Game On!

SANTA CLARA, Calif., (June 26, 2006) – Leading video games publisher and developer NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. announced today that “NARUTO(TM): Ultimate Ninja(TM)” is now available in retail stores for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system. This intense fighting game is based on the hit anime series, SHONEN JUMP’s NARUTO, from VIZ Media airing on the Cartoon Network. Aspiring ninjas can now compete in fierce hand-to-hand combat or use deadly ranged weapons in order to become the greatest ninja of all. With multiple game modes, unique 2-D interactive stages and incredible multi-level super attacks, “NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja” provides an intense fighting experience that will test any gamer’s chakra.

“In the wake of the tremendous success of NARUTO manga, anime and merchandise in the U.S., ‘NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja’ is set to thrill fans and gamers alike for the first time on the PlayStation 2,” said Naruo Uchida, NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc.’s Product Group Director said. “‘NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja’ truly brings the exciting series to life with meticulously re-created characters engaged in fierce ninjutsu combat.”

“NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja” features blazing single and multiplayer ninja battles that bring the colorful series to life. Fans can play as their favorite characters including Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, Rock Lee, Shikamaru, Kakashi and more, and can summon support characters for super attacks and special items. With fighting moves based on the animation series, a variety of ninja fighting techniques are at player’s disposal, including ranged weapon attacks and close combat moves. When the timing is right, players also have the ability to switch stages mid-combat, with 12 interactive stages based on the hit series available to choose from. “NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja’s” array of game modes allows players to follow their favorite character’s storyline, accomplish specific missions or battle it out against a friend. Secret characters, movies and other unlockable features further immerse fans in the ultimate NARUTO experience!

First introduced into the Weekly Shonen Jump Magazine in Japan in 1999, NARUTO -- by revered creator Masashi Kishimoto -- quickly became Japan’s most popular ninja manga. In 2000, NARUTO was expanded into a series of graphic novels with more than 65 million copies sold in total in Japan. NARUTO consistently ranks as one of the most popular titles serialized in VIZ Media’s SHONEN JUMP monthly manga anthology and one of the top graphic novel titles (also published by VIZ Media) in the United States. VIZ Media was named the Master Licensor in February 2005, obtaining the television, home video and merchandising rights to NARUTO for North America and Latin America.

Developed by CyberConnect 2, known for the .hack series, “NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja” is rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB.