Platformer of 2002? (Ratchet & Clank (PS2))

Member Name: Andy_The_Writer

Product:	Ratchet & Clank (PS2)
Date:	31/07/03 (1846 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great Graphics, Easy, and Innovative Gameplay, Great Sounds/Effects

Disadvantages: May Seem Shorter Second Time Round

Ratchet and Clank is without a doubt one of the most innovative and entertaining platform games to hit the shops on any format. When the game was released on the PS2 in 2002 it took the gaming world by a storm, and left many critics in awe of its quality and originality. Having now played through this game a few times I can honestly say that it has been one of the most enjoyable and entertaining gaming experiences I have had.

The plot of the game is much like many other platformers, and that's not very in depth and serious. I may make this sound like a bad thing, but what this game loses in seriousness it more than gains in humour. Ratchet is a Lombax (furry animal thing) and has always dreamed of a space adventure. However, up until now Ratchet has remained on his home planet, Veldin.

Meanwhile, in another part of the galaxy the evil Chairman Drek has polluted the planet where he lives and now intends on making a new one. However, the way he is going to create this new planet is as evil as his name suggests. Drek starts to create a robot army to destroy all life on the other planets, and then ultimately steal a part from each planet, joining them together to form his perfect new planet.

During producing his robot army the machine goes wrong, and Clank is created, a tiny, but very intelligent robot. Clank escapes Drek's planet in an escape pod and crash lands on planet Veldin. He then joins up with Ratchet in an attempt to save the galaxy and fulfil Ratchets dream of a space adventure. Can Ratchet and Clank foil Drek's evil plan?

Ratchet and Clanks has many strong points, the graphics are stunning, the concepts are original, and the levels are diverse. Firstly looking at the graphics, Ratchet and Clank can really not be faulted. From the opening cut scenes you can see this games quality graphics, and they are amongst the best seen for this type of game.

Each of the 18 levels (each one taking pla
ce on an entirely different planet) are entirely unique, none of them are similar. The graphics remain colourful and extremely detailed throughout, never once disappointing. The backdrops have been fantastically thought out, and contain many other elements all of which the player can interact with in some way or another. Anything you can see on the landscape can be destroyed (by one of Ratchets 30+ weapons and gadgets), and this adds a lot to the gameplay.

With the extra power of the PS2 available, the Ratchet and Clank designers have gone all out. In some of the most action packed sections of the game there can easily be at least 50 or more objects moving on screen at any one time. This has never been done before, and adds to the originality of Ratchet and Clank. If graphics are a big part of games to you then Ratchet and Clank will not disappoint.

Earlier I was talking about the concepts of the game being original. What I mean by that is never before has a platform game involved so many ways for the player to interact. The game contains a huge array of weapons and gadgets all which can be used for various tasks. Some examples of these weapons are the Suck Cannon, which sucks in smaller enemies who can then be fired back at some of the larger enemies, the Tesla Claw which fires bolts of electricity at the enemies and my favourite weapon, the Morph-O-Ray, which turns smaller enemies into chickens. I love this huge choice of weapons, as it allows the game to be less linear and grants the player more freedom to go about things in their own fashion.

Some of the ideas brought to life by this game are entirely original and had never before been attempted in a game. That's what really makes this game something to write home about in my opinion.

When looking at this game in terms of the challenge posed and the diversity of the challenges in the game, it comes up trumps. It's not as simple as going through the 18 l
evels and that's it, this game has so much more. Platform games have been renowned for being as simple and repetitive as "jump from this bit to the next," however Ratchet and Clank chucks in a new challenge every level.

For example in one level you're attempting to find an oxygen mask in an attempt to explore another planet that has poisonous atmosphere. The only way to get this oxygen mask is to pilot a space ship and help a tropical planet resort owner combat the intruders who are destroying his planets atmosphere and turning all the sea life into mutants. But then on the next planet you are bribing a body guard to meet someone who is well protected. In the same level you also enter a hoverboard race, and buy weapons from an alien gangster.

That's just a small example of how diverse this game can be. You will never find yourself thinking that you have done something very similar to this in one of the previous levels. This for me makes the game a real gem, and shows that it raises the benchmark for future titles of the same genre.

In many platform games (such as the old Super Mario games) the sound has been much over looked. Ratchet and Clank pulls out all the stops and tries to sound as good as it looks. It succeeds brilliantly; the music is catchy and does what it needs to do. The music changes from level to level and really helps to set the mood for the planet. Then there of cause the sound effects which in the past have also been overlooked.

In this game however every enemy, item, weapon and gadget has its own great sound effects. I particularly like the sound effect from the "Pyrocitor" flame thrower style weapon, has a great roaring affect much as you would expect something of the sort to sound.

In the games many cut scenes the characters all have great voice overs. Ratchet the main character has a hip, teenager with attitude style voice over, where as his side kick Cla
nk (who is a robot) sounds very much as you would expect with a good electronic kind of sound.

What more has this classic got to offer. It appeals to both the younger generation and the older and wiser generation. The kids love it because it's colourful and Ratchet is furry, and the older people love it because it has a lot of adult humour thrown in for good measure.

The control system for this game is fantastic and very easy to pick up. As with most games the player can decided whether they wish to use the directional pad or the analog sticks to control the characters. Having this choice may seem like no big deal, but as an increasing number of games are turning analog only its a welcomed feature for me.

The simplicity of the controls makes the game less frustrating for the player, especially when attempting to complete one of those "I'm going to break my controller in anger" sections of the game. Many games have made the mistake of making the controls far to sensitive to the touch, where Ratchet and Clank has found a system that works flawlessly.

The game is Dual Shock compatible, which adds to the experience of playing and makes the action more enjoyable. When hit by an enemy or firing one of the larger weapons in the game the pad will be sure to be a rumblin'.

Another great thing about the game is the way it rewards the players. Just like a DVD Ratchet and Clank is packed to the brim with extras, but unlike a DVD these can not just be accessed from the beginning. The player must unlock all the extras, and take my word they are worth it if the games humour appeals to you.

These extras include a rather humorous look at all the stages in the design of Ratchet and Clank, from artwork to all the CGI (computer generated imagery) shots of all the main characters. They include humorous "TV commercials" from the company Gadgetron (the company which you purchase all your we
apons and ammo from), such as an advert for their new gadget "The Hygeneorator."

To put Ratchet and Clank in a nutshell, the games designers have created a sleek looking, innovative, original and nice sounding platform game, which raises the standards for future producers and dares them to make something better. What this game loses in a serious plot it goes all out on fun and humour. The challenge it poses should not be under estimated, if you're looking for 100% completion then you're going to have to work for it.
First time through this game took me around 15 hours of play, but bear in mind I had not found all hidden extras until I went through a second time.

You may do this at the end of every time you complete the game, you can go back to level one, but you get to keep all the weapons you obtain the first time round. Each time you then complete the game the little counter goes up, unlocking more extras, and proving that this game has nearly infinite replay value.

With Ratchet and Clank going Platinum and joining some of the greatest hits on the PS2, with the soon to be £19.99 price tag there has never been a better time to treat you or the kids to one of the games of 2002.

** Vital Stats **

Produced by Insomniac Games.

At least 355Kb of space needed on your memory card.

1 Player - there is no multiplayer options.

** End Vital Stats **

For more information on Ratchet and Clank check out this web site:

www.ratchetandclank.com - official site

Thanks for reading, Andy.

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