CONTRA 4 BLASTS INTO RETAIL STORES NATIONWIDE

Quintessential Action Franchise Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary With New Gameplay Elements, Full Cooperative Multiplayer Mode and Bonus Content Delivered in Larger-Than-Life Sequences on the Nintendo DS™

EL SEGUNDO, CA - November 13, 2007 - Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc, today announced Contra 4 for the Nintendo DS™ has shipped to retail outlets nationwide. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the popular action franchise, Contra 4 features 2D side-scrolling action that recalls the retro feel of the original fan favorite with the added bonus of massive battles that utilize both screens of the Nintendo DS™.

"In celebration of the franchise's 20th anniversary, we wanted to bring back the retro look and feel of classic Contra while still providing fresh, compelling content," said Anthony Crouts, Vice President of Marketing for Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. "Well adapted to the Nintendo DS's dual screens, Contra 4 provides an action-packed experience for seasoned Contra players as well as new fans of the franchise."

Taking place two years after the events of Contra III: The Alien Wars, Contra 4 forces our heroes into battle against an army of alien invaders, including the return of the terrifying Black Viper. Players must dodge, shoot, and jump over obstacles and enemies coming at them from every direction. Unique to the series, Contra 4 introduces a grappling hook accessory that provides players a means to grab onto structures above, allowing them to move seamlessly from screen to screen on the DS. Pushing the limits of the Contra franchise to new heights, the grappling accessory also grants players the strategic use of environmental elements for timely escapes, better vantage points for devastating attacks and it becomes crucial in defeating the massive bosses that take up both screens of the Nintendo DS.

Contra 4 offers cooperative gameplay that allows up to two players to join forces and defeat Black Viper's alien army for the continued existence of mankind. Recruit a friend and let the battle for Earth commence!

*Contra 4 also incorporates a wealth of in-game bonus content commemorating 20 years of the run and gun action franchise, including:
* 20th Anniversary Virtual Museum - A virtual history of the Contra franchise since the 80's, including box art, screen shots and information on every version of Contra from the US, Japan and Europe. The museum also features an unlockable gallery of bonus art.
* Unlockable Games - The NES versions of the classic Contra and Super C are now unlockable.
* 5 unlockable characters, including the Probotector from the European version of the Contra games.
* 2 unlockable digital comic books from longtime Contra artist, Atsushi Tsujimoto.
* An interview with noted Contra Producer Nobuya Nakazato.

Contra 4 is rated "T" for Teen and is now available on the Nintendo DS in retail outlets nationwide for the SRP of $29.99. For more information on the game and the Contra franchise, please visit: www.konami.com/contra.

Labels: Contra 4, Konami, Nintendo DS

SILENT HILL® ORIGINS CREEPS INTO STORES

First Silent Hill® Title for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable)
System Offers New Game Play, Storyline Enhanced
Camera System And Updated Controls

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. - November 6, 2007 - Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today announced Silent Hill Origins has shipped to retail stores in North America. Developed exclusively for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Silent Hill Origins brings to North America the frightening and popular survival horror series with all new game play and a storyline set before the events of the original Silent Hill. Fans can experience this one of a kind game with updated controls allowing for more fluid combat and detailed exploration of environments.

"Fans of Silent Hill can expect a fear-inducing experience with Silent Hill Origins," said Anthony Crouts, Vice President of Marketing for Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. "We're adding to the mythos by revealing some secrets hinted at in the original Silent Hill and have added an all-new soundtrack from series composer Akira Yamaoka to the elaborate puzzles and chilling storyline that has made Silent Hill a hit for gamers everywhere."
Reborn on the PSP® system, gamers take on the role of Travis Grady, a lone truck driver making a routine delivery when he makes an unfortunate detour to the mysterious town of Silent Hill. Players must help Travis escape the city's horrific inhabitants and unravel the mystery of the strange hallucinations from Travis' past, visions that have plagued him since childhood.

Updated controls maximize combat, allowing Travis to use his fists, his wits and an array of weapons including a meat cleaver, pool cue and sledgehammer to fight his way through the nightmarish world of Silent Hill and face more than one possible ending. Taking full advantage of the PSP® system's graphics, sound, and portability, Silent Hill Origins sets a new standard in handheld gaming terror.

Silent Hill Origins is rated "M" for Mature by the ESRB and available for an SRP of $29.99. For more information, please visit www.konami.com.

