerocket Entertainment Inc., Rise of the Kasai will be unveiled at
the Electronic Entertainment Expo 2004, and takes the proprietary combat system
to new heights with collaborative and online gameplay coupled with the familiar,
striking artistic presentation. As a single or two-player game, players will
reunite with both old and new characters and battle the denizens of more than 10
worlds to learn the origins of the Kasai, the Kri mark, and of
other spells that now threaten the land.

"We are delighted to continue our relationship
with the core team from the original game at Bottlerocket Entertainment Inc. for
Rise of the Kasai," said Ami Blaire, director, product marketing, Sony
Computer Entertainment America. "The intense and innovative combat system
combined with the distinctive art style and an inventive cooperative gameplay
experience will surely deliver an awe-inspiring and fully immersive adventure."

Rise of the Kasai
presents a new and innovative approach to fighting adventure games. With the
unique collaborative combat system in two-player mode, gamers can strategize
together, deciding how best to attack enemies in each situation and determine if
using a stealth approach, deadly weapons, or a combination will garner the most
carnage without being noticed. In single-player, one character will be
controlled by artificial intelligence and will naturally execute the best combat
tactics, while the human player must study the fighting scenario to determine
how to succeed, as both the computer and player work together to reach a common
goal of defeating all enemies in their paths. The level can then be replayed as
the opposite character, enabling players to experience all aspects of the game
and perfect fighting techniques. Using the right analog stick, up to nine
opponents in the player’s immediate proximity range can be attacked by using the
right analog stick to lock onto the targets and assign specific or multiple face
buttons to erupt lethal combos.

"At the foundation of Rise of the Kasai is
our unique combat system, but this time, gamers will be able to experience it in
a whole new way with online and multiplayer options," said Jonathan Beard,
president of Bottlerocket Entertainment Inc. "We have leveraged our individual
experiences in animation and game development to make Rise of the Kasai
larger and more dynamic than The Mark of Kri. Multiple forms of
entertainment including animation, gaming, and online play have been brought
together into one complete package for PlayStation 2."

The editorial community is already heralding the
anticipation of the franchise continuing on PlayStation 2 with IGN.com
naming the sequel to The Mark of Kri as one of the most anticipated
"Games of 2004" even before confirmation of Rise of the Kasai was
announced. At its release, The Mark of Kri was honored with "Editors
Choice" awards from IGN.com, Electronic Gaming Monthly and PSE2
and was later declared the winner in the category of Animation for "The Best
Looking Games on PS2" and "Action Game of the Year" (2002) by IGN.com.

– more –

SCEA – Rise of the Kasai, Sequel to The
Mark of Kri Announced for PlayStation 2

3-3-3-3

The main hero, Rau, and his trusted guide and
chronicler, Kuzo, return for the sequel along with new, stylized characters,
including Tati, Rau’s younger sister who has her own weapons, abilities and
purpose. With 10 captivating levels and numerous collaborative fighting stages,
gamers will start the journey by playing through events that took place 10 years
prior to the last game and then skip ahead to 10 years after The Mark of Kri
where new marks have taken hold. Players can either assume the role of Rau,
or Tati, each with their own deadly combos, unique animations and stealth
tactics. Battling together through richly detailed 3D environments, they must
discover the truth about the family’s dark secret and the origins of the
Kasai.

The independent Entertainment Software Rating
Board (ESRB) has not yet rated

Rise of the Kasai. 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® and PS
one™ game console, and the PlayStation®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.

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