SANTA CLARA, Calif., (May 16, 2007) – Leading video games publisher and developer NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc., announced today Digimon World® Data Squad™ for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. Based on the new Digimon Data Squad animated series premiering this fall on Toon Disney’s Jetix, Digimon World Data Squad will deliver a gripping new RPG adventure to fans and newcomers of the popular franchise. With new Digimon to tame, hundreds of items to collect, numerous stages and the unique Galactic Evolution System, excitement awaits players when Digimon World Data Squad is released this fall 2007.

“Digimon World Data Squad is an innovative RPG that breaks from traditional conventions,” said Makoto Iwai, Executive Vice President and COO, NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc., “With cel-shaded artwork, an advanced character engine, intriguing storyline, and heroic combat, Digimon World Data Squad will keep gamers captivated for hours.”

Marcus Damon is both a smart 14 year old and an undefeated street fighter, but he does not fight with his fists alone. As a member of the secretive DATS (Data Squad), Marcus and his team examine the mysterious disappearance of numerous kids. During the course of the investigation, the Seven Demon Kings arrive, wreaking havoc across the world. As Marcus, it is up to players to find the missing kids all the while defeating the deadly Seven Demon Kings and their evil minions.

Spanning over a dozen stages with a storyline that parallels the cartoon, players can team up with more than 140 Digimon characters to battle against evil and save the world. As gamers increase in skill and find new items, so too can their Digimon be upgraded through leveling up and “Digivolution.” With over 250 items to collect and complex puzzles to solve, Digimon World Data Squad represents the evolution of the common RPG on the PlayStation®2 System.

Digimon World Data Squad boasts the following features:

• Dozens of Digimon - As you travel through over a dozen stages, collect and evolve over 140 Digimon. Each Digimon has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, and upgrading your Digimon can be easily done through the intuitive Galactica Evolution System!

• Exciting new look and feel - Digimon World Data Squad features cel-shaded artwork and emotive Digimon that are affected by the way you treat them.

• Numerous items to wield - There are over 250 items to find and acquire during the course of the game. Some items will help solve complex puzzles, while others will provide different advantages in battle.

• Unique storyline and characters - Digimon World Data Squad features new exclusive characters as well as a storyline that parallels the new and exciting Digimon Data Squad cartoon. Additionally, the same voice actors from the cartoon series have lent their talents to the game!

For information about Digimon World Data Squad, please visit: http://www.namcobandaigames.com

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About Toei Animation Inc.

Toei Animation Inc. (TAI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Toei Animation Co., Ltd. established in Los Angeles in 2004, looks forward to spreading the world-renowned Japanese animation studio’s extensive library and pursuing co-production projects in North and Latin America and other English-speaking territories worldwide. The main business operations of TAI include film licensing in all media and emerging platforms, merchandise licensing and co-productions with local establishments. Dream Ahead – Toei Animation.

www.toei-anim.com

About Digimon Data Squad Animated Series

The fifth season of the hugely popular DIGIMON animated series is set to debut Fall 2007 on the ABC Cable Networks Group on Toon Disney’s Jetix block. Under the title DIGIMON DATA SQUAD, Toei Animation’s mega-hit animated series follows the adventures of Marcus and Agumon as they challenge the menacing Digimon who are intruding into the human world to cause nothing but trouble. To ensure planetary safety, the pair is inducted into a special investigation unit called DATS (Data Squad). Being a reformed schoolyard punk, Marcus learns to channel his belligerence toward the evil Digimon, and to work as a team to help protect the human world from ruin.

About NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc.
NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc., is a leading interactive entertainment software publisher and developer based in Santa Clara, CA. The company is a part of the NAMCO BANDAI group of companies known for creating and publishing many of the industry's top video game franchises including the PAC-MAN®, SOULCALIBUR®, Naruto™ and Tekken® brands. For more information about NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc., and our products log onto www.namcobandaigames.com.

©Akiyoshi Hongo, Toei Animation. ® & © 1997 - 2007 Bandai. DIGIMON, DIGITAL MONSTERS, DIGIMON WORLD and all related logos, names and distinctive likenesses thereof are the property of Bandai/Toei Animation. DIGIMON DATA SQUAD and all related logos, names and distinctive likenesses thereof are the property of Toei Animation. © 2007 NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. All rights reserved.

Press Release © 2007 NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc.

Contacts

Arne Cual-Pedroso Rannie Yoo

NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. Kohnke Communications

408-235-2132 415-777-4000

[email protected]
[email protected]

Posted: May 16, 2007

Today's GU Rank: 2397 of 40991

US Release: September 18, 2007

JP Release: November 30, 2006

Genre: Role-Playing / Role-Playing

ESRB: (E+) Everyone 10+

Platforms: PS2