There are few games that have the staying power to turn into a franchise – i.e; make rememberable characters and update your gaming experience with the times. The new Ratchet and Clank does just that, and does it beautifully.
A reimagining of the original Ratchet and Clank, You play as the titular Ratchet and Clank, as they try to defend the universe from the evil Chairman Drek. The story, narrated by Captain Quark, is a retelling of Ratchet and Clank’s origin story and includes short clips from the new movie.
What I love the most about the game is by far it’s gameplay. It has a very easy control scheme that almost anyone can pick it up have a go. The difficulty level is challenging enough to make this a fun play through without having you stress to much about dying every 5 minutes.
As Ratchet, you use an assortment of upgradeable weapons which you purchase with bolts, the game’s easily obtainable currency. My favourite weapon being the infamous sheepinator – a gun that allows you to turn enemies into sheep… Naturally it upgrades to the goatinator.
Another high point is the graphics upgrade. Ratchet and Clank is beautifully rendered and definitely one of the best looking games in the market. The cut scenes, especially the ones from the upcoming movie, give a good narration to the game.
Often times, long cutscenes may make a game stagnant and boring. But in this case, the cutscenes add a new dimension to the gameplay. They allow you to immerse yourself into the world, while having a few chuckles.
My only really issue Ratchet and Clank is that it’s a reimagining of the original game released back in 2002. While it does have new content and expanded planets, at times it felt like a recycled story (which it is). With that said, it was still pretty cool to play a different version of the original with updated graphics. There is always something to be said about nostalgia.
Ratchet and Clank is a must try for everyone. I especially recommend sitting down with your kids (if you don’t have any I’ll gladly lend you mine) and just going nuts with the controller. It’s a fun and easy to pick up game that becomes really addicting.
Ratchet and Clank really is a game about a movie about a game.