Today is the day! Dragon Ball Z: Budokai finally hits North American PlayStation 2 systems, bringing the fight back home for the first time since 1997’s Dragon Ball: Final Bout on the original PlayStation.

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai was developed by Dimps in Japan and is available exclusively on the PlayStation 2 beginning today for $49.99.

Infogrames Unleashes the Power and Fury of Dragon Ball Z(R): Budokai(TM) On PlayStation(R) 2 Computer Entertainment System
New Fighting Game Invites Players To Relive Their Favorite Dragon Ball Z(R) Battles On Leading Next-Generation System

BEVERLY, Mass., Dec. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Achieving an incredible convergence between one of the leading anime and television properties ever created and the interactive entertainment world, Infogrames, Inc. (Nasdaq: IFGM) today announced that it has shipped Dragon Ball Z(R): Budokai(TM) for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system. Already heralded for its authenticity, depth and excitement, Dragon Ball Z(R): Budokai(TM) is hitting store shelves in time for the holiday season.

Dragon Ball Z(R): Budokai(TM) spans from the Saiyan(TM) Saga through Cell Games and allows players to experience the fantastic confrontations that define the Dragon Ball Z(R) universe. Choose from five heart-pounding fighting modes, including Story Mode, where players reenact some of the most exciting fighting scenes from the animated series, and Tournament Mode, where players can face off to crown a single Dragon Ball Z(R) fighting champion.

A true parallel to the television series, which was the top rated show among all U.S. cable TV programs for boys 9-14, tweens 9-14 and men 12-24 during this season’s launch lineup, Dragon Ball Z(R): Budokai(TM) puts players in some of the show’s most intense battles and heightens the star quality of the game via the inclusion of the actual voice actors from the show. To date, the Dragon Ball(R), Dragon Ball Z(R) & Dragon Ball GT(R) franchises have generated more than three billion dollars in related merchandising and over 500 animated TV episodes.

“Never before has there been a Dragon Ball Z(R) game that is as true to the property as Dragon Ball Z(R): Budokai(TM),” said Paul Rinde, senior vice president of Infogrames. “The effort and attention to detail will be a huge payoff for fans as Dragon Ball Z(R): Budokai(TM) truly recreates the epic storyline of the Dragon Ball Z(R) series in the interactive realm.” Chris Sabat, the Voice Director of Dragon Ball Z(R) and the voice of Vegeta(R), Piccolo(TM), and Yamcha(R), added, “To be able to actually step inside the DBZ universe, controlling your favorite character’s moves, his attacks, in his voice, is a completely surreal experience. The battle/duel section of the game is worth the price of the game itself.”

Already an eagerly anticipated release, the media had the following to say about the game:

• “Budokai is a dream come true for every Dragon Ball Z fan.” — GamePro Magazine
• “Fans of the show will drool over the voices, music, and perfectly replicated look of the animated series.” — Game Informer Magazine
• “Budokai stands above any of the previous attempts to turn the series into a fighter.” — Electronic Gaming Monthly

Featuring 23 of the most famous Dragon Ball Z heroes and villains in full 3D, Dragon Ball Z(R): Budokai(TM) spans 29 levels, and features over 60 different combo moves per character, including some of their infamous signature attacks from the animated series.

Developed by Dimps, Dragon Ball Z(R): Budokai(TM) is currently available for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system at a suggested retail price of $49.99 and rated “T” for Teen. For more information on this title, please visit www.dbzgamer.com.