Sony Online Entertainment and Recoil Games Launch Rochard for PlayStation®Network

SAN DIEGO and HELSINKI, Sept. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) and Recoil Games today release Rochard, the gravity-defying, side-scrolling, puzzle-platforming, astro-mining action adventure, available exclusively on the PlayStation®Network.

Rochard tells the tale of John Rochard, voiced by Jon St. John, a prominent voice actor best known for his role as Duke Nukem® in the Duke Nukem video game franchise. John is an average, everyday astro-miner who becomes a hero when his team of universal prospectors accidentally discovers an ancient alien artifact hidden deep in an asteroid. To protect humanity as he knows it, John must defeat evil space pirates and rescue his missing team members using only his wits and gravity defying 'G-Lifter'. With this power tool Rochard can literally bend the laws of physics to manipulate gravity in fun and inventive ways, to solve complex puzzles, and ultimately save the day.

"Rochard rocks the indie scene with a witty storyline and unique gravity-bending action gameplay that should only be experienced on the PlayStation®Network," said Christopher Sturr, executive director of business development and corporate strategy at SOE. "With a focus on creative design, Rochard is a truly inspired title that defies design boundaries and presents a sarcastic twist to the puzzle-platforming genre."

Developed by Recoil Games, Rochard is an original space adventure game that challenges players to use coordination and logic to manipulate gravity on the fly and overcome dangerous obstacles and deadly foes to advance. By using the upgradable G-Lifter, the main tool of the game, players lift and maneuver heavy objects around the environment, and jump and propel themselves across huge chasms and onto towering elevations throughout each level. The hybrid puzzle-platform gameplay is buoyed by humor, slick visuals and clever audio touches. The game's challenges require more than just a quick trigger finger; players have room to improvise their way through both combat and puzzles using increasingly powerful tools at their disposal.

"We are incredibly proud of Rochard and the praise we have received for the game from across the globe, including two 'Best of' awards from press at this year's Gamescom 2011," said Samuli Syvahuoko, CEO of Recoil Games Ltd. "The time has finally come to put our clever and distinctive action adventure in the hands of gamers— and we couldn't be more excited. When floating through low gravity, solving puzzles and tossing boxes at space pirates, we are confident players will find Rochard to be a fun game to sink their teeth into this fall."

Rochard is now available in North America on the PlayStation®Network for $9.99 USD. The game is rated T for Teen by the ESRB for fantasy violence, suggestive themes and mild language. For more information, please visit www.rochardthegame.com.

About SOE

Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) is a recognized worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games.  Best known for its blockbuster hits and franchises, including EverQuest®, EverQuest® II, Champions of Norrath®, PlanetSide®, Free Realms®, Clone Wars Adventures™, and DC Universe™ Online, SOE creates, develops and provides compelling online entertainment for a variety of platforms.  SOE is building on its proven legacy and pioneering the future of online worlds through creative development and inspired gameplay design for audiences of all ages.  To learn more, visit www.soe.com.

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

"PlayStation" is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

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 storylines, engaging characters and immersive game worlds in maximizing the appeal of its properties. Recoil is based in Helsinki, Finland. For more information about Recoil Games visit www.recoilgames.com and www.RochardTheGame.com.

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

Duke Nukem is a registered trademark of Gearbox Software L.L.C.

SOURCE Sony Online Entertainment LLC