FOSTER CITY, Calif., August 21, 1998 – 989 Studios, a Sony Computer Entertainment Group Company, announced today that it is publishing the upcoming title Xena: Warrior Princess™. The millions of fans of the hit TV series "Xena: Warrior Princess" will now have a chance to enjoy the hard-hitting action only Xena can deliver, exclusively on the PlayStation® game console. Available in March 1999, Xena: Warrior Princess couples the intrigue of an adventure game with the non-stop action of a fighting game.

Bringing to life the humorous and entertaining storyline of the television series, the videogame version of Xena: Warrior Princess features characters and locations taken directly from the TV show, as well as an ensemble of newly created villains and dynamic new worlds to explore.

"We’re very excited to be a part of the worldwide phenomenon of Xena," said Jeffrey Fox, vice president, marketing, 989 Studios. "By creating a compelling videogame based on the characters and storyline from the number-one internationally syndicated television show, we’re confident we’ll deliver a game that will appeal to millions of Xena fans."

Gamers will enjoy the dramatic ancient adventure as Xena fights her way through immersive 3D game environments including Valarian’s Castle, Hades’ Underworld and the Temple of the Pinnacles. On the treacherous quest, gameplayers will confront vicious villains, gorgons, cyclops and Dyzan the fire-breathing gatekeeper of Hades.

In the game, Xena embarks on an epic adventure to stop the Minotaur King and Amazon Queen’s diabolical plot to kidnap Xena’s friend Gabrielle and deliver her for sacrifice to an evil sorceress. Xena must defeat monsters, ogres and the minions of Hades before confronting the ultimate master of black magic.

Xena: Warrior Princess features unparalleled 3D technology that provides advanced light sourcing and textured polygons that render at 30 frames per second. Dynamic gameplay, fluid animation and vivid graphic realism also heightens the intensity of the fast-playing action.

Xena: Warrior Princess Key Features

Characters and locations taken directly from the top rated, internationally syndicated TV show

Arsenal of weapons: swords, staffs, hidden weapons and the Chakram – Xena’s trademark weapon

Fast-action gameplay that runs at 30 frames per second

Multiple dynamic light sources

Eight game environments each with multiple missions

Universal Studios Digital Arts, Inc. (USDA), a subsidiary of Universal Studios New Media Group, develops electronic games for PC and console platforms based on properties from current and past Universal Studios movies and television shows. Universal Studios New Media Group is responsible for the studio's efforts in the area of interactive entertainment. The division develops, produces and markets content for the Internet as well as the PC and videogame consoles. Universal Studios is a unit of The Seagram Company Ltd.,a global beverage and entertainment company. www.universalstudios.com

989 Studios, a Sony Computer Entertainment Group Company, is a wholly-owned division of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. and the third-largest PlayStation® software publisher in North America. Headquartered in Foster City, California, with a second development studio in San Diego, 989 Studios develops software for the PlayStation game console, personal computer and online markets. 989 Studios is a recognized leader in the videogame industry, with top franchise titles such as NFL GameDay™ and Twisted Metal™.
www.989studios.com