Ratchet & Clank gunning for PSP

When Ratchet: Deadlocked was released last year, it did so with a focus on multiplayer, arena-style action and a decided lack of focus on Ratchet's longtime partner, the diminutive-yet-dignified Clank. Gamers who prefer their platforming heroes in pairs might be happy to hear today that Clank is back in the limelight for the forthcoming Ratchet & Clank on the PlayStation Portable.

While Sony is promising that the gameplay will get back to the franchise's roots for Ratchet & Clank PSP (working title), the company is entrusting the series to a new studio for the first time. Whereas Insomniac Games has developed every previous installment of the series (outside of the mobile phone version), Ratchet and Clank PSP is set to be the first release from High Impact Games. The franchise won't be completely new to the developer, however, as a number of High Impact developers are former employees of Insomniac with experience working on previous Ratchet and Clank games.

As has become the series trademark, Ratchet and Clank PSP will feature a variety of weapons and gadgets, as well as an intergalactic romp that takes them to the far-flung corners of the duo's sci-fi universe. High Impact is also implementing a new armor-customization system, a number of vehicles that players can use in races and missions, and wireless multiplayer action for up to four people.

For more on the game and its storyline, check out GameSpot's pre-Electronic Entertainment Expo impressions of the game, and check back during the show (May 10 to 12) for more details.