October, 24, 2006 – Leading video games publisher and developer NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. announced today that .hack®//G.U.™ Vol.1: Rebirth™, developed exclusively for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, has shipped to retail stores across North America. In .hack//G.U. Vol.1: Rebirth, “The World” returns – rebuilt and as successful as ever. When in-game actions begin to affect the player’s reality, Haseo begins his quest to uncover the secrets hidden deep within the complex online world.

“For the next installment of the .hack series, we wanted to continue to explore the boundaries of perceived reality while making the game more accessible to new players,” said Naruo Uchida, Vice President of Localization at NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. “.hack//G.U. Vol.1: Rebirth takes place in a darker world, where players are continually faced with the challenges of ruthless Player Killings, and unexplainable mysterious events, but still maintains the humor and distinct personality of the original titles.”

What is reality? The answer to this question becomes less clear as players delve deeper into “The World.” After the data for his character is mysteriously erased, the seasoned MMO player Haseo must start over and begin the long journey to return to his position as a feared “Player-Killer” killer. By forming groups and guilds with new characters, players will become immersed in a captivating new storyline as they help Haseo progress and explore the mysteries inside “The World.” An intuitive desktop interface allows players to browse forums for in-game hints, receive news headlines from the outside world and receive emails from in-game friends and guild members. With the ability to hack into and manipulate “The World,” players can gain an advantage over their enemies – and shape Haseo’s destiny.