In addition, earlier this year Hot Shots Golf®3 for PlayStation 2 and Stuart Little 2(TM) for the PlayStation console also earned "Greatest Hits" status, showcasing the enduring appeal of the best-selling console and the continued demand for its games.
To qualify as a PlayStation 2 "Greatest Hit," a title must have been on the market for one year with 400,000 copies produced, proving to be a force in driving software sales and the demand for the hardware that supports it. PlayStation "Greatest Hits" game sales must be in excess of 250,000 units during the life of the product. Today's announcement marks a total of 52 "Greatest Hits" titles for PlayStation 2, and 169 for the PlayStation console. As context, there are over 550 PlayStation 2 games and over 1,300 PlayStation games available today.
PlayStation 2 "Greatest Hits" games are available in stores for as low as $19.99 while PlayStation "Greatest Hits" games retail for as low as $14.99 -- offering consumers maximum value by giving them access to the best games at a low price.
The success of SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs, Ratchet and Clank, and Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus underscores Sony Computer Entertainment America's leadership position in both the online and offline gaming market. The popularity of these games has helped the company claim the largest online and offline console gaming community in North America. In fact, SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs is one of the most widely played online titles, with approximately 60,000 people hosting gameplay sessions each day. SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs fans are able to access the games' online communities free of charge, using the broadband service of their choice -- a feature that can only be offered by a company that's committed to providing the most compelling content and the greatest degree of access at the best value. As further evidence of its value proposition, Sony Computer Entertainment America recently announced the PlayStation 2 Combo Pack, which includes ATV Offroad Fury 2 and a Network Adaptor (Ethernet/modem) (for PlayStation®2) for $199 suggested retail price.
"We're excited about crowning our newest 'Greatest Hits' titles because it reaffirms our reputation as the leader in computer entertainment and further demonstrates our ability to offer compelling blockbuster games across multiple generations," said Ami Blaire, director, product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "These serve as a testament to the fact that our titles represent the best value for any console on the market today."
About Recently Added "Greatest Hits" Titles:
-- SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALS: SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs puts players in the role of an elite SEAL commander whose team is asked to fight terrorists with more than 30 weapons in 16 of the most intense operations ever. Players must instruct their team on a mission, either through voice recognition technology (with USB headset), or via on-screen text options to complete objectives. Through online, team-based gameplay, players can engage enemy terrorists with fellow SEAL team members, or play as terrorists themselves. Rated "M" for Mature.
-- Ratchet & Clank: An innovative action-platform game, Ratchet & Clank reinvents the action category, blending action-platform, exploration, adventure, puzzle-solving, strategy and racing genres while fusing these elements into a creatively original, inter-galactic sci-fi fantasy. Players follow Ratchet and Clank from planet to planet across a vast solar system, toying with more than 35 different gadgets and weapons along the way. Rated "T" for Teen.
-- Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus: Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus takes action-adventure platform gaming to new heights, showcasing a conceptually new type of character, extraordinary character designs, toon-shaded animations, innovative gameplay and spectacular graphics. Rated "E" for Everyone.
-- Hot Shots Golf 3: Hot Shots Golf 3 is an arcade style, fantasy golf game that delivers realistic gameplay and is packed with features that make it the best in its class. The game incorporates real physics to add an authentic feel to the player's swing and flight trajectory of the ball, as well as imposing weather conditions and
sound effects. Rated "E" for Everyone.
-- Stuart Little 2: Stuart Little 2 is an exciting and heroic action-adventure game based upon the film of the same name. Featuring a clever storyline and entertaining characters, this exciting escapade takes gamers on a rip-roaring journey through a variety of Manhattan locations. Stuart Little 2 appeals to all gamers, big and small. Rated "E" for Everyone.