NAMCO ANNOUNCES LICENSED MUSIC FOR ACE COMBAT™5: THE UNSUNG WAR

Bandai Namco |

San Jose, Ca., (October 18, 2004) - Leading video games developer and publisher Namco Hometek Inc. announced today it has selected "Blurry" from Geffen recording artist Puddle of Mudd to serve as the title track for ACE COMBAT^TM5: The Unsung War, the company's next iteration in its premier aerial combat series of games. "Blurry" will be featured in the game's opening trailer and throughout several segments of the game. Developed by Namco Limited in Japan, ACE COMBAT 5 will ship exclusively for the PlayStation^®2 computer entertainment system this fall.

"The ACE COMBAT 5 development team had this song in mind when creating the game," said Yoshi Niki, Business Unit Director with Namco Hometek Inc. "We are delighted to offer licensed music from one of today's most recognizable modern rock groups to fans of the ACE COMBAT franchise."

Through relentless touring with bands such as Staind, Godsmack and Deftones -- along with support from Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst's signing of the band to Geffen's Flawless imprint -- Puddle of Mudd has become a recognized staple in contemporary modern rock. From the bandâ^TMs 2001 debut album, Come Clean, "Blurry" became the most played track on Modern Rock Radio in 2002 and earned the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) award for the most played song of the year. Come Clean has sold more than five million copies to date and has produced four top radio hits: "Blurry", "Control", "Drift and Die" and "She Hates Me." Additionally, Come Clean sold 116,000 copies in its first week of release - an industry record for a new rock act. The California-based foursome is currently touring in support of its November 2003 sophomore release, Life On Display.

ACE COMBAT 5 teams the intensity of squadron command with unforgettable dog fighting and real-life graphics to deliver the most power-packed experience to date in the renowned ACE COMBAT franchise. Offering a detailed storyline with more than 30 missions and 50 licensed planes, players are routinely challenged with air-to-air combat, air-to-ground fighting, air-to-sea assaults, rescue, recon and more. With the addition of Wingman Command, players can issue mid-mission directives to three wingmen and carry out coordinated group attacks. Additionally, in-game radio communications add additional depth, strategy and realism to the game's dynamic battle sequences.

For more information about ACE COMBAT 5, please visit acecombat5.namco.com.