Recoil Games and Sony Online Entertainment Unveil Details for Rochard, a Gravity-Bending Puzzle Platformer for PlayStation®Network

HELSINKI and SAN DIEGO, Feb. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Recoil Games and Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) today unveiled new details about Rochard, the action packed side-scrolling puzzle platformer coming soon to the PlayStation®Network. Rochard, scheduled for release this spring, is all about the heroic space adventures of astro-miner John Rochard as he manipulates gravity in inventive ways to solve puzzles, defeat enemies and bring down the most evil of bosses.

Developed by Recoil Games, Rochard is a fun and original space adventure game that features a resourceful hero, ominous villains, rugged machinery, big explosions, even bigger stunts and sharp one-liners. The game tests players' coordination and wits as they use gravity to their advantage, changing it at will to solve environmental puzzles and advance through each level. By using the upgradable G-Lifter, the main tool of the game, players can lift and maneuver heavy objects around the environment, and can eventually swing, jump and propel themselves huge distances throughout each level.

"We have been working on Rochard for some time now and we're very excited to start showing this clever, funny, unique adventure title to PlayStation Network gamers," said Burt Kane, Creative Director at Recoil Games Ltd. "The hero, John Rochard, is no marine or super soldier, but just a tough, ordinary miner with a mustache, placed in an extraordinary situation.  The combination of its humorous style, explorative space antics and the player's ability to manipulate gravity will really make Rochard stand out."

"As a leading publisher for independent titles on the PlayStation Network, we are extremely pleased with our partnership with Recoil and the upcoming release of Rochard continuing our string of successful platform exclusives," said Louis Figueroa, VP Business Development.  "With a unique storyline and style, Rochard will assuredly push the envelope of new and original titles on the PlayStation Network."  

Rochard follows the story of the humble astro-miner John Rochard. John and his mining team accidently discover an ancient structure hidden deep in an asteroid, thus proving mankind isn't alone in the universe. Soon after, his team goes missing without a trace and John finds himself stranded on the asteroid. To make matters worse, space pirates attack the mine, and John quickly realizes there are surprising and dangerous forces at work, determined to use the mysterious discovery for their own sinister means and eliminate John and his friends along the way. Using only his wits, everyday mining tools and a healthy dose of sarcasm, John must fend off the pirates, save his team and solve the mystery behind his discovery.

Rochard is slated for release this spring on the PlayStation Network. For more information, please visit www.rochardthegame.com.

About Recoil Games

Recoil Games is a privately-held game development company focused on the creation of original entertainment properties for games and other media. The company's core expertise is in the development of premium console games that bring together adventure, gameplay and action in exciting new ways. Central to Recoil's strategy is also the use of deep story lines, engaging characters and immersive game worlds in maximizing the appeal of its properties. Recoil is based in Helsinki, Finland. http://www.recoilgames.com/

Recoil Games and Rochard are registered trademarks or trademarks of Recoil Games Ltd.

About Sony Online Entertainment

Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) is a recognized worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games, with hundreds of thousands of subscribers around the globe. SOE creates, develops and provides compelling entertainment for the personal computer, online game console and wireless devices. Known for its blockbuster franchises and hit titles including EverQuest®, EverQuest® II, Champions of Norrath®, Untold Legends™, PlanetSide®, and the recently launched DC Universe Online™, as well as kids' hit titles Free Realms® and Clone Wars Adventures, SOE continues to redefine the business of online gaming and the creation of active player communities. Headquartered in San Diego, CA, with additional development studios in Austin, TX, Seattle, WA, Denver, CO, and Tucson, AZ, SOE has an array of cutting-edge games in development across various platforms and genres for audiences of all ages.

SOE, the SOE logo, EverQuest, Free Realms and PlanetSide are registered trademarks and Untold Legends and Legends of Norrath are trademarks of Sony Online Entertainment LLC. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.

SOURCE Sony Online Entertainment LLC