posted by plainr_ on NeoGAF forums

At Gamescom Tuesday, Sony officially revealed four more characters to be added to the PlayStation All Star roster. All four of these characters were part of the unofficical leaked pictures of characters, stages and pick-up items a few weeks ago, so this obviously supports the truthfulness of that leak.

The leak featured a few characters that were already confirmed: Heihachi, Toro, Jak and Cole. But there were eight others shown that were the real heart of the leak. Four were just confirmed at Gamescom: Ratchet and Clank, Sackboy (Little Big Planet), “Emo” Dante (Devil May Cry) and Spike (Ape Escape).

The other four yet to be confirmed are Raiden (Metal Gear Solid), Sir Daniel Fortesque (MediEvil), Nariko (Heavenly Sword) and a shadowy figure who could either be an evil/vampire Cole or maybe the Chimeran virus-infected Nathan Hale from Resistance (judging by the small strap, on his shoulder, I say it’s Cole’s delivery pack). However, we will have to wait for the official reveal to be absolutely certain of these characters’ involvement in the game.

In the meantime, here is a profile of the four new confirmed characters:

#1 – Ratchet and Clank (Ratchet and Clank Series)

PlayStation Exclusive: Yes

Game Appearances: 10

First Appearance: Ratchet and Clank (2002)

Fighting Skill: 5 out of 5

I had already assumed that this duo was going to appear on the All Star Roster. There was no way they could include Sly and Jak and Daxter without including Ratchet and Clank as well. Ratchet and Clank are a definite must for the game with their giant arsenal of crazy weapons. They are sure to be able to combat the other All Stars with chaotic and fun destruction.

Verdict: 5 out of 5 All Stars! Ratchet and Clank have all the requirements to be legitimate All Stars. They have been around for ten years, been in ten games and bring the pain with awesome and destructive guns. This duo will be great for causing all sorts of havoc on the battlefield.

#2 – Sack Boy (Little Big Planet Series)

Playstation Exclusive: Yes

Game Appearances: 3

First Appearance: Little Big Planet (2008)

Fighting Skill: 0 out of 5

This cute little guy was another must, being such a successful and recognizable PlayStation character now. He might not be much of a fighter per se, but he is a master platformer, identity changer and sticker stickerer. He can also make hilarious facial expressions and disco dance if you make him. His battle skill includes creating all sorts of shapes and contraptions that can help him battle the other All Stars.

Verdict: 3 out of 5 All Stars. He is definitely not a fighter, and everything remotely hostile hurts him, but he still is a welcome addition to the roster just because of the happiness he brings into the room.

#3 – Dante (Devil May Cry series)

PlayStation Exclusive: Mostly, Devil May Cry 4 was released for Xbox 360 and so will DMC: Devil May Cry

Game Appearances: 4, although “Emo” Dante will appear in the fifth game, DMC: Devil May Cry

First Appearance: Devil May Cry (2001)

Fighting Skill: 5 out of 5

Dante kicks some serious ass, there’s no way around it. He is probably one of the few who can stand toe to toe with Kratos and come out on top. Being half a demon himself, Dante is a master at killing demons with style. He used a combo of his handguns “Ebony and Ivory” and his giant sword “Rebellion” to destroy anything that attempts to fight him.

Verdict: 4 out of 5 All Stars. Although it seems they want to include the new short black-haired Dante in the All Star roster, it’s the classic white-haired Dante that we gamers love so well. His cocky attitude and finesse in battle is a great addition to the other characters in the roster, being so great at combo attacks. I just haven’t gotten used to this new “Emo” Dante yet.

#4 – Spike (Ape Escape series)

PlayStation Exclusive: Yes

Game Appearances: 6 (3 as the main character)

First Appearance: Ape Escape (1999)

Fighting Skill: 3 out of 5

Spike is a professional ape catcher. He wields the time net to catch the ape scoundrels, the stun club to beat up things and a multitude of other gadgets to help him bag apes and platform around the area. His stun club looks deceptively similar to a light saber, but Spike won’t really be using Jedi lethal precision in combat. He is just a kid after all.

Verdict: 3 out of 5 All Stars. Spike is and old PlayStation character similar to PaRappa as far as ties to the All Star roster goes. He is really just a cute kid good at beating up apes and trapping them in nets, but I suppose he could do the same toward the other combat-hardened All Stars. He isn’t a huge PlayStation character, but he isn’t a completely bad one either.

Here is the Gamescom trailer revealing the four new characters: