Sparks Fly as Sony Computer Entertainment America Explodes on the Scene with Ratchet & Clank™: Going Commando for PlayStation®2

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today the release of Ratchet & Clank™: Going Commando, a weapons-based, action-adventure game designed exclusively for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. Created by Insomniac Games, the developer of last year's "Greatest Hits" title Ratchet & Clank™ and the highly acclaimed and record-setting series Spyro the Dragon™ on the PlayStation® game console, Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando incorporates many of Insomniac's signature gameplay elements, including fun-filled action, inventive character designs, an imaginative storyline, plus a variety of explosive additions.

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Incorporating challenging new elements of gameplay such as an experience- based character growth system, upgradeable weapons and armor, a more dynamic economic system, and truly unique gameplay modes like gladiatorial arenas, space combat and spherical worlds, Ratchet and Clank: Going Commando takes gamers on an entertaining adventure to save a brand new galaxy. Twenty of the coolest new weapons ever imagined have unique upgrade capabilities that are unlocked as players gain skill and experience, offering gamers the challenge of learning to use the perfect weapon for the appropriate enemy. There are also "maxigames" available throughout the adventure that can be replayed in order to earn experience and money, giving players the chance to test their skills in gladiatorial arenas, unique spherical worlds and fast-paced space combat.

"Ratchet and Clank: Going Commando is by and far one of the most action- intensive and extraordinarily thrilling games to hit the market this holiday season," said Ami Blaire, director, product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "We are thrilled to be working with one of the most talented and imaginative teams in the industry as Insomniac Games continues to revolutionize the category with characters that are full of life and exciting gameplay that's fun for the entire family."

Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando is set in a vibrant galaxy featuring 20 all-new innovative planets and filled with all-new character designs, magnificent graphics and a compelling storyline. This invigorating sci-fi, action-adventure also delivers beautiful diverse environments approximately one and a half times larger than those in the first Ratchet & Clank.

New character designs, a compelling plot, and an extraordinary arsenal of more of the coolest weapons and high-tech gadgets enable players to blow up anything and everything standing in their way. The character growth system allows players to build Ratchet's and his weapons' power as they progress through the game. Furthermore, Ratchet begins the game in a new commando suit and can accumulate up to four other levels of armor by the end of his adventure.

"Our goal from the beginning of this project was to rejuvenate the platform genre," said Ted Price, president of Insomniac Games. "With Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando, we've taken significant steps away from traditional platformer design. By adding elements that have previously only existed in shooters and role-playing games, we're interested in not only creating a bigger and better gameplay experience, but in doing our part to keep the platformer genre alive, healthy and evolving."

Delving into role-playing game(RPG) territory, the new character growth system allows players to earn more nanotech (hit points) by defeating enemies. By gaining experience, Ratchet can increase his nanotech units from four to 80 by the end of the game. Enemies, grow in strength (like Ratchet), and by the end of the game can take up to 120 hit points of damage, forcing players to strategically manage their powerful artillery.

With the enhanced weapons system, gamers can upgrade each of their weapons to provide more variety, more power and added enjoyment. Featuring 20 brand- new weapons with unlockable upgrades as gamers gain skill and experience, more than 50 weapons and gadgets are available by the end of Ratchet and Clank's journey. In addition, some of the weapons feature "weapon mods" that can be used to outfit a weapon and create post attack damage. These mods can only be fitted to certain weapons at special illegal modification shops that players will find throughout the game.

Having defeated Chairman Drek in their last intergalactic adventure, Ratchet and Clank find themselves returning to a more sedate lifestyle -- until they are kidnapped and taken far away to the Bogon Galaxy. Upon their arrival, they are propositioned by Abercrombie Fizzwidget, the quirky CEO of the largest (and only) corporation in the Bogon Galaxy, to investigate the whereabouts of one of Megacorp's most promising experimental products, which has been stolen by a mysterious masked figure. Mr. Fizzwidget extends an offer that Ratchet cannot refuse -- the promise of adventure that he's been longing for, a fully paid health plan, access to new weapon technology, a penthouse suite in Megapolis, and the chance to receive training to become a certified commando. Meanwhile, since Clank is hesitant to reunite with Ratchet on another set of adventures, Mr. Fizzwidget lures Clank to stay by offering him a cushy accounting job at Megacorp.

Before long Ratchet and Clank find themselves entangled in action and mayhem. Along the way, the duo encounters many dangerous foes, but with a plethora of the coolest and most inventive weapons and gadgets ever Ratchet and Clank set out to destroy anything and anyone who stand in their way of discovering the secrets that lie behind "The Experiment."

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has rated Ratchet and Clank: Going Commando "T" for Teen. For more information about the ESRB visit www.esrb.org.

About Insomniac Games

Insomniac Games is an independent videogame developer creating cutting- edge technology, graphics and gameplay for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. Since the release of its first game in 1996, Insomniac's titles have shipped more than 12 million units worldwide. Additional information can be found on the company's web site at http://www.insomniacgames.com/

About Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation® and PS one™ game console, and the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. The PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system is set to revolutionize the home entertainment market, offering the most compelling interactive content and the capability to be used as a network terminal in the coming broadband era.

Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PS one game console and the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif. Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Visit us on the Web at http://www.us.playstation.com/

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SOURCE: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

CONTACT: Jennifer Clark, +1-650-655-5994, or
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America Inc.

Web site: http://www.playstation.com/