Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) announced today the immediate North American availability of Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune.  Developed by the studio that brought blockbuster hit franchises Crash Bandicoot and Jak & Daxter to PlayStation fans, Naughty Dog Inc.’s, Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune is the first game in a new fast-paced action- adventure franchise developed exclusively for PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) computer entertainment system.

Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune has gamers playing as the fallible Nathan Drake, a possible descendent of Sir Francis Drake and an explorer out to uncover the secrets of his family legacy while uncovering El Dorado. Featuring more than 100 minutes of in-game cinematics with movie-like production quality pre-rendered on PS3, Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune was developed using proprietary technology that enabled incredibly realistic characters and lifelike environments. Building on its heritage of extraordinary storytelling and character development, Naughty Dog has created a deep and rich experience that captivates emotion and sets the precedence for realistic action games to follow.

"The power of PS3 has really opened up the doors for game developers in terms of creating realistic worlds and believable characters,” said Evan Wells, Co-President, Naughty Dog Inc. “We are extremely proud that we accomplished what we set out to do: create a game that combines the fun and adventure of our previous games, presented in a real world setting that immerses players and makes them feel like the star of a big-budget blockbuster film.”

Equipped with a 400-year-old clue found in the coffin of Sir Francis Drake, players join Nathan Drake on an exploration for the fabled treasure of El Dorado. The adventure leads to the discovery of a forgotten island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and quickly turns deadly when Drake becomes stranded and hunted by mercenaries. Outnumbered and outgunned, Drake and his trusted companions, Elena Fisher and Victor Sullivan, must fight to survive as they begin to unravel the suspicious secrets hidden on the Island.

Combining Naughty Dog’s roots in adventure and platforming with a storyline comparable to a pulp action movie, Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune is a unique blend of problem-solving traversal, cover-based gun combat, hand-to-hand brawling and immersive puzzle solving. Players will explore large exotic environments, experience frantic vehicle chases, battle eccentric pirates with an array of fighting moves all the while following a deep story showcasing how far people are willing to go to pursue their own desires.

Utilizing the power of the PLAYSTATION 3, Naughty Dog extends innovation into every aspect of the game. Characters express lifelike emotion using gesture and facial expression through the proprietary Wrinkle Mapping Facial Animation system. An advanced blending system lets Drake respond immediately to player controls, allowing the player to use Drake’s movements and expressions to navigate through the game. Cell Broadband Engine enabled Naughty Dog to create a complex animation system for fluidity of movement where Drake can reload his weapon while dodging bullets and find cover behind a wall, all in one smooth natural motion. Additionally, a combination of next generation rendering techniques and high-dynamic range lighting delivers an unequaled level of realism and detail in the game, creating an emotional connection that complements the story.

Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune also takes advantage of the SIXAXIS wireless controller. Players can utilize the technology to balance across logs or trees in tight, narrow, unstable surfaces and use it to arc and change trajectory of grenades in real-time.

SCEA will support Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune with a blockbuster multimillion dollar marketing campaign. This will include aggressive national television, print, online and viral advertising campaigns, full promotional support, dedicated point-of-purchase displays and merchandising support, broad-based public relations support and immersive and interactive website.

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rates Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune “T” for “Teen”. For more information about the ESRB, visit www.esrb.org.