Namco Announces "SoulCalibur(R) III"

Bandai Namco | SANTA CLARA, Calif., (March 24, 2005) - Leading video games publisher and developer Namco Hometek Inc. announced today "SOULCALIBUR^® III," the latest installment in its celebrated weapons-based fighting franchise, is scheduled for release exclusively on the PlayStation^®2 computer entertainment system in 2005. Featuring three all-new characters, a groundbreaking character customization system and original gameplay modes, "SOULCALIBUR III" continues the storyline of legendary fighters in pursuit of the all-powerful Soul Edge.

"'SOULCALIBUR III' expands upon the landmark achievements of the franchise, and is undoubtedly one of the must-have games for PlayStation 2 owners in 2005," said Yoshi Niki, Business Unit Director with Namco Hometek Inc. "With a robust character creation system, jaw-dropping graphics and a large selection of fighters, 'SOULCALIBUR III' gives players the ultimate opportunity to immerse themselves in one of the most beloved series in gaming."

"SOULCALIBUR III" offers players unprecedented variety in gameplay modes and fighting styles. Gamers can guide the fate of their favorite character in the narrative Tales of Souls Mode, play head-to-head with a friend in Vs. Mode, create their own custom fighters in Character Creation Mode, battle as their custom fighter in a real-time simulation in Chronicles of the Sword Mode, engage in unique and original battles in Soul Arena Mode and even recount the history of the franchise in Museum Mode. Also, the addition of three new characters to the existing family of classic warriors gives "SOULCALIBUR III" a collection of more than 25 playable characters, each with their own unique fighting style. New characters Zasalamel, Tira and Setsuka will engage in combat within all-new stages, further enhancing the game's unmatched epic scope and trademark weapons-based fighting engine.

For more details on "SOULCALIBUR III", please visit http:www.namco.com.

About Namco Hometek Inc.

Namco Hometek Inc. is the U.S. consumer division of Namco Limited, a Tokyo-based world leader in the high-tech entertainment industry. Based in Santa Clara, CA, Namco Hometek Inc. is an award-winning video games publisher for next generation game consoles. Namco has created some of the industry's greatest video game franchises: "SOULCALIBUR^®," "Tekken^®," "Dead to Rights^®," "Pac-Man World^TM," "Ridge Racer^®," "Time Crisis^®" and "ACECOMBAT^TM". For more information about Namco and its products log onto www.namco.com.

"SOULCALIBUR^®," "TEKKEN^®," "PAC-MAN WORLD^TM," "Ridge Racer^®," "Time Crisis^®" and "ACECOMBAT^TM" are trademarks or registered trademarks of Namco Limited in the United States and/or other countries.

"Dead to Rights^TM" is a trademark or registered trademark of Namco Hometek Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.

"SOULCALIBUR^®III" & (C)1995 1998 2002 2003 2005 NAMCO LTD., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Contacts:

Kit Ellis

Kohnke Communications

(415) 777-4000

[email protected]

- or -

Kristin Calcagno

Namco Hometek Inc.

(408) 235-2132

[email protected]