Popular Hero Ratchet Teams Up With His Allied Bots as They Fight for Survival in Ratchet: Deadlocked™ Exclusively on PlayStation®2

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today the launch of Ratchet: Deadlocked™ created exclusively for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system by Insomniac Games. Ratchet: Deadlocked is the continued evolution of the Ratchet & Clank series and introduces new elements to the franchise such as co-op gameplay through the entire story mode, squad-based functionality, an enhanced weapons modification system, and the ability of up to 10 players to compete online utilizing a broadband connection.

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"We are continuing to raise the bar for the videogame industry with Ratchet: Deadlocked," said Grady Hunt, senior producer, product development, Sony Computer Entertainment America. Ratchet: Deadlocked is proof that developers can continue delivering new installments for a popular franchise while providing players with a whole new gameplay experience. "With the addition of new features such as co-op throughout story mode, squad-based functionality and the expansion of the weapons system to allow players more choices, we are sure to deliver one of the most competitive and challenging games for PlayStation 2 this holiday season."

In addition to introducing new gameplay, Ratchet: Deadlocked also provides players with more variety than its predecessors, making it the most customizable game yet in the series. Gamers can take advantage of the new co-op functionality available throughout the game by choosing to play through story mode in single-player or in co-op with a buddy. Besides the 15 skins available in co-op play, players can also choose to play as Alpha Clank, the default skin for the second player. This allows gamers to play Ratchet and Clank in co-op mode. In addition, all single-player levels will also be available for multiplayer use.

Ratchet: Deadlocked also features non-linear gameplay, allowing players greater freedom in how they choose their missions. In addition, squad-based gameplay enables 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 upgrade bot weapons. A new weapons modification system provides players the ability to choose the way their weapon powers up -- both numerically and functionally -- and provides players with virtually limitless mod combinations.

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 as his next contestant.

Vox soon realizes Ratchet is the most promising contestant the show has ever seen. Vox subjects Ratchet to a series of deadly battles, much to the delight of the show's enormous audience. To keep himself and his friends alive, Ratchet has no choice but to continue participating and drive up the show's ratings with spectacular victories -- at least until he and Clank can figure out a way to break free from Vox's control, the explosive Deadlock collars fastened to their necks, and bring the Vox Network crashing down.

Players can pilot four new and destructive vehicles -- the Hovership, Puma, Landstalker and Hoverbike. In multi-player and co-op modes, gamers must work together to plan out the multiple attack types that each vehicle enables. Players can operate their own Hoverbikes and drive them simultaneously to create a more thrilling and destructive atmosphere.

"We really wanted to do something new and fresh that would set Ratchet: Deadlocked apart from the previous games in the Ratchet & Clank series," said Brian Hastings, Chief Creative Officer, Insomniac Games. "As a team, we were looking for both a creative challenge and an opportunity to expand upon the Ratchet universe, and we believe we've delivered that to gamers with Ratchet: Deadlocked."

Ratchet: Deadlocked is receiving full marketing support in the following categories to generate consumer awareness and excitement for this action-packed title.

National Print Advertising Campaign

To extend the mainstream appeal of Ratchet: Deadlocked, a full-blown print advertising campaign will be running beginning at launch and lasting through April. These publications include Game Informer, Electronic Gaming Monthly, PlayStation Magazine, Official PlayStation Magazine, GamePro, PLAY Magazine, FHM, Stuff, Giant, Blender and DC Comics.

National Broadcast/Cable Advertising Campaign

The television campaign for Ratchet: Deadlocked has already began and will run through the holiday season. The live action spots, which comically focus on two bot 'friends' assisting the hero with his daily life, will run on networks such as BET, Cartoon Network, ESPN, Fox, Fox Sports, FX, MTV, MTV2, Spike, TBS, UPN, NBC VH1 and Sci-Fi, as will the game footage spot which showcases Ratchet's heroic nature in battling his enemies.

National Online Advertising Campaign

Utilizing unique branding opportunities, the Ratchet: Deadlocked online campaign features a fully built out micro-site that will appear as if it is being "broadcast: from Ratchet's Dreadzone setting when it goes live this November. Videos, TV spots, promotions and other content will be included and will be supported by banners, skyscrapers and other online media.

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has rated Ratchet: Deadlocked "T" for Teen. 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 more than 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.insomniacgames.com/

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