Labels: Konami, PSP, Silent Hill Origins

CASTLEVANIA®: THE DRACULA X CHRONICLES™ NOW AVAILABLE

First Castlevania for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable System) Offers Three Games in One, Gorgeous 3D Graphics, and Timeless Side-Scrolling Gameplay

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. - October 26, 2007 - Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today announced Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles™ is now available in retail stores in North America. Developed exclusively for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles brings the groundbreaking PC Engine CD game Castlevania: Rondo of Blood™ in two different versions to North America for the first time ever-- the original 2D form along with an updated version incorporating 3D graphics and new gameplay elements. In addition, gamers will also receive one of the most highly treasured games in the Castlevania series, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night™ with redone voice-over, translation and content previously available only in the Japanese version of the game.

"We took full advantage of the PSP system, adding more content in a portable Castlevania than ever before," said Anthony Crouts, Vice President of Marketing for Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. "With the Dracula X Chronicles, not only does the package include two of the most popular entries in the Castlevania series to date, but it also includes a complete remake of a title that was previously only available in Japan. This massive collection of old and new Castlevania content is a great value for PSP gamers and fans of the series alike."

The legendary action game Castlevania: Rondo of Blood is reborn on the PSP system with incredible 3D graphics and classic side scrolling gameplay. In bringing the Japanese PC Engine CD classic to the handheld arena, gamers take on the role of intrepid vampire hunter Richter Belmont seeking the destruction of the maniacal Count Dracula once-and-for-all in this pivotal piece in the ongoing Castlevania saga.

Both the original version of Castlevania: Rondo of Blood, localized in English for the first time and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, widely regarded as one of the most groundbreaking video games of all-time, are featured as unlockable items.

Players can battle through the game's more than 10 stages as either Richter Belmont or Maria Renard, each with their own unique skills and battle abilities. In addition to new 3D graphics, Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles will feature new character designs by renowned Castlevania visualist Ayami Kojima. The game will also introduce a new sound collection system that will let players find songs from both Rondo of Blood and Symphony of the Night and create their own custom soundtracks as they play.

Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles is rated "T" for Teen by the ESRB and available for an SRP of $29.99. For more information, please visit www.konami.com.

Labels: Castlevania the Dracula X Chronicles, Konami, PSP

PLAYABLE METAL GEAR SOLID® 4 LEADS BLOCKBUSTER LINEUP OF TITLES AND ACTIVITIES FROM KONAMI AT
E FOR ALL EXPO
Snake's Latest Adventure Added to Dancing, Action, Strategy, Horror Lineup
VIP's Also Scheduled to Appear

What:

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. introduces its lineup of games for the upcoming E for All Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center, October 18-21.

Attendees of E for All will get a special treat when they come to the Konami booth - they'll be the first in North America with the opportunity to play a trial version of the next installment in Kojima Productions' legendary Metal Gear Solid franchise, Metal Gear Solid® 4: Guns of the Patriots. A total of 12 kiosks will be set up in the Konami booth where attendees can get a taste of Snake's latest adventure prior to the game's anticipated launch in early 2008 for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system.

The playable demo version offers a taste of Metal Gear Solid 4's new dynamic gameplay - sneaking and battlefield action. E for All attendees will have an exclusive opportunity to play the English version of the playable demonstration version which premiered last month at Tokyo Game Show 2007, where it won numerous Game of the Show awards.

Attendees can also boogie down and test their rhythm skills at E for All with the two newest additions to DanceDanceRevolution, DanceDanceRevolution Universe™2 for the Xbox 360™ and DanceDanceRevolution™ Hottest Party for the Wii™.

In addition to Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, E for All attendees can also test drive these other great Konami titles:

· Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 (PLAYSTATION 3 system & Xbox 360)

· Dewy's Adventure™ (Wii)

· DanceDanceRevolution Universe2 ( Xbox 360)

· DanceDanceRevolution Hottest Party (Wii)

· Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops Plus PSP®(PlayStation®Portable) system

· Yu-Gi-Oh! World Championship 2008 (Nintendo DS)

· Yu-Gi-Oh! GX The Beginning of Destiny (PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system)

· Castlevania: Dracula X Chronicles (PSP)

· Silent Hill Origins (PSP® system)

· Contra 4 (Nintendo DS™)

Attendees will also have a chance to meet some of the personalities associated with some of Konami's most popular franchises (availability subject to change): Silent Hill composer Akira Yamaoka, Castlevania series producer Koji "IGA" Igarashi and Shingo Mukaitoge, producer of Elebits and the recently-announced Dewy's Adventure.

Where:

E For All Expo
Los Angeles Convention Center

When:

October 18-21, 2007

Who:

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc.

