Namco Announces Holyday Lineup

Naughty or nice, Namco has something for everyone on your holiday list this year! This holiday season, leading video games publisher and developer, Namco Hometek Inc., offers a blockbuster lineup of new video game releases, from the number one fighting game available to romping platformer adventures to classic arcade favorites. With titles offered for every major gaming platform, Namco's lineup includes "SOULCALIBUR(R) II," "R: Racing Evolution(TM)," "Spawn(R): Armageddon," "kill.switch(TM)," "Time Crisis(R) 3," "I-Ninja(TM)" and "Pac-Man(R) vs."
-- Named one of the top ten games of 2003 by TIME magazine (Nov. 2003) and winner of multiple awards and accolades, "SOULCALIBUR II" is the ultimate sequel to one of the most revered weapons-based fighters of all time. Available on the PlayStation(R) 2 computer entertainment system, the Nintendo GameCube(TM) and the Xbox(R) video game system from Microsoft, the game includes more than 15 warriors, both familiar and new -- including a character named Necrid, created by Todd McFarlane exclusively for the home console versions. Battling each other in search of Soul Edge, each console has special guest characters exclusive to that specific platform, including "Tekken's" Heihachi for PlayStation 2, "The Legend of Zelda's" Link for the Nintendo GameCube, and Todd McFarlane's Spawn for Xbox. The game features over ten exciting game modes, including the all-new Weapon Master Mode, Time Attack Mode, Survival Mode, VS. Mode and Team Battle Mode. In the Weapon Master Mode players can collect and utilize over 200 different weapons, thus adding a deeper level of strategy to every new battle.

-- New to the racing genre is the eagerly anticipated "R: Racing Evolution." Created by the same team that developed the critically acclaimed "Ridge Racer(R)" and "MotoGP(TM)" franchises, "R: Racing Evolution" combines awesome graphical quality and high performance driving physics. The game chronicles the intense competition and deep rivalries found within the professional racing circuit. Shipping for all three home-console platforms on Dec. 9, the game features licensed real-world vehicles, 14 real-world and fantasy tracks, 8 different racing styles and 5 game modes. Also featured in "R: Racing Evolution" is the "New Interactive Driver AI System" that enhances realistic racing situations and a reward point system, which allows for power-ups and unlocking new cars. Official PlayStation magazine says of "R: Racing Evolution," "Namco proves GT4 isn't the only racer in town."

-- "Spawn: Armageddon," based on Todd McFarlane's best-selling comic book character, is scheduled for release on all three consoles later this month. "Spawn: Armageddon" is a 3D action/adventure game that gives players access to all of his distinctive abilities -- his superhuman strength, hand-to-hand combat techniques, his arsenal of weaponry, his Hell Powers and, of course, his living symbiotic costume. According to Gamepro.com, "The twisted settings and macabre creature design add tremendously to Spawn's atmosphere." With over 23 levels of game play and stunning graphics, players are caught between the battle of Good vs. Evil, as Spawn struggles to break free from the controlling influences of Heaven and Hell.

-- "kill.switch," Namco Hometek Inc.'s new internal development project available for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox, is an intense and innovative tactical military shooter. Heralded by IGN.com as "one hell of a fun ride," "kill.switch" allows for the ultimate experience in combat game play by combining realistic cover tactics with highly explosive firepower. Featuring a unique Offensive Cover System, the game allows the player to engage the enemy from various cover positions. The game also utilizes lethal Blindfire gunplay, enabling the player to launch a frontal assault technique against the enemy without being exposed to counter-fire. This feature encourages the use of warfare tactics, forcing players to strategically plan their moves and quickly adjust on the fly through each intense and challenging mission. Enemies work together in teams and not only seek out and engage the player, but also thrive in team-based tactics and attacks. Six war-themed missions are spread out across 18 different levels and feature environments from Middle Eastern-inspired deserts to an underground submarine base.

-- "Time Crisis 3," available on the PlayStation 2, marks the return of Namco's premier light gun shooting franchise. Compatible with the GUNCON(R) 2 light gun, this fast-paced first-person shooter delivers superior shooting action and supreme excitement. A new weapon select system enables players to chose from 4 weapons (machine gun, hand gun, shotgun and grenade) to optimize their game play strategy. "Time Crisis 3" includes the original arcade game as well as console-exclusive game modes. Sniper combat provides intense and immersive sharp-shooting action, sure to be a winning combination for this popular franchise. Gamepro magazine says of "Time Crisis 3," "This is one crisis that all pistol enthusiasts should make time for."

-- "I-Ninja," currently available for the PlayStation 2 and coming to the Nintendo GameCube(TM) and Xbox in early December, is an adrenaline-charged adventure game featuring this year's biggest little ninja. With a small, earthlike planet called "The World" as his stage, Ninja travels from beaches to mountains and beyond earning new ninja belts, recovering lost relics and facing his ultimate nemesis. Challenging the powers of gravity, Ninja grinds rails, hovers long distances with a sword-copter, utilizes powerful chains and tiger claws, runs on walls and performs other smart-aleck ninja moves to navigate through any situation. A multiple weapon control system allows the player to use his deadly sword, throw lethal shurikens, fire hi-explosive darts, use blowguns and rocket launchers, and more. The game features challenging enemies and ruthless bosses that must be defeated, ranging from foot soldiers of the Ranx Army to a menacing 150-foot giant robot. Play magazine says of "I-Ninja," "Quite possibly the purest, most polished and innovative platformer of the year (or any other for that matter)..." Ninja is graceful in honor, but deadly in combat.

-- Namco celebrates a classic with "Pac-Man vs." Shipping in early December for the Nintendo GameCube, "Pac-Man vs." uses the special Game Boy connectivity feature to link the two systems. For the first time in a Pac-Man game, players take on the role of either the Ghosts or Pac-Man, competing against each other for high points. As Pac-Man, players will view the full screen via the Game Boy(R) Advance, while as the Ghost players will view a partial maze via the Nintendo GameCube(TM). Called "the epitome of connectivity" by IGN.com, "Pac-Man vs." will be packaged with other Nintendo GameCube titles including "R: Racing Evolution" and "Pac-Man World(TM) 2" (as a "Player's Choice Bundle"), and as a free gift with purchase with "I-Ninja" for Nintendo GameCube.