DRUMROLL, PLEASE ... TAIKO: DRUM MASTER? GOES GOLD! Namco’s Rhythmic Drum Game To Hit Store Shelves In October San Jose, Ca., (October 7, 2004) – Leading video games developer and publisher Namco Hometek Inc. announced today that its much anticipated rhythmic drum game, TAIKO: Drum Master?, has gone gold and will ship to North American retail outlets at the end of October. Developed by Namco Limited in Japan, TAIKO: Drum Master will be available exclusively for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. “Get ready to rock because TAIKO: Drum Master is nearly here,” said Garry Cole, executive vice president at Namco Hometek Inc. “With its diverse song catalog and whimsical graphics, TAIKO: Drum Master will establish a new standard of fun for players of all ages when it ships later this month.” TAIKO: Drum Master invites players to learn the art of the Japanese drum – the taiko – through the use of a miniature TAIKO Controller? which attaches to a PlayStation2 console. Players earn points to clear stages by correctly tapping to the rhythm of a selected song on the surface and edge of the Taiko Controller. With amusing graphics and well-orchestrated music, TAIKO: Drum Master allows players to perfect their drumming skills alone or go head-to-head in two-player mode. TAIKO: Drum Master offers more than 30 songs in its catalog, including well-known hits from today’s current chart-toppers and yesterday’s favorites. The game also incorporates a variety of orchestral classics and original music from the Namco library of video games. With its diverse offering of music and variety of game play skill levels, TAIKO: Drum Master delivers a unique experience filled with flexibility and fun for players of all ages. For more information on TAIKO: Drum Master and its complete song list, please visit www.namco.com. About Namco Hometek Inc. Namco Hometek Inc. is the U.S. consumer division of Namco Limited, a Tokyo-based world leader in the high-tech entertainment industry. Based in San Jose, CA, Namco Hometek Inc. is an award-winning video games publisher for next generation game consoles. Namco has created some of the industry's greatest video game franchises: Tekken®, SOULCALIBUR®, Dead to Rights®, Pac-Man World?, Ridge Racer®, Time Crisis® and ACECOMBAT?. For more information about Namco and its products log onto www.namco.com.