Press Release: Death Comes to PSP!

Konami of Europe today announced plans to publish Death, Jr., one of the most highly anticipated launch titles for the forthcoming PSP^TM handheld video game system. Already creating a huge buzz in the video game industry for its surprising amount of visual effects - including a unique particle-effect system and sophisticated 3D engine - Death, Jr. is emerging as a must-have title for PSP.

"Death, Jr. is poised to be one of the most groundbreaking launch titles on any platform," said Hans-Joachim Amann, Head of Product Management of Konami of Europe. "Its original character design, innovative concept and visually stunning gameplay make Death Jr. an incredibly compelling game for the new PSP."

Developed by Backbone Entertainment, Death, Jr., seamlessly blends first-person shooter elements with third-person platforming action that serve up a large dose of intense gameplay and weapon-heavy combat. The game stars Death, Jr., a mischievous youngster who embarks with his friends on a school field trip to the local museum. When the group sneaks away to explore on their own, they unwittingly unleash an ancient evil from a mysterious locked box. Now, facing near insurmountable odds and the threat of being grounded and sent to military school, Death, Jr. and his pals must fight hoards of demons and their wicked master Moloch through the museum's displays and surrounding town before anyone else finds out.

In order to avoid getting in trouble, and to save his friends from eternal suffering at the hands of Moloch, Death, Jr. must eliminate the evil demon scourge that has taken over the town. Armed with a mighty scythe, which serves as both a weapon and unique platforming tool, and an arsenal of guns and explosives, Death, Jr. will battle through numerous action-filled levels towards a final confrontation with Moloch himself.

"We're thrilled to be working with Konami," said Jon Goldman, CEO of Backbone. "Konami's experience with successfully launching new franchise titles is second to none, and we can't imagine a better partner to be working with on Death, Jr."

Originally, Death Jr. was created as a character and a world to show off developer Backbone Entertainment's 3D engine technology. Over the past months, Death, Jr. has created such a huge buzz at this year's Game Developer Conference and Electronic Entertainment Expo, it has now become a hot property in the entertainment industry.

"It's just amazing how well the Death, Jr. character has been received," said Andrew Ayre, President of Backbone. "The excitement from the press and consumers alike has been thrilling." Death Jr. is well on its way to becoming a cross-media phenomenon. In addition to being one of the first announced launch titles for the PSP, Death, Jr. also has a comic book published by Image Comics^TM, a toy and collectibles line by Gentle Giant^TM and a movie currently in production.

Look out for more information about Konami's Death, Jr. in the weeks to come.

About PSP^TM
PSP^TM is a new handheld video game system that allows users to enjoy 3D games, with high-quality full-motion video, and high-fidelity stereo audio. With graphics rendering capability comparable to that of PlayStation 2, PSP features a 4.3 inch widescreen, high-resolution TFT display. PSP also adopts a newly developed compact but high-capacity (1.8GB) optical disc, Universal Media Disc (UMD^TM), as its storage medium. With a wide range of accessories and connectivity options, including Memory Stick, USB 2.0, IR port and WiFi wireless LAN, PSP is the new entertainment platform from PlayStation.

About KONAMI CORPORATION
Konami Corporation is a leading developer, publisher and manufacturer of electronic entertainment properties, specializing in the home video game market. Konami Corporation's action and adventure titles include the popular franchises Metal Gear Solid, Silent Hill and Castellanies, among other top sellers. The latest information about Konami can be found on the Web at www.konami.com. Konami Corporation is a publicly traded company based in Tokyo, Japan with subsidiary offices, Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. in the US and Konami of Europe in Frankfurt, Germany. Konami Corporation, the parent company of Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. is traded in the United States on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol KNM. Details of the products published by Konami of Europe can be found at www.konami-europe.com/gs

About Backbone Entertainment
Backbone Entertainment is one of the largest and leading independent game developers in North America. Formed from a merger between ImaginEngine and Digital Eclipse, the company has studios and offices in Emeryville, CA; Vancouver; Boston; Los Angeles and Honolulu. With more than 10 years of history, the company has developed more than 200 titles on all platforms, including several million-unit sellers.
Death, Jr., the Death, Jr. character, and the Pandora characters are trademarks of Backbone Entertainment. All rights reserved © 2004, Backbone Entertainment. KONAMI is a registered trademark of KONAMI CORPORATION. "PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks and PSP is a trademark of SCEI.

Death Comes to PSP!

Konami announces plans to publish Death, Jr for PSP handheld video game system