Gaming News - September 2006

Foster City, CA (September 25, 2006) - Sony today announced the release of NBA '07, exclusively for the PlayStation 2 and the PSP.

From Sony:

Shipping to stores across North America today, NBA '07 dishes out the perfect combination of ultra smooth gameplay from your favorite NBA players and teams, a variety of mini-games, all-new features and modes, and fast-paced NBA action. Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment's San Diego Studios, NBA '07 provides an unrivaled NBA experience at home or on the go, and delivers the most authentic on and off court basketball experience available.

NBA '07 for the PlayStation 2 system brings back the immersive inside look at life in the league with the genre-defining cinematic story mode "The Life: Vol. 2." This year, gamers will play The Life through the eyes of two prime time players, The Kid and Big W, adding a new dimension to the gameplay and story. Embarking on the various rivalries, challenges, and triumphs within The Life mode, players will get a true behind the scenes taste of real life situations in the NBA. In addition to improved gameplay mechanics and more realistic Artificial Intelligence, NBA '07 featuring The Life, Vol. 2 includes a new Open Shot Indicator and Power Boarding System, further adding to the game's authenticity. Key returning features include Showtime gameplay, EyeToy functionality, and more than a dozen mini-games, including the exclusive PlayStation Skills Challenge.

For the PSP, NBA '07 continues to expand the virtual hard-court experience on-the-go by adding a plethora of quick gaming options, from carnival style mini-games to an all-new rhythm-based dunk contest. The unique new Conquest Mode requires strategy and skill as players select an NBA team and take to the blacktop, seeking total league domination through a series of street court challenges. Within each conquered territory, gamers will be able to mix and match players and build an empire one victory at a time. For more traditional hoops fans, a Pick Up Mode allows gamers to choose from 10 randomly selected NBA players and challenge the CPU or a friend, wirelessly through ad hoc or infrastructure mode, to a full-court streetball game.

"NBA '07 promises fans the best virtual basketball action available, from your traditional season long gameplay to quick hitting mini-games and everything in between," said Scott Rohde, director, sports product development, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "We're excited for players to have the opportunity to delve deeper into the game's story with 'The Life: Vol. 2' and gain even more insight into NBA life beyond the hardwood." As a player whose basketball abilities defy categorization, Los Angeles Laker and nine-time NBA All-Star Kobe Bryant dons the number 24 for the first time as the game's spokesman. The three-time NBA champion recently announced his partnership with NBA '07 at a Los Angeles area Boys and Girls Club, where children were invited to challenge Kobe one-on-one and get an exclusive sneak preview of the game.

Music fans will delight in the in-game soundtrack for NBA '07, as licensed tracks from some of today's hottest artists will appear throughout the game. Songs from Rakim, KRS-One, E-40, Souls of Mischief, Rhymefest and many others provide a key beat to the engaging gameplay and will have players bobbing their heads as they strive to orchestrate highlight worthy plays. The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating for NBA '07 is "E" for Everyone.