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Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) announced today the North American release of Hot Shots Golf(R): Out of Bounds, available exclusively for PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)).

Developed by Clap Hanz, in conjunction with Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios, Santa Monica Studio, Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds takes the multi-million unit-selling Hot Shots Golf(R) franchise and tees off on PS3 for the first time. As the latest entry in this unique golf series, Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds maintains its signature over-the-top visuals and realistic golf physics while adding larger and more detailed courses, more extensive multiplayer options including 50 player tournaments, and an advanced shot mechanic that requires players to carefully monitor the swing motion of each character.

Available post launch, Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds will offer consumers a host of downloadable content, including access to match and stroke play modes. Additionally, new courses and characters will become available for purchase over the coming months.

"Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds truly offers a golf experience for everyone, striking a balance between the wacky Hot Shots universe and realistic golfing action that can only be delivered on PS3," said Jeff Reese, director, software marketing, SCEA. "From its intuitive controls, to brilliant graphics, to robust online functionality, Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds delivers the most entertaining and quirky golf gaming experience available."

In this brand new chapter of the Hot Shots Golf franchise, gamers have the opportunity to compete with others around the world by participating in sprawling multiplayer Real Tournaments boasting up to 50 players per round. Golfers looking for a more intimate match can engage in online New Real Format, where up to eight players can compete for the top spot. Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds also offers a brand new online lobby where fellow golfers can create customized avatars with more than 300 different options while chatting with each other before joining a game. Best of all, with the real-time stat tracking system, online golfers can see how they measure up with other Hot Shot golfers around the world.

Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds delivers new courses that take the virtual greens to beautiful and dramatic locations throughout the world including links along the coast, in the woods, through mountain ranges, and in the African savannah. Each 18 hole configuration showcases pitch-and-putt par threes all the way to challenging par five holes, and the courses are expanded and customized to offer larger playable environments, allowing clever golfers to utilize the entire course and neighboring fairways when strategically placing follow up shots. Additionally, Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds unveils an Advanced Shot system that requires players to focus on their character's motions rather than a power meter. The Advanced Shot mechanic provides a more realistic experience, as players must monitor both takeaway and impact zone while taking into account distance, club selection, ball lie, and weather.

True to the spirit of the Hot Shots Golf franchise, Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds features 15 playable characters and six caddies, each sporting their own distinct look and personality. Each character can be customized in a variety of clothing options while gamers will monitor a range of player attributes including power, control, and accuracy. Also, single-player modes such as Challenge, Stroke, and Training, along with multi-player modes such as Tournament and Match Play, are available to create a more diverse golfing experience each time players hit the links.