Stoudemire Returns as Cover Athlete of NBA ’08 for Playstation systems

Sony
Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) announced the signing of Phoenix
Suns power forward Amare Stoudemire as the cover athlete for the NBA ’08
franchise, due to hit stores October 2007. NBA ’08 will be the only officially licensed
first party basketball game available exclusively for the PLAYSTATION PS3 computer
entertainment system, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, and PSP
(PlayStation Portable) system.

Stoudemire,
the cover athlete for NBA ’06, is making a triumphant return to the PlayStation
family after his strong effort within the Suns’ lineup this past season.
Overcoming micro-fracture surgery that limited him to three games during the
entire 2005-06 season, Stoudemire took the NBA by storm in the 2006-07 season
and helped the Suns advance to the Western Conference Semi- Finals. Stoudemire
finished this past season with an average of 20.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.3
blocked shots per game while earning All-NBA First Team honors and a second
All-Star appearance.

Despite
not playing basketball until he was 14 years old, Stoudemire quickly excelled
at the game. As the only high school player selected in the 2002 NBA draft,
Stoudemire was taken ninth overall by the Phoenix Suns and soon made a name for
himself, averaging 13.5 points and 8.8 rebounds per game as a rookie. He went
on to be selected as a member of the U.S.A. Basketball Men’s Senior National Team
that participated in the 2004 Olympics in

Athens,

Greece.

“Amare
Stoudemire is one of the most dynamic players in the NBA, showcasing a range of
power and finesse that makes him a favorite among the fans and a respected
competitor among his peers,” said Scott Rohde, director, sports product
development, SCEA. “We are elated that he has renewed his partnership with
us and believe that with Amare back on our team, NBA ’08 will once again raise
the bar for the franchise.”

The PS3
version introduces an all-new progression system where players earn skill and
experience rewards that can be used to thoroughly customize player appearance
and play styles. With upgraded controls that utilize broader SIXAXIS wireless
controller functionality, gamers can engage an all-new variety of offensive and
defensive basketball moves. The game boasts updated character models with new
animations, more dynamic and fluid movement, and new skin textures to provide a
higher, more detailed level of realism. For the first time NBA ’08 also
introduces a comprehensive and in-depth audio commentary with top broadcast
talent Kevin Calabro of the Sonics for play-by- play, and Mark Jackson for
color analysis. The PS3 version will feature a fully reworked, retro-looking
user interface and a robust online system with player profiles and quick play
options.

Acting as
a perfect complement to the PSP system’s design and portability, NBA ’08
introduces a number of brand new quick action mini-games that players can enjoy
anytime, anywhere. All-new carnival-style games such as Block-a-Shot join
contests such as Fast Break, Shootin’

Bricks,
and pinball to provide fast and engaging action that adds to the stable of
traditional and non-traditional basketball action. Additionally, players will
experience a more challenging Season Mode, where player management and
balancing of team chemistry come into play. Refined control mechanics and
Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) also create a more realistic and action-oriented
gameplay experience. The PSP version also features an enhanced Conquest Mode,
expanded multiplayer features, downloadable content, and expanded audio
commentary.

NBA ’08 for the PlayStation 2 returns with the
third and final installment of “The Life” series with “The Life:
Volume 3.” In this chapter, fans will focus on Coach T.’s final season
while trying to create a dynasty within the NBA. With more than 60 different
game scenarios available in The Life, players will have the opportunity to play
all five starting positions. The PlayStation 2 version will deliver new
play-by-play commentary, improved A.I., an updated user interface, and new
on-court and crowd audio to enhance the overall gameplay experience. It gives
players nearly two-dozen mini-games and online access to compete in a variety
of leagues and tournaments, EyeToy USB camera functionality, and an all-new soundtrack.

The
independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating for NBA ’08 is
“E” for Everyone. For more information about ESRB visit http://www.esrb.org.