Jak and Daxter and Ratchet & Clank sequels due in fall 2004

Today Sony Computer Entertainment America revealed that two of gaming's most popular duos are returning. The company announced that it will publish sequels to Naughty Dog's Jak and Daxter and Insomniac Games' Ratchet & Clank. Though no final date or title for the games was given, SCEA said both would be released in the fall and would be PlayStation 2-exclusive like their predecessors.

Combined, Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy and its sequel, Jak II, have sold 1 million copies worldwide. Following the platforming adventures of the silent hero Jak and his yappy sidekick Daxter, both games also earned widespread critical success.

In conjunction with its sequel, Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando, Ratchet & Clank has also moved a million-plus units internationally. Released just one year apart (compared to the Jak and Daxter series' two-year gap), the two games profile the titular planet-hoppers, a catlike alien and his robot pal. These games earned equally glowing kudos from the games press as the Jak and Daxter series, meaning this holiday season's plate of platformers is looking quite promising.

GameSpot will have more details on both games as they become available.