Monster Rancher® EVO: Breeding Begins April 11th, 2006

Author: KOEI TECMO

TORRANCE, Calif. Jan. 28, 2006 - Tecmo today announced that Monster Rancher EVO, the next installment of the legendary monster breeding series for the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system will ship April 11th. Featuring the series' unique media disc input system that creates monsters based on the CD, PlayStation 2 game, or DVD the player inserts into the PlayStation 2, this latest incarnation of Monster Rancher presents an evolution of the series. Now including in-depth role playing elements, deeper gameplay, and a captivating character-driven story to the popular monster breeding of past games. Become immersed in the Monster Rancher world as never before while exploring beautiful new environments and challenging situations.

"Monster Rancher EVO is truly the next generation of Monster Rancher," said John Inada, General Manager at Tecmo Inc., "I truly feel that all anime fans will appreciate the new art direction that EVO has taken. The cinematics pull you into the game, and fully immerse into the enchanting storyline. The fans of the Monster Rancher series will value the evolution of this game."

Stay tuned for upcoming announcements regarding an exciting Monster Rancher EVO community which will host sweepstakes, contests, forums, live chats, exclusive news, secrets, interviews and more!

Q: About Monster Rancher EVO

Monster Rancher EVO introduces an evolution in monster breeding with an intricate character-driven story, a two-phase training system, three-on-three battles and the ability to raise multiple monsters at a time. Players will balance monster breeding with role-playing exploration as they join in the adventures of Julio, a young circus performer with dreams of becoming a champion monster breeder. Traveling with the circus to seven different towns, each with its own story and beautifully rendered unique 3D environment, the player will meet new adventures and new friends who can help with training and breeding monsters.

Monster Rancher EVO will be available exclusively for the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system this April.

Q: About Tecmo

Tecmo, Inc., located in Torrance, California, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tokyo based Tecmo, LTD. Tecmo, Inc. is a leading publisher of video games for next generation consoles, handheld hardware, and mobile devices. Tecmo has gained worldwide recognition with product lines such as Tecmo BowlTM, Ninja Gaiden , Dead or Alive, Fatal Frame, Monster Rancher, TokobotTM, TßAPTTM and Gallop Racer. More information on Tecmo can be found at www.tecmogames.com.