When I think back to classic Playstation titles Ratchet and Clank has always been one of my favourites. It’s one of those few franchises that I know I can rely on to not only be fun, but entertaining. Call it comfort gaming if you will. A “go to” franchise where I could sit back, relax and know exactly what I’m getting into before I even inserted the disc. Yes Ratchet and Clank, we have a long history together. That’s why I’m breathing a sigh of relief. The latest Ratchet and Clank game, A Crack in Time not only continues this great gaming tradition, it adds to the experience proving old franchises don’t have to get stale.
The Story
For those of you who have been following the Ratchet and Clank games, this title picks up right where first two title in this trilogy left off. Clank has been kidnapped by the mysterious Zoni, and Ratchet has discovered Doctor Nefarious is behind his disappearance. Ratchet will have to travel the galaxy, making stops at mysterious planets along the way to find his friend, and maybe dig up some of his past in the process.
Yes, this is the game where we finally get to learn about out beloved hero’s pasts. Is Ratchet really the last living Lombax? Where did Clank come from? Does he too have a family? Yes, details, juicy details will be revealed!
The Gameplay
You get to play as both Ratchet and Clank in this game, although not at the same time. Since both characters are split up during this adventure you will take turns jumping between the two. Levels are split up evenly so you spend plenty of time with both characters. It’s a nice mix of gaming styles as Ratchet levels focus on action and Clank levels are geared more towards platforming and solving puzzles.
You will play as both Ratchet and Clank, just not at the same time
Something new to the series is side quests. As you travel from planet to planet you are asked to complete missions in space. Some are as easy as towing ships that ran out of fuel. Others include collecting items on smaller planets. The gameplay here kind of reminds me of Super Mario Galaxy as you find your self running around in circles on smaller planets.
The Controls
Solid and predictable. If you’ve played a Ratchet and Clank game before, you know exactly how the control scheme works. Not much has changed in terms of controls, except for a few added features, like time control.
Time control is a new feature used by Clank where he can record himself doing a series of tasks. Play all the recordings together and it’s like having 3 or 4 Clanks working together solving a puzzle. For example, If you need to open a door by standing on two pressure plates, record yourself standing on one plate, re-record yourself standing on the second plate, then record a third Clank running through the open door. Sound easy? Well it does take some getting used to. The first couple of puzzles may have you pulling your hair out, but once you get it…you get it.
The Graphics
This is one of my favourite parts of Racthet and Clank games. The graphics are always whimsical, colourful and so well done. A Crack in Time is no different. The game is pure eye candy, plain and simple. It’s always fun to watch the enemies react when you hit them with one of your weapons.
Even the enemies react when you smack them around
The weapons themselves are also given wonderful animations. The Sonic Eruptor, a frog like fish that belches out sonic waves is hilarious to watch as are many others. Well done.
The Downsides
I only came across one issue as I made my way across the galaxies and planets. The circle button doubles as as your fire button. Coincidentally the circle button also fires your grappling beam. See where I’m going here? At times I would jump off a platform and fire my grappling beam…only to see a blast from my Plasma Striker fire off into the air. Frustration! It didn’t happen all the time, but it happened enough times for me to write about it.
The Bottom Line
There is so much to love about Ratchet and Clank games. The writing is whitty, the graphics brilliant and the control mechanics are solid. This is platforming at its best! The only sad news to share is this title wraps up the trilogy. It’s truly the end. What will become of our heros? How long will we have to wait for the next game? Will there be a next game? I’m sure there will be, but until then I will savour my time with this title.
The Good
Beautiful graphics
Solid play control
Fun weapons
The Bad
Awkward double use of circle button
The end of the trilogy
9/10