Big Al

Character Bio

Big Al is a character in the Ratchet and Clank series, usually providing upgrades and modifications for Clank. He has a stereotypical computer geek personality, and posesses an interest in all things mechanical. He has also had an affiliation with Captain Qwark since the original game, with Qwark featuring in an advert for Big Al's Roboshack. Al also has a brother and a sister who both own their own roboshacks. 

 

Game Appearances

Ratchet & Clank

Big Al's first appearance is in the original Ratchet and Clank game, where he is featured working in his Roboshack. Previously, Ratchet and Clank had been trying to find Captain Qwark, and had seen him featured in an advertisment for Al's Roboshack. Initially, Ratchet is unable to understand the dialect of "Nerd", but after Clank translates, they find out he hasn't seen Qwark since they filmed the commercial.
While at the Roboshack, Al recognises Clank's model type and offers to install a Heli-Pak upgrade for 1,000 bolts.

Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal

Big Al's next appearance is in the third installment of the series (although he was mentioned in Ratchet and Clank: Going Commando, he was not featured on screen). Al is chosen to be a part of Captain Qwark's Q-Force, thanks to his electrical skills. Although not directly involved in missions like Skrunch or Skidd McMarxx, Al does contribute to the team's efforts. He manages to decrypt a starmap, allowing Ratchet to destroy one of Dr. Nefarious' bases and later, he tracks a transmission, discovering where Nefarious is hiding in the process. He is also seen working on de-coding data from various chips , allowing the Q-Force to discover Nefarious' plans. At one stage in the game, Al accidentally professes his love for Helga, the crew's fitness instructor.

Ratchet: Deadlocked

At the start of Ratchet: Deadlocked, Al, along with Ratchet and Clank, are left to look after the Starship Phoenix, after defeating Nefarious. While aboard the ship, they come under attack and are captured to take part in the popular TV show Dreadzone. While on the show, Al becomes a part of team Darkstar, acting as Ratchet's mechanic. His tasks ranged from improving Ratchet's body armour to providing, maintaining and upgrading his two combat bots, Merc and Green. With the help of Clank, Al tried to disable the Dreadzone collars, which prevented contestants from leaving. Before they could fully remove them, they were caught. While this was happening, Al got caught in the line of fire, losing an arm and was shot in the head. Later, he returns, now with various areas replaced with metal parts. He also revealed to Ratchet what had to be done to escape from Dreadzone. Ratchet manages to deactivate the arena's barriers, allowing the contestants to escape. However, the shuttle that he is in is hooked up to a bomb, due to explode in a matter of seconds. Just before the bomb could go off, Al manages fly in and help Ratchet escape on his ship.
In one of the final cut-scenes, Al is featured becoming the leader of the Ratchet fan club, where all 4 members must wear Lombax ear muffs. 
 

Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time  

Although he doesn't appear in person, Big Al makes a return of sorts in Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time. In the Corvus sector, he is featured on a radio advert, promoting his new store. He reveals that Big Al's Roboshack has been expanded to include a gaming superstore, and is now about to have a grand re-opening. His Roboshack also now includes employees, who are ready and willing to give customers a free Mr. Zurkon check-over.