Santa Clara, Calif., (June 27, 2008) – Leading video games publisher and developer NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc., today announced a series of initiatives throughout the month of July for NARUTO™: Ultimate Ninja® STORM that will allow gamers to get an early glimpse at this hotly anticipated PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system exclusive title. From downloadable demos to appearances at some of the summer’s biggest consumer events, fans will be able to play and learn more about the game (based on the popular NARUTO™ animated television series from VIZ Media) for the first time as they fight in the world of ninja like never before.
The following activities are planned for NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja STORM in July:
- Downloadable demo: A NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja STORM demo will be available for free download from the PLAYSTATION®Network for all users on July 17, allowing players to enjoy the game’s massive one-on-one 3D ninja battles before the game ships to stores this fall. Featuring single player and head-to-head multiplayer modes, the demo lets players do battle as Naruto or Kakashi with special ninja support characters.
- Consumer event appearances: NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja STORM will be playable at Anime Expo 2008 (July 3-6, Los Angeles Convention Center) and Comic-Con International: San Diego (July 23-27, San Diego Convention Center), two of the summer’s biggest public events, allowing attendees to test their skills against other Naruto fans in multiplayer battles.
- Official Tournament: Starting at Anime Expo 2008 and Comic-Con International: San Diego, NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. will be hosting an official NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja STORM tournament at various public events throughout the summer. In a series of head-to-head matches, winners and runners-up will receive valuable and exciting prizes.
- Qore™: NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja STORM will be featured in the July installment of Qore: Presented by the PLAYSTATION Network, available for download on July 3. Featuring exclusive interviews and video content, this high-definition interactive lifestyle gaming program offers fans a behind the scenes look at the making of the game as well as early access to the downloadable demo.
Evolving the head-to-head fighting action of the Ultimate Ninja series, NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja STORM introduces full 3D ninja combat across huge environments and all-new free-roaming gameplay in Naruto’s Hidden Leaf Village and the Forest of Death. Taking advantage of an original next-generation graphics engine, NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja STORM utilizes fluid animation and incredible high-definition visual detail that allow gamers to become a part of the world of Naruto like never before.
Developed by CyberConnect2, NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja STORM will launch exclusively for the PLAYSTATION 3 system this fall, and is not yet rated by the ESRB. For more information, please visit www.ultimateninjastorm.com, www.naruto.com and www.hokagesroom.com.
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About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.
About NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc.
NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. is a leading interactive entertainment software publisher and developer based in Santa Clara, CA. The company is a part of the NAMCO BANDAI group of companies known for creating and publishing many of the industry's top video game franchises including the PAC-MAN®, SOULCALIBUR®, NARUTO™ and Tekken® brands. For more information about NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc., and our products log onto http://www.namcobandaigames.com/.
NARUTO™: Ultimate Ninja®: STORM software © 2004-2008 NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. All Rights Reserved. NAMCO BANDAI Games logo is a trademark of NAMCO BANDAI. NARUTO artwork and elements © 2002 MASASHI KISHIMOTO. All Rights Reserved. SHONEN JUMP and NARUTO are trademarks of Shueisha, Inc., in the U.S. and/or other countries. This product is manufactured, distributed and sold in North, South and Central American territories under license from VIZ Media, LLC.
“PlayStation”, “PLAYSTATION” and “PS” Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Press Release © 2008 NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc.
Contacts:
Kit Ellis
Namco Bandai Games America
(408) 235-2131
kellis@namcobandaigames.com
Maral Kaloustian
Weber Shandwick
(310) 854-8241
mkaloustian@webershandwick.com
