How do you make a long-running franchise fresh again? Developer Games believes the answer is cooperative gameplay.

In its announcement of Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One during Sony's Gamescom press conference, Insomniac pledged to revitalise the franchise with four-player co-op.

Joining Ratchet and Clank on the new adventure are Captain Qwark and former bad guy Nefarious. Either locally or online, up to three buddies can link up with you to play through the game. It doesn't sound particularly fresh, but it does sound fun.

Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One will be available exclusively for PlayStation 3 in autumn 2011.

By Tracy Erickson