Ratchet: Deadlocked Delivers Co-Op and Squad-Based Gameplay in Next Installment of Popular Ratchet & Clank Series

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today the first details behind the Fall 2005 release of Ratchet: Deadlocked created exclusively for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. Insomniac Games continues to innovate the Ratchet & Clank series and has enhanced the latest installment by incorporating co-op gameplay in both single-player and multiplayer story modes -- as well as squad-based functionality.

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"We are excited about the high standards Insomniac Games continues to set for the videogame industry," said Grady Hunt, senior producer, product development, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "By continuing to add new gameplay elements such as co-op and squad-based functionality to their games, Insomniac is sure to deliver one of the most competitive and challenging games for PlayStation 2 this holiday season."

In Ratchet: Deadlocked, Ratchet and Clank are captured and forced to compete on an underground reality combat sport show. The show, which features abducted heroes fighting for their lives against a gruesome gang of deadly Exterminators, is run by a deranged media mogul named Gleeman Vox, who intends to use Ratchet and Clank as his next contestants.

It doesn't take Vox long to realize that Ratchet is the most promising contestant the show has ever seen. Vox subjects our hero to a series of deadly battles and elaborate games of death, much to the delight of the show's enormous audience. To keep himself and his friends alive, Ratchet has no choice but to participate in the games and keep driving up the show's ratings with spectacular victories -- at least until our heroes can figure out a way to break free from Vox's control, the explosive Deadlock collar fastened to his neck, and bring the mighty Vox Network crashing down.

Ratchet: Deadlocked features non-linear gameplay, allowing players greater freedom to choose their missions. In addition, all single-player levels will be available for multiplayer use. With much of the combat taking place in battlefields and arenas, gameplay will be more sports-oriented and will include announcer commentary. Featuring a new mission-structure approach, players will be rewarded with a constant progression of items such as weapons, armor and health. A new weapons modification system provides players the ability to choose the way their weapon powers up -- both numerically and functionally -- providing players with thousands of possible mod combinations. This allows for players to customize their Ratchet and Clank arsenal like never before.

Players can take advantage of the new co-op gameplay functionality available throughout the game by choosing either single-player or multiplayer story mode. In addition, squad-based gameplay will enable players to demolish the competition by commandeering their allied combat bots through critical and strategic battles. Each allied bot will have their own distinct personality, and a customization feature allows players to change body parts and textures.

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has not yet rated Ratchet: Deadlocked. For more information about the ESRB visit www.esrb.org.

About Insomniac Games

Insomniac Games is an independent videogame developer that has released award-winning hits for PlayStation and the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system for 11 years. The company created the first three Spyro the Dragon games and the Ratchet & Clank franchise, which have combined to sell nearly 19 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, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and the PSP™ (PlayStation® Portable) handheld 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. PSP is a new portable entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games, with high-quality full-motion video, and high-fidelity stereo audio.

Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation game console, develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PlayStation 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
jennifer_clark@playstation.sony.com, or Tina Casalino, +1-650-655-8102, or
tina_casalino@playstation.sony.com, both of Sony Computer Entertainment
America Inc.

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