PaRappa The Rapper(TM), Original Icon Of The Music And Rhythm Video Game Genre, Returns for an Encore On The PSP(R) (Playstation(R) Portable) System

Ten Years Following His Debut on PlayStation(R), Beloved Rap Star Back on
the Scene with a Host of New Social Gaming Features

FOSTER CITY, Calif., April 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer
Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) announced today the North American
release of PaRappa The Rapper(TM), an iconic character-based music and
hip-hop game, available in July 2007 for PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable).
Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment, in association with legendary
multimedia musician Masaya Matsuura and famed New York artist Rodney
Greenblat, the PaRappa The Rapper franchise debuted 10 years ago on the
original PlayStation(R) and is widely credited with establishing the music
and rhythm game genre that continues to thrive today. PaRappa The Rapper
for the PSP system mobilizes PaRappa's hip- hop adventures and builds on
the success of this iconic franchise.
Featuring all the characters, levels and songs from the original,
PaRappa The Rapper increases the franchise's social appeal by offering a
host of new PSP exclusive features, including the ability for up to four
PSP systems to go head-to-head in ad-hoc battles; wirelessly share a demo
level through Game Share; and use the PSP Infrastructure Mode to download
eight additional playable remixes for players to rap along to.
"Bringing PaRappa The Rapper to PSP allows true PlayStation fans to re-
connect with this timeless classic," said John Koller, Senior Marketing
Manager, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "This also introduces the
beloved PaRappa and his cast of colorful friends to a new generation of
fans and potential hip-hop stars on the move."
PaRappa The Rapper for the PSP system stays true to its stylish
flattened animation technique and gameplay, combining fun and vibrant
characters with hip music and a humorous storyline. Masaya Matsuura's
infectious music and lyrics accompany PaRappa as he attempts to rap his way
into the heart of his dreamy love interest, Sunny Funny, through various
musical adventures. Using a rhythm, timing and coordination-based gameplay
mechanic, players will bob their heads along with PaRappa and a cast of
vibrant characters as they master its addictive gameplay. Players will
first have to harmoniously press a designated controller button to help
PaRappa mimic the actions and lyrics of the Masters. As the player's skill
level progresses, they will be able to break free into a one-of-a-kind
freestyle session, giving them the freedom to create a new experience with
each play.
The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has rated
PaRappa The Rapper "E" for "Everybody." For more information about the
ESRB, please visit http://www.esrb.org .
About Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the
entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation(R) and PS one(R) game
consoles, the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, the PSP(R)
(PlayStation(R)Portable) system, and the ground-breaking PLAYSTATION(R)3
(PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system.
Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer
Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and
develops, publishes, markets, and distributes software for the PS one game
console, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, the PSP system
and the PS3 system for the North American market. Based in Foster City,
Calif., Sony Computer Entertainment America, Inc. serves as headquarters
for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony
Computer Entertainment Inc.
Visit us on the Web at http://www.us.playstation.com .
"PlayStation", "PS one", "PSP" and "PLAYSTATION" are registered
trademarks and "PS3" is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

SOURCE Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.