Underground Fighting And High-Stakes Gambling Come To The PSP(TM) (PlayStation(R) Portable) System In The Con(TM)

Author: Sony

FOSTER CITY, Calif., October 18, 2005 - Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today the release of The Con^TM, an innovative 3D fighting game exclusively for the PSPTM (PlayStationPortable) system. Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment America and Think & Feel Inc., The Con combines the excitement of underground fighting with the intrigue of high-stakes gambling. Players compete in an underworld setting where fighting skills are equally matched by street smarts. During the fight, players can bet for or against themselves to take advantage of the odds and work the Con for the big payoff depending on if they win or lose.

In The Con, players create and customize their characters by learning and training reprogrammable fighting combinations based on five different brawling disciplines - Street Boxing, Wrestling, Kick Boxing, Tae Kwon Do and Jeet Kune Do .

"With The Con, we have created a fresh new approach to the fighting genre on PSP with a gambling twist," said Susan Nourai, director, online and product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "The Con lets gamers experience what it's like to be an ex-con fighter in it for the money where the outcome is not based on wins or losses, but rather how much money you make from working the crowd."

Gameplay Description For The Con

In The Con, players can train a fighter in Story Mode, where the ability to build up a team and implement match-up strategy plays an important role in gameplay. Players can gain experience and decide how quickly their character's fighting abilities enhance as well. Players can also access Quick Play Mode for arcade-style fighting.

Story Mode allows players to work towards paying off a debt, establishing a crew and earning enough money to "buy in" to the ultimate underground fighting tournament. Players can select a character or create their own by selecting various appearances and attributes that affect the fighters strengths. "Over-the-shoulder" camera angle puts players directly behind the action, and intuitive controls allow for easy entry for gamers of all ages. In addition, as the player progresses through the game, they can unlock new moves and create custom fighting combos through the use of the controller icons.

About Underground Gambling in The Con

Unique gambling/betting elements turn each fight into more than just a fight, but a gamble itself. Players can bet for or against themselves to take advantage of the current odds. Players can pull off a con by timing the placing of bets, taking dives or exaggerating punches (mid-fight) to tilt the odds and turn the tables of the fight for a major payoff. Use hard-earned cash to pay off debt, buy hundreds of items, recover faster after injury, or train for new combo techniques.

Wireless Features For The Con

In The Con, players have access to a variety of wireless features, utilizing ad-hoc mode that include both "game-sharing" and head-to-head fighting matches. During "game-sharing," players have the ability to fight each other via ad-hoc mode with players that don't have the UMD disc to participate in a head-to-head wireless match. Additionally, via ad-hoc mode with one other player, players can compete in various head-to-head fighting matches, as well raise the stakes by placing unlocked items on the line.

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has rated The Con "T" for "Teen." For more information about the ESRB visit www.esrb.org.

About Sony Computer Entertainment America

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation and PS oneTM game console, the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system and the PSPTM (PlayStationPortable). 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. PSP system is a new portable entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games, with high-quality full-motion video, and high-fidelity stereo audio.

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, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and the PSP 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.