Sharpen Your Skates and Your Skills for NHL FaceOff 2003

Nov. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today that NHL FaceOff 2003 from the 989 Sports development team is now available in stores, marking the latest release of the popular NHL video game franchise available only on the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system. Simulating the intense action of professional hockey, NHL FaceOff 2003 features fast skating, precision passing, and thunderous checks. Furthering the realism is the inclusion of several game modes as well as all 30 accurately recreated NHL arenas down to the championship banners hanging in the rafters.

Highlighting the numerous features of NHL FaceOff 2003 is the all-new Career Mode, allowing gamers to play the role of General Manager for an NHL team. Users are able to build a team using drafts, free agency, trades, and signings, giving them the opportunity to construct the ultimate hockey dynasty. Other options of play include skating in single elimination Tournament Mode as either an NHL or international team, going one-on-one with the world's top goalies in ShootOut Mode, or sharpening your skills in Practice Mode. In addition, gamers can take their shot at a grueling 82-game season and attempt to bring home not only the most famous trophy in sports, the Stanley Cup, but also other official NHL awards such as the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Vezina Trophy.

"The NHL season kicks off with the debut of NHL FaceOff 2003 for the PlayStation 2 and delivers a game the way hockey should be played," said Ami Blaire, director, product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. "NHL FaceOff 2003 brings the excitement and passion of professional hockey to the PlayStation 2 with incredible detail to graphics, unmatched gameplay, and numerous play options delivered in an all-new TV-style format making gamers feel so close to the action, they will be looking over their shoulder for cross-checks and elbows."

The all-new TV-style format helps bring a new level of intensity never seen in a hockey game including players yelling from the penalty box, shoving between whistles, and post game celebrations. In addition, New Jersey Devils commentator Mike Emrick and ESPN's Darren Pang call the action giving the game a truly authentic feel. More than 1,000 new skater and goaltender animations have been added and player faces have been mapped in intricate detail making every player look exactly like his real life counterpart, resulting in the most realistic hockey game available for the PlayStation 2.

Marketing efforts for NHL FaceOff 2003 will include national print across newspapers, sports and consumer publications, online advertising, dedicated point-of-purchase displays and merchandising support, and public relations support. Furthermore, 989 Sports is partnering with Circuit City, one of their top retailers, and the NHL as exclusive sponsors of "Circuit City NHL All-Star Balloting Presented by 989 Sports." Circuit City will offer coupons for NHL FaceOff 2003 on over two million NHL All-Star ballots on display at NHL arenas throughout the country. In addition, an NHL All-Star Balloting Sweepstakes will offer PlayStation 2 computer entertainment systems and copies of NHL FaceOff 2003 as prizes. 989 Sports is also working with the NHL, and NHL FaceOff 2003 cover athlete, defenseman Rob Blake, on the development of programs to promote the game and All-Star Balloting with participating NHL arenas.

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rates NHL FaceOff 2003 "E" for "Everyone." For more information about the ESRB visit www.esrb.org.

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Source: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.