LADYDRAGON.COM - The Mark of Kri(TM) Propels Epic Action, Adventure and an Innovative Combat System Onto PlayStation(R)2

Tuesday April 30, 2002

The Mark of Kri(TM) Propels Epic Action, Adventure and an Innovative Combat System Onto PlayStation(R)2

This Summer Title Offers an Exhilarating Adventure of Discovery and Conflict

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today the July 30, 2002 release of The Mark of Kri(TM), exclusively for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system.

Featuring gorgeous animation sequences with an immersive storyline and a unique combat system, The Mark of Kri is the first fully internally designed and developed title by Sony Computer Entertainment America's San Diego development studio.

Through artistically sketched in-game movies that blend seamlessly into gameplay with highly stylized characters, The Mark of Kri presents a new vision in merging art, movies, animation and gaming into one complete package for PlayStation 2. The collaboration of individual team members' expertise in traditional sketch drawing, the film industry, animation and game design converge to make this vision a reality for the leading next generation console.

Set in richly detailed 3D environments, each with its own distinct styles and themes, Rau, a fierce warrior, must battle the denizens of the dark world to prevent the invoking of an ancient spell that holds the power to unleash great evil throughout the land. Along with his loyal and trusted spirit guide, Kuzo, a large black bird, Rau embarks on an exhilarating journey that requires a combination of stealth, aggressive-action moves and calculated planning. Kuzo plays a strategic role in the quest with the ability to scout ahead to perches for a better view of looming danger, retrieve items and distract opponents. Grounded in realism and accentuated by captivating music from Juno Reactor, The Mark of Kri will keep gamers entertained for hours.

"With its unique combat system and intense strategic adventure, The Mark of Kri really is the 'thinking man's fighting game,'" said Ami Blaire, director, product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. "We are adding a truly unique title to the PlayStation 2 library that takes a whole new approach to adventure and action-fighting gaming never seen before."

The Mark of Kri offers a combat system like no other, in which the player can attack enemies in all directions while performing fluid animated combinations. Whether in stealth or combat mode, players use the right analog stick to "lock-on" to up to nine challengers at a time and can perform numerous dynamically detailed combinations to defeat increasingly persistent enemies. Using four powerful weapons, including a broadsword, bow and arrow, battle axe and the authentic and sacred Taiaha (spear) from New Zealand,Rau must defeat each enemy before advancing to the next area. Selecting targets and using the best weapon and tactic for the situation will takeprecedence over pure annihilation of the denizens.

Combining the power of PlayStation 2 with the rich talents of a varied development team, The Mark of Kri denotes the addition of another innovative and unique title for the catalog.

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has rated The Mark of Kri "M" for Mature.