The Same, Great Game

 

            I’ll never be able to understand how the good people at Insomniac Games pull it off. Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction has the same exact gameplay as the four PS2 releases, but it somehow manages to feel fresh and new. The fun I’m having is the same fun I had with the first game in 2002, but I really don’t care, and neither will you.

            One of the most important additions this time around is an actual story arc. You’re still trying to save the galaxy, but the context surrounding this is much more developed and interesting. Finally, we’re given answers to some of the questions surrounding the pasts of Ratchet and Clank, and while there are still some mysteries left at the end, it’s guaranteed they’ll be brought up in the next installment. 

            The phrase “if ain’t broke, don’t fix it” is thrown around a lot, but one series that truly deserves that description is Ratchet and Clank. The linear level designs of the past games return, and the game moves along at a nice pace, introducing a new planet or weapon just when your about to lose interest.

            The biggest selling point for any Insomniac game is the weapons arsenal. The killing machines on offer here are some of the series best to date. You still have classics like the Omniwrench 3000 and Combuster, but the new additions are the real star. My favorites are the Shock Ravager, an electric whip, Plasma Beast, a grenade type that spawns gooey green minions to do your bidding, the Groovitron, a disco ball that forces your foes to dance and making them vulnerable to attack, and lastly, Mr. Zurkon, a trash-talking robot that does all the shooting for you.

            The basic gameplay here is a simple as can be. Jump when you have to, and destroy everything that moves. For some reason, the insane gadgets at your disposal, combined with the finely tuned controls, make this experience special. There is a technique to being successful with every weapon you come across, and maxing out each one will take some dedication.

            All of this does come at a price. If your looking for a challenge like the one found in the PS2 installments, you’re out of luck. The abundance of bolts that stream out of fallen enemies is a bit unbalanced, allowing you to quickly buy and upgrade weapons and armor. Then there is the generous health replenishing and save anywhere option that only make the game more of a breeze. But that’s OK, because the feedback you get from firing each weapon is a real pleasure.

            My largest complaint, however, is the games lack of content. It’s about twelve hours, which is decent enough, and there is still plenty to do after you’re finished, but Tools of Destruction desperately needs a co-op or multiplayer option.

            The production values, even three years after release, are some of the PS3’s greatest. It looks flat-out amazing, and can easily be compared to the Pixar films. The voice-acting is just as sharp (especially the lines done by the main villain), and overall, Ratchet and Clank nails the presentation.

            If you’re looking at this as the glass half empty, you’ll say Tools of Destruction is basically the same game as the 2002 original. If you’re looking at this as the glass half full, you’ll say it’s the best in one of video games most beloved series.