Labels: E For All, Konami, Metal Gear Solid 4, PLAYSTATION 3

Metal Gear Solid®: Portable Ops Plus Gone Gold
Multiplayer Addition with New Modes, Characters and More Currently in Production, Shipping to Retail November 13th

What:
Metal Gear Solid®: Portable Ops Plus (MPO+), the stand-alone multiplayer addition to the 2006 award winning game for the PSP® (PlayStation® Portable) system is currently in manufacturing and is scheduled to ship to retail stores in North America on November 13, 2007. In this portable multiplayer experience, players will enjoy more maps and missions, plus recruit a crew of battle-hardened warriors for combat against real opponents in online arenas.

MPO+ includes a new single player mode, "Infinity Mission," in which players must advance from start to finish through increasingly difficult stages, gathering weapons and recruiting high-level comrades to build up their units. Additional multiplayer modes such as the Shooting Range to test player's shooting skills in a deathmatch environment and a Training Mode to practice and sharpen their game controls will challenge even the most experienced tactical fighters. Using saved data from the original Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops, players can create instant squads for battle.

MPO+ also features more online maps, including an updated version of the REX Hangar area from the original Metal Gear Solid. More playable characters from the Metal Gear universe will be available, including Raiden and Snake from Metal Gear Solid 4 to form unique squads of commandos. Incorporating an improved support system, tutorials and improved in-game support helps players of all skill levels jump right into the action, or hone their skills to a razor's edge.

Where:
For more information on Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops Plus, visit the website http://www.konami.jp/mpo+

When:
Metal Gear Solid®: Portable Ops Plus is scheduled to ship to retail stores on November 13, 2007.

Who:
Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc.
Kojima Productions

Labels: Konami, Metal Gear Solid Portable Ops Plus, PSP

DANCEDANCEREVOLUTION SUPERNOVA™2 SHAKES ITS GROOVE THANG INTO RETAIL

New Gameplay Modes Join Enhanced Online and EyeToy ™ Camera Support to Deliver the Most Complete DanceDanceRevolution® Game Ever Now Available for the PlayStation®2 Computer Entertainment System in Stores Nationwide

El Segundo, Calif. - September 25, 2007 - Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., today announced DanceDanceRevolution SuperNOVA2 (DDR SuperNOVA2) for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system has shipped to retail outlets nationwide. This highly anticipated sequel expands upon the most popular DanceDanceRevolution game series with exciting gameplay, an all-new hit soundtrack, and enhanced online and multiplayer features.

"Responding to the overwhelming success of DanceDanceRevolution SuperNOVA, Konami strives to provide a sequel that not only builds upon the strengths of the first title but also provides compelling new content," said Anthony Crouts, Vice President of Marketing for Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. "DanceDanceRevolution SuperNOVA2 promises to become a cornerstone by providing a rich gaming experience for new players and old-school fans, whether they play alone, with friends in multiplayer mode, or online."

DanceDanceRevolution SuperNOVA2 capitalizes on the most popular elements of the franchise while adding new game modes and enhanced online capabilities to provide the most compelling DanceDanceRevolution experience ever. The brand new Hyper Master Mode joins forces with original favorites such as Tutorial, Battle, Nonstop and Challenge to achieve mass appeal. Up to 4-player multiplayer gameplay is supported online with the added bonus of EyeToy™ USB Camera (for the PlayStation®2) support so that players can critique their moves on TV.

DanceDanceRevolution SuperNOVA2 comes complete with a soundtrack packed with super star artists and hits that will get players moving and stepping to the DanceDanceRevolution beat! Hits include titles from artists such as Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani and Ashley Tisdale.

DanceDanceRevolution SuperNOVA2 continues the legacy of the music genre's most popular franchise, and is available for SRP of $39.99 for the standalone video game and $69.99 for the video game and dance mat bundle. To learn more about DanceDanceRevolution SuperNOVA2 please visit www.konami.com.

Labels: Dance Dance Revolution SuperNOVA2, Konami, Playstation 2

DANCE DANCE REVOLUTION HOTTEST PARTY STEPS INTO STORES

First DanceDanceRevolution® for the Wii™ Packs a Punch With the Wii Remote™, New Game Modes, and a Rocking Soundtrack

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. - September 25, 2007 - Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today announced it has shipped DanceDanceRevolution Hottest Party, developed exclusively for the Wii™ home video game system from Nintendo. Featuring an all-new soundtrack of hits from the last four decades and up to four-player multiplayer action that takes full advantage of the interactive Wii Remote™, DanceDanceRevolution® Hottest Party is foot-moving, arm-swinging fun and now available in retail outlets nationwide.

