KONAMI SHIPS CASTLEVANIA®: ARIA OF SORROW(tm) TO RETAIL OUTLETS NATIONWIDE

Highly Anticipated Sequel in the Critically Acclaimed Series Brings Action-Packed Adventures of Soul-Sucking Proportions

Redwood City, CA - May 6, 2003 - Leading videogame publisher Konami of America, Inc., a subsidiary of Konami Corporation (NYSE: KNM), announced today that Castlevania®: Aria of Sorrow(tm) has shipped to retail outlets nationwide. From the creators of the critically acclaimed Castelvania®: Symphony of the Night(tm) for PlayStation®, and last year's handheld game of the year, Castlevania®: Harmony of Dissonance(tm), Castlevania®: Aria of Sorrow(tm) is the 16th U.S. video game release in the 17-year-old series and marks the franchise's third installment on the Nintendo Game Boy® Advance.

Building on the success of the past Castlevania® games for the handheld system, Castlevania®: Aria of Sorrow(tm) combines stunning graphics and outstanding music with legendary gameplay to deliver a first-rate action/adventure experience on the Game Boy® Advance. The first title in the series to be set in the future, Castlevania®: Aria of Sorrow(tm) casts players as the all-new character, Soma Cruz, who must navigate through Dracula's castle while confronting perilous monsters at every turn. Featuring unparalleled character animation and a plethora of gigantic monsters strewn throughout the castle's labyrinth, players will be overwhelmed by the depth and quality of the Castlevania® world.

In addition to collecting and wielding multiple weapons, players now also have the unique ability to use the souls of their enemies to collect over 100 powerful new attacks and skills. Using the Nintendo Game Link® Cable, players can also exchange or trade enemy souls with their friends, further bolstering their character's strength against the evil forces lurking within the castle walls. Specially designed to provide expert players with a significant challenge, while still offering novice gamers a rich experience, Castlevania®: Aria of Sorrow(tm) will enthrall players of all skill levels.

Castlevania®: Aria of Sorrow is rated T for Teen and is available at an MSRP of $29.99. To learn more about Castlevania®: Aria of Sorrow, please visit: http://www.konami.com/ariaofsorrow/