LADYDRAGON.COM - KONAMI GRINDS INTO ACTION WITH THE RELEASE OF EVOLUTION SKATEBOARDING

Thursday October 10, 2002

KONAMI GRINDS INTO ACTION WITH THE RELEASE OF EVOLUTION SKATEBOARDING

Revolutionary Extreme Sports Videogame Includes "Boss Battle" Feature That Allows Players To Use Skateboarding Skills As A Weapon

Leading video game publisher Konami of America, Inc. announced today that Evolution Skateboarding for Sony PlayStation® 2 has shipped to retail outlets nationwide. The first next-generation skateboarding game to ship this season, Evolution Skateboarding features an exciting mix of authentic tricks and pro-skaters, incredibly detailed graphics and out-of-this-world fantasy levels. The introduction of Boss Characters – a first in the genre – revolutionizes extreme sports videogames by integrating game play elements inspired by Konami’s rich action videogame legacy.

"This is truly an evolutionary step in extreme sports videogames," said Justin Kubiak, Product Manager for Konami of America. "Evolution Skateboarding takes the best elements of the popular skateboarding genre and infuses them with the style of action-packed gameplay that only Konami can provide."

From the deep, dark dungeons of a European castle to the familiar walkways of the Big Shell from Metal Gear Solid®2, virtual skaters can grab massive air and perform over 70 authentic tricks in eight radical environments. Selecting different skaters reveals access to unique areas of each level, as well as individual mission objectives, providing replay value unmatched by any other skateboarding game on the market.

In order to really strut their stuff, skaters will have to polish their skills for exciting new "Boss Missions" – the first-ever featured in a skateboarding videogame. Going head-to-head against giant opponents including a runaway truck, a monstrous fire-breathing spider, and a tank run amok in downtown Tokyo requires skaters to use their skating skills as weapons in order to reach the next level or unlock hidden characters and special items.

Eight pro skaters, including Danny Way, Arto Saari, Stevie Williams are available, but players can tailor their skateboarding experience by designing their own deck, building and saving signature combo tricks and even creating their own personalized skaters from scratch. An incredible head-to-head two-player mode and full-featured replay edit mode round out the package. All this and a soundtrack featuring 15 high-intensity tunes ensure that Evolution Skateboarding is the first and the freshest skateboarding game available this Fall!

Evolution Skateboarding for Sony PlayStation® 2 is rated T for Teen and is available at an SRP of $39.99. A version of the game for Nintendo GameCube™ will follow on November 12, 2002 and will be available at an SRP of $49.99.

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 Castlevania, among other top sellers. The latest information about Konami CORPORATION can be found on the Web at www.konami.com/usa. Konami Co., Ltd. Is a publicly traded company based in Tokyo, Japan with subsidiary offices, Konami of America, Inc. in the US and Konami of Europe in Frankfurt, Germany.