Gaming News - June 2006

Foster City, CA (June 27, 2006) - Sony announced today the release of World Tour Soccer '06 for the PSP.

From Sony:

Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe's London Studios, World Tour Soccer '06 offers a host of quick and thrilling gameplay options as players attempt to take on the world's best from Africa, Asia, North America, South America and Europe, and ultimately dominate the Globe.

Redesigned specifically for the on-the-go gaming capabilities of the PSP system, World Tour Soccer '06 takes soccer fans in a new direction by providing unique, bite-sized gaming sessions in two new arcade-style modes of play, Medal Mode and World Tour Mode. Within those modes, World Tour Soccer '06 features 10 all-new point-based challenges that emphasize the fundamentals of the game such as passing, ball control, possession, and style of play, while also allowing users to advance and unlock the next challenge in a ladder type system.

Hardcore soccer fans seeking a traditional soccer simulation style of gameplay can jump into Exhibition Mode, which features 69 national teams, eight stadiums, and more than 1,650 world renowned players from around the globe. For quick wireless matches, up to four players are supported in Ad Hoc mode. Additionally, a unique game sharing function allows players to share a demo version of the game wirelessly with other PSP systems with only one copy of the game.

"World Tour Soccer '06 is ideal for gamers to pick up and play with its quick-paced, action packed challenges," said Sharon Shapiro, senior director, promotions and sports product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "With the PSP's mobile and wireless capabilities, combined with the multitude of new modes and different style of gameplay, World Tour Soccer '06 is sure to appeal to a wide range of players, from hard core soccer fans to gaming enthusiasts."

World Tour Soccer '06 for the PSP system welcomes the talent and brilliant soccer play of Pavel Pardo as its cover athlete and spokesman for the franchise. Pardo's determined defensive abilities and pinpoint shooting accuracy have made him someone to watch on the world's stage. Currently representing Mexico in the 2006 World Cup, Pardo's free-kick to teammate Omar led to Mexico's first goal, reinforcing Pardo's status as one of the team's premier playmakers and solidifying an opening round win against Iraq. Pavel Pardo's career began in 1993 and has since racked up 115 CAPS with his country, including his participation in the Olympic Football Tournament in Atlanta in 1996, only three short years after his debut. Pardo played in the 1998 World Cup, as well as the 1997, 1999 and 2004 Copa Americas, an annual tournament held in Peru. Upon culmination of the games in Germany this July, Pardo will return to his starring role on Mexico's first division team and one of their most successful clubs, Club America.