"Bringing the critically acclaimed DanceDanceRevolution to the Wii™ was a natural move forward for the franchise," said, Anthony Crouts, Vice President of Marketing for Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. "The interactive capabilities of the Wii™ platform make it a perfect fit for DanceDanceRevloution, and DanceDanceRevolution Hottest Party promises to be the most intense and active dance party yet."

Utilizing the unique capabilities of the Wii™ system, DanceDanceRevolution Hottest Party incorporates the motion-sensing Wii Remote™ and Nunchuk™ into the traditional mat-based gameplay to prompt players to move their arms while they dance, not just their feet. Fan favorites such as Free Play and Workout Mode return with intense vigor, while all-new modes provide a challenge to even the most seasoned veterans. The all-new Friendly Synch multiplayer mode requires each player to step on the correct arrow or respond to the correct Wii Remote™ movement in unison, encouraging cooperative gameplay, while an updated Battle Mode heats up the competition to keep players on their toes in the ultimate DanceDanceRevolution dance-off!

Boasting a stellar soundtrack that includes smash-hits from the 1970s to the present, DanceDanceRevolution Hottest Party offers a wide variety of musical styles that appeal to everyone, including popular titles such as: Summertime, Disco Inferno, You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) and 99 Red Balloons.

Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party is available for an SRP of $49.99. For more information, please visit www.konami.com.

Labels: Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party, Konami, nintendo wii

Labels: Bomberland Land Touch 2, Bomberman Land, Hudson, Konami, Nintendo DS, nintendo wii, PSP

KONAMI ANNOUNCES PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 2008

Exclusively Adopting The Full Pro Evolution Brand Name For The First Time In North America, World's Top Soccer Franchise Comes To The PLAYSTATION 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, PSP System, Nintendo DS and PC

Portuguese Midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo To Be Face Of The Latest Edition Of The World's Best-Selling Soccer Video Game Series

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. - August 23, 2007 - Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., today announced it will release Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 in North America for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Nintendo DS™ and PC DVD-ROM. Slated for a Winter 2007 release, the new edition marks the first time that the world's best-selling soccer video game franchise has exclusively used the Pro Evolution moniker in North America. While the name may be new, Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 combines the attention to detail that has always been the series' hallmark and has made Pro Evolution the world's definitive soccer title for any format.

"Pro Evolution Soccer has already established its brand as one of the most well-known video games in Europe and amongst core soccer fans around the world. Introducing the same brand name in the North American market is the first step of our global strategy," said Anthony Crouts, Vice President of Marketing, Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. "The franchise continues to capture all of the subtleties that make soccer the world's top sport and this year's new enhancements help bring the experience to a new level of perfection. Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 is destined to go down in history as the greatest soccer video game to date."

Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 shoots and scores with the renowned on-the-money controls which create one of the most authentic soccer experiences in video gaming history. The new game boasts the revolutionary wepes blast 1 AI system, a proprietary element that actively monitors the player's onscreen movements and adapts accordingly, forcing the player to consider their own strategic play more carefully. Other new additions include amazing attention to aesthetic detail as faces contort and shirts crease during a match, extensive Edit modes in all Next Generation versions, and closer control than ever before.

Adding to the authenticity, Portuguese midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo will be the face of the latest version of the multi-million selling Pro Evolution Soccer series. Regarded as one of the most exciting talents of the modern game, the 22-year-old is a permanent fixture on the Portuguese national squad. His incredible ball control and trademark skills have seen him receive countless awards, including both the PFA's 2007 Player and Young Player of the Year awards. As part of the deal, Ronaldo will appear on the packaging and point-of-sale materials for Pro Evolution Soccer 2008.

Featuring real players, a large variety of licensed teams, photo-realistic graphics, and a huge variety of stadiums, gamers will be able to re-create the same excitement that surrounds the world's most popular sport. As with previous releases, the ball is treated as a separate entity, with the timing of shots completely controlled by the player, while the new AI ensures that defenders work to close down space and block efforts on goal. Similarly, distribution of passes works along the same lines, with players using the space available to them to switch the ball. Dribbling control has also been enhanced, and a number of subtle moves have been added to bypass defenders in order to move the ball into space.

Marking the series' first appearance on the PLAYSTATION 3 system, and its second Xbox 360 outing, these and the PC-DVD 'Next Generation' versions of Pro Evolution Soccer 2008's are further enhanced by stunning aesthetic elements. Player features have been taken to incredible levels with full facial animation and the high-definition detail afforded by the hardware shows full movement and subtle details on the various uniforms during the course of a match. All 'Next Gen' versions will also benefit from an extensive Edit mode, allowing them to customize their Pro Evolution experience.

