Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today the launch of NBA 06 , appearing exclusively this Fall for the PlayStation^®2 computer entertainment system. The title introduces a number of feature firsts, including a behind-the-scenes, all-inclusive story mode and an entirely new game design where a player’s talents on the court dictate their ability to manage teammates and even the crowd. NBA 06 delivers a comprehensive basketball experience, combining a unique cinematic career mode and action-packed mini-games with an all-access pass to the NBA’s world off the court.

All-new for NBA 06 is a "Showtime Gameplay" feature that provides gamers the opportunity to achieve the delicate balance of teamwork, entertainment, and individual skills. Player skills to master include a passing system where highlight reel no-looks and alley-oops increase player attributes and raise team play. In addition, a low post gameplay feature is newly implemented, where action in the post is identified by an icon system that allows gamers to see strengths and weaknesses of various big men encountered in the league. The Showtime Gameplay system also introduces an enhanced artificial intelligence (AI) system that affects teammates and the general crowd depending on player skills. As gamers successfully execute more difficult challenges, player and team skills improve, along with crowd support.

Additionally, NBA 06 offers a new Epic mode, where gamers have the opportunity to nurture rookies straight out of the draft and build them into an all-star caliber player. In this mode, gamers step off the court and are exposed to actual events that are par for the course with being a star NBA athlete including injuries, trades, press conferences, and endorsements. Each player can take a different path to progress through the league, setting up countless ways for gamers to develop a player and experience life in the NBA.

"NBA 06 introduces a number of exciting features that make it a major improvement over NBA games of the past," said Scott Rohde, director of sports product development, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "The game has amazing new graphics and animations as well as a Showtime Gameplay mode where on-court play realistically influences team and opponent AI. For a truly immersive experience, the game also provides fans a chance to simulate the various events of life behind-the-scenes in the NBA."

NBA 06 integrates life-like player models and animations along with popular gameplay features such as Eye-Toy functionality and Online gameplay. In addition, NBA 06 will include more than 20 mini-games with classics such as "HORSE", "21", and "1-on-1" as well as a host of brand new games for players to test their skills in single player, vs., or online. The new title will also incorporate a movie-like score for the career mode and all-new original music during in-game action.