Latest Installment in Critically Acclaimed Series Introduces Co-op Play

Throughout Story Mode, Squad-Based Gameplay and Enhanced Weapons Modification

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    FOSTER CITY, Calif., Oct. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer Entertainment
 America Inc. announced today the launch of Ratchet: Deadlocked(TM) created
 exclusively for the PlayStation(R)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.
     (Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000510/SFW104-a )
     "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(R) and PS one(TM) game console,
 the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system and the PSP(TM)
 (PlayStation(R) 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.
 
 

SOURCE  Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.