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REDWOOD CITY, CALIF. - Sept. 14, 2004 Konami Digital Entertainment - America, a division of Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., today announced that Gradius V for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system has shipped to retail outlets nationwide. The game is the latest installment in one of Konami's beloved classic franchises and marks the return of the famed Vic Viper space ship. In celebration of the game's release, Konami will host a national online high score contest where players can win exclusive Gradius memorabilia and prizes including a special "Gradius V Breakdown Director's Cut" DVD. Gamers can enter the contest on Konami's website at www.konami.com/gradius5 from September 17th to October 1st.

"Fans of the Gradius series have been clamoring for the release of a new game in the hit shooter video game franchise since the last version shipped," said Dennis Lee, product manager at Konami Digital Entertainment – America. "Konami has completely overhauled the graphics and taken the series into a 3D world while still retaining the classic fast-paced side-scrolling shooter action that gamers have come to expect."

Developed by the critically acclaimed studio, Treasure, Gradius V is the first installment in the series designed specifically for next generation video consoles. While the game has received an updated look, complete with beautifully rendered 3D environments, Gradius V continues to deliver classic shooter gameplay while adding new elements to the series. The new 2-player cooperative mode doubles the action and intensity as two players can now blast through eight expansive levels of fun and challenging terrain in an all-new Gradius adventure.

In addition to the amazing 3D graphics and 2-player simultaneous play, Gradius V enhances the classic gameplay with original level designs, new weapons and new Option Controls – up to four different Option Control Types add depth and replay value to the game. A new Internet Ranking System also allows players to track and compare high scores with other players nationwide. Konami will award the top scorers with various Gradius prizes when players enter a unique password received at the end of the game in the Score Attack Mode on Konami's website at www.konami.com/gradius5. Images of the prizes and official rules can be found on the website.

Gradius V is rated "T" for Teen by the ESRB and is available for an SRP of $29.99.

About Gradius
Gradius first debuted in the U.S. in 1986 on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). The original game was followed-up by Gradius II (Japan only), Gradius III for the Super Nintendo and Gradius IV in the arcades (Japan only). In 2000, Konami Digital Entertainment - America released Gradius III & IV as a launch title for the PlayStation 2, delivering the ultimate arcade shooter for home video game console players.