Ratchet & Clank


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Summary
Although the movie wasn’t exactly the best animated film out there, Ratchet & Clank’s PS4 game is undoubtedly one of the best action platformers in this generation. A PlayStation 4 exclusive, this Insomniac Games creation is part of PlayStation Plus’ lineup this March 2018, alongside Claire, Bloodborne, and Mighty No. 9. The game is based on the elements of the old PS2 title, borrowing and improving its best parts and infusing new aspects. It also expands the story and is not a remake or a remaster. It is a game built from the ground up, giving a fresh and modernized experience.
So, how does it hold to other platformers in the generation and is it a game you would want to play? Let’s find out what it has to offer:
Plotline
Ratchet & Clank follows the adventure of...well, Ratchet & Clank. Without diving into a pit of spoilers, it simply expands on the tale told on the PS2 game with numerous additions. The story is about a man - who is a lombax, in this case - with big dreams, wanting to join an elite group of galactic heroes. But no, the story is far from being dark and serious. The characters, from the optimistic and upbeat Ratchet to the calm yet determined robot Clank are well-written. Even the villains, like Dr Nefarious and Chairman Drek are pretty memorable. Add in a cast of supporting heroes like Captain Qwark paired with a hilarious script, you’re in for a great adventure.
Gameplay
Ratchet & Clank superbly mixes platform gameplay and third person shooting. Most of the game involves you running around and shooting at blargs and warbots invading various planets. The amount of destruction shown on screen at the same time is stupendous: pieces of charred metal fly by as Ratchet collects bolts (which are the game’s currency), while the background shows a vast environmment that feels like a large, moving cog in a world. All these happen without noticeable framerate drops giving you a stress-free and optimal gameplay experience.
Speaking of destruction, there are many ways to cause havoc among your enemies and the tools you have are up for it. Weapons range from your basic yet trusty wrench, from combustion guns, flamethrowers, and even a Pixelizer that turns enemies into scattered 8-bit pieces. These are awesome as they are outlandish, and there are a lot of them which will keep you entertained. As the game progresses, you will need to upgrade them to be on par with stronger enemies. There’s natural progression at play: weapons level up and get stronger as you use them. In addition, you can also do so using raritarium, an ore found on various parts of the universe. Basically, you can add various effects like increasing a grenade’s area of effect or making the fire rate of a combustor go faster. You can upgrade your weapons to a path that paves way to a certain playstyle.
You will also have access to various tools in Ratchet & Clank like a tool that lets you swing around like Spiderman. At some point, you’ll also get access to a jetpack. Clank is also a functional companion, far from the useless sidekicks in other games (hi Ashley Graham). For example, he can turn into a helicopter/glider, allowing you to reach faraway places. Speaking of Clank, there are some levels that require you to actually use him, and these are as enjoyable as playing as Ratchet. Some levels will also involve piloting Ratchet’s spaceship, which is as fun and dynamic as the regular levels.
Community
Ratchet & Clank is solely a singeplayer experience, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it with others. It has a dedicated subreddit and social media users are still churning out content and fan art. If you like the game, you’re not alone: there’s a large community online you would want to be a part of.
Graphics/Sound
Every presentation element in Ratchet & Clank is nothing short of fantastic, from its beautiful landscapes, fast-paced gameplay elements, and laugh-inducing writing. The visuals and storytelling are Pixar-esque, thanks to the outstandingly-created cutscenes and exemplary voice acting. The wisecrack jokes, sarcasm, and the script is beautifully written and will definitely give you bouts of hysterical laughter.
The planets vary in design. These range from rocky deserts, a bustling metropolis, and lush urban areas. For a platformer, the world design stands out and everything, from the moving trains up to the enemies from a distance, feels alive. Playing it will feel like you’re sucked into its universe hooked and yearning to see the adventure through its 15-hour campaign.
Conclusion
Overall, Ratchet & Clank is a PlayStation Plus title you should not miss out on. It’s definitely a game for everybody, from the casual gamers wanting to play in short bursts, and for veterans looking for fast-paced explosive action. Its stylish and vibrant environments, varied weapons, and outstanding writing make it a must-download. Don’t wait until the end of March to become a PlayStation Plus user or you’ll miss out on a gameplay experience of a lifetime.
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