For more information, please visit: http://www.konami.com/.

Labels: Konami, Pro Evolution Soccer 2008

Damn! My feet hurt, my back hurts and I am in massive need of caffine (thank goodness for all the free Coke!), but I have returned from a busy, busy day of E3. After ate lunch, I went off to see what SOE had brought to the show. While showing off a few titles, I focused on the most interesting of their PC titles: Pirates of the Burning Sea and The Agency. Pirates of the Burning Sea is actually essentially finished - the developer would have shipped what they have here as the finished product had SOE not stepped in and given them another year to make the game perfect. Allowing you to live out your wildiest pirate adventures in a MMO setting, Pirates made an impressive showing at E3. Custom flags and masts, an ever-changing world that can change between PvP and PvE at any moment as well as an economy that is solely held up by the players, and a battle system that involves much more than just clicking and pressing hot keys round out the Pirates experience I was shown today.

The Agency, a FPS/3rd person hybrid MMO, was shown in true playable form, as it was actually a movie file of the developers playing it that was shown. After a brief breakdown of the gameplay - which includes Operatives that will work for you even when you aren't playing so even when you don't play you won't get far behind friends - we were shown the gameplay video. With stylish graphics that are more over-the-top and unique than realisitc and refined controls, The Agency looks like, if it can captialize on all the genre-pushing ideas the developers have, could be the next big thing. But enemy A.I., gameplay balance and spreading the experience too thin with too many options are concerns I pulled from my experience today.

After that, I went off to the Barker Hanger, which is the closest thing to the old E3 of booths and games that is here. I was able to get my hands-on quite a few awesome titles, but as the media room is about to close (I am always having this problem!), I will short list them for now.

Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles (WII) - Graphics are above average for a Wii title, the new Zapper controller is comfortable and effective for the gameplay. Not sure how much depth is in this game, but my small taste did perk my interest.

Zach and Wiki (WII) -Vibrant graphics and 3D point-and-click adventure controls seem perfectly suited for the Wii. Gestures are used to interact with the world with more than just clicks. As long as the puzzles and characters stay interesting, this will be a winner.

Hellboy (360, PSP) - The 360 version is shaping up decently, with gameplay that will satify both the hardcore and casual gamer. Interactive environments are fun, combos are varied, graphics are decent though some of the textures could use some work. The PSP version, surprising, looks pretty good, with some really crisp textures. Gameplay isn't as solid though, as it feels a lot like every other beat-em-up on the system.

4 minutes before I get the boot, so I have to cut this short again. Sorry, but expect more tomorrow!

Labels: Capcom, E3 2007, Konami

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – June 20, 2007 – Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., today announced Contra 4 (working title) for the Nintendo DS™. Marking the 20th anniversary of the quintessential action franchise, the game pushes 2D side-scrolling action in an all-new direction with gunplay that spans two full screens, original gameplay mechanics that grant players deadlier abilities than ever before, and frantic multiplayer functionality.

Contra 4 takes place two years after the events of Contra III: The Alien Wars. After saving earth from invasion by Red Falcon, Bill Rizer and Lance Bean are confronted with a new extraterrestrial menace: the terrifying Black Viper. Joined by hard-boiled mercenaries Mad Dog and Scorpion, the warriors must once again wage war against an entire army of invaders.

Refining the 2D side-scrolling genre the series established 20 years ago, Contra 4 delivers pure action at a fever pitch as players jump, shoot, and dodge oncoming hazards. Utilizing a new dual screen presentation, the action spans both screens of the Nintendo DS, giving players the opportunity to battle across expansive environments in which death can come from any direction. The use of both screens for the game’s core action also allows for massive boss battles as players try to seek and destroy the weak points of sky-high enemies. A first for the series, Contra 4 introduces a grappling hook accessory that lets players grab onto elements of the environment directly above them. Whether using it to avoid oncoming dangers or attack from a strategic vantage point, the grappling hook allows for new combat situations and dramatic set pieces that underscore the game’s adrenaline-soaked pedigree.

Continuing the multiplayer tradition of previous games in the series, Contra 4 lets two players battle together against Black Viper’s army of vile alien forces and reclaim Earth for mankind.

Developed by WayForward Technologies, Contra 4 is planned for release on the Nintendo DS in 2007. For more information on the game and the Contra franchise, please visit: www.konami.com.

Labels: Contra 4, Konami, Nintendo DS