Capcom Releases Monster Hunter Freedom for the PSP

SUNNYVALE, Calif — May 23, 2006 -- Capcom, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today released Monster Hunter Freedom for the PSP (PlayStationPortable) system. Building upon Monster Hunter and Monster Hunter G (Japanese release only), which were originally released on the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system, Monster Hunter Freedom is the ultimate package, including new quests, additional features and content adapted for the PSP system. Adventurers are now free to take their epic battles with them wherever they go, as they hunt extraordinary monsters in a stunning game world brought to life with some of the best graphics seen on the system. With a multitude of quests, characters, weapons and more, the variety is virtually limitless. Players can partake in enhanced single player campaigns as well as multiplayer quests via the PSP system's ad hoc mode which allows up to four friends to band together for intense battles. The game has proven to be a phenomenal success in Japan already as the country's top selling title for the PSP system with shipments of more than 600,000 units. Monster Hunter Freedom is now available at retailers across North America and carries a "T" rating for teen audiences by the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board).

In Monster Hunter Freedom, experience the thrilling life of a hunter by taking on a variety of quests and conquering larger than life beasts either alone or with the aid of others. Players start by customizing their own character, choosing the type of hair, face, voice and other various attributes their personalized monster hunter will possess. They can explore a hub village where they can sign up for various quests ranging from retrieving a valuable egg from the nest of an enormous dragon to hunting down powerful creatures and much more. Hunters can scavenge defeated monsters for food, collect bones for weapons and armor, and even use pieces for decorative accessories. In addition, by completing objectives, players receive an array of rewards that allows them to upgrade their arsenal and equipment, readying them for even tougher battles.

Monster Hunter Freedom boasts an array of exciting new features for the PSP system:

• Breathtaking graphics – lush environments and detailed monsters are beautifully represented on the PSP system
• Enhanced Quests – a wide variety of quests have been adjusted to offer more accessible single player experiences as well as robust multiplayer adventures
• Ad hoc multiplayer
  • o Up to four can team up in cooperative multiplayer quests via the PSP system's ad hoc mode
  • o Players can also exchange certain items as well as guild cards which track points that are awarded when friends play together
• Enhanced village hub features a new look and includes various upgraded areas
  • Expanded item shop – players can use quest rewards or pillaged items to upgrade more weapons and armor than before, as well as purchase items, ammo, food and much more
  • House area – hunters now have an improved home where they can store and manage items in a chest, save their progress by resting in bed, read magazines that provide useful game tips and access the new Felyne Kitchen area
  • Farm – a brand new location where players can fish, garden, scavenge for items and more
  • By investing with the town's representatives and dealing with the businesses, players contribute to the growth and development of the area which creates additional options
  • By buying and selling from merchants in the village, points are earned which can be used towards the expansion of the area, widening the options even further
• New Felyne Kitchen – hire these feisty chefs to create various culinary delights in their extraordinary kitchen
  • Experience different effects from eating the specially prepared food such as increased attack power, defense and more
  • Benefits from the food continue until a quest is cleared once
  • The more these chefs are used, the higher their levels become, improving their cooking skills to produce even more helpful entrées
  • Each Felyne has their own unique "specialty" ingredient which can produce different results that aid players in combat
  • New "treasure hunters" two player co-op game
  • o Collect and deliver treasures in a specific time to achieve high scores and earn various items
  • o High value prizes are added to a collection list on a guild card which can be traded with friends
• Exciting mini games – collect items, harvest plants and complete other small tasks to obtain all kinds of useful items
• Brand new weapons and equipment provide even more options

Capcom is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment. Founded in 1983, the company has created world renowned franchises including Resident Evil, Street Fighter, Mega Man, Viewtiful Joe, Devil May Cry and the Onimusha series. Headquartered in Osaka, Japan, the company maintains operations in the U.S., United Kingdom, Germany, Tokyo and Hong Kong. More information about Capcom and its products can be found on the company's web site at www.capcom.com.