Press Release
NAMCO BANDAI ANNOUNCES TALES OF THE ABYSS™ FOR THE PLAYSTATION®2

Team Symphonia is set to bring the most stunning Tales game to date with incredibly realistic character models and a new free roam battle system

SANTA CLARA, Calif., (April 27, 2006) – Leading video games publisher and developer NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. announced today its plans to bring their newest installment in the enormously popular Tales series, Tales of the Abyss™, to the U.S. market exclusively for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. The most stunning and immersive Tales game to date will set a new standard in the RPG genre when it hits North American shelves this Fall 2006.

Tales of the Abyss boasts a revolutionary new free roaming battle system allowing players to move anywhere on the battlefield, a first in the Tales series which brings new depth to the intense, high-action battles that Tales games are knows for.  

Developed by Team Symphonia, Tales of the Abyss will offer up a grandiose new RPG adventure with a brand new storyline and the most realistic looking character models ever seen in the series, making the game come to life before the players’ own eyes.  Tales of the Abyss’ stunning character designs were created by Kosuke Fujishima (known for his character designs in the Ah! My Goddess manga) and its beautiful anime cut scenes by Production I.G.

“The Tales games have always been known for delivering memorable RPG experiences to the player and Tales of the Abyss stands to deliver once again,” said Yoshi Niki, Product Group Director at NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc.  “Its’ incredible realism, in-depth story line and new free roaming battle system will position Tales of the Abyss as a ‘must have’ for RPG fans when it launches this Fall.”

Tales of the Abyss will follow the story of the young aristocrat, Luke fon Fabre.  Kidnapped seven years ago, Luke returns to his family with no memories of his life before.  In order to protect him, Luke’s family keeps him confined to the quite lifestyle of the palace.  Suddenly, Luke is thrust into the outside world and caught in the workings of the Order of Lorelei and the Oracle Knights who serve as keepers of the prophecy known as the Score.  He knows nothing of those who might be his allies or those who are already his enemies. He must learn of the power of friendship and feel the pain of sacrifice.  Luke’s actions could save the world or destroy it.

Experience this action-packed epic journey when Tales of the Abyss hits retailers nationwide this Fall only on PlayStation 2. For more action-packed screens and inside information check out the NAMCO BANDAI Games official site at www.namcobandaigames.com .

About NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc.
NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. is an interactive entertainment software publisher and developer based in Santa Clara, CA.  The company is a subsidiary of the newly formed NAMCO BANDAI Holdings (USA) Inc. based in Cypress, CA.

On September 29, 2005, Bandai Co., Ltd. and NAMCO LIMITED implemented a management integration to form NAMCO BANDAI Holdings Inc. This step was taken to compete more effectively on the global stage in the fast-changing entertainment industry and to deliver further growth.

The resulting BANDAI NAMCO Group is a global entertainment group involved in business fields ranging from toys, amusement facilities, video game software and visual software, to apparel, sundries and network content.

As previous separate entities (Namco Hometek Inc. and Bandai Games Inc.) the companies were each known for creating some of the industry’s top video game franchises including: Tamagotchi®, Tekken®, SOULCALIBUR®, Dead to Rights®, Pac-Man® World™, Digimon®, Ridge Racer®, Time Crisis® and ACECOMBAT®.  For more information about NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. and its products log onto www.namcobandaigames.com.

Press Release © 2006 NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. All Rights Reserved.

© KOSUKE FUJISHIMA

TALES OF THE ABYSS™&© 2005 NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc.

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