User Review : Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction

Ups

• Great story{Additcive and fun gameplay{Solid incorporation of the sixaxis

Downs

• Confusing absence of what was a promising multiplayer{Frustrating mini games

The Enigma that is Ratchet and Clank

I can not understand it and probably never will but for the life of me I can not figure out how Ratchet and Clank titles never get old or feel stale. I have played every Ratchet and Clank and every one draws me in and keeps me coming back for more. The reason these games are an enigma is because it is the same game over and over again without many changes and yet they are still just as addictive as the previous installment.

Ratchet and Clank: Future Tools of Destruction begins just like any other Ratchet and Clank game; with comical banter between Ratchet and Clank which is then interrupted by some catastrophic emergency which inevitable requires Ratchet and Clank to once again save the universe. The game is spent traveling planet to planet fighting native life forms, robotic pirates and fish in robot suit with some old school Star Fox levels thrown in the middle to mix up the action.

Although this wasn't my favorite installment in the series it was close. First off, I for the most part enjoyed the incorporation of the sixaxis controller. The flying segments and the "halo jumps" respond surprisingly well and unlike other games I don't feel like I am fighting with the controller. Although a lot of the weapons are similar to weapons that we have seen before in Ratchet and Clanks previous adventures they are just different enough to make them feel fresh. Also they are all customizable and upgradeable which gives you an incentive to use all the weapons. The ability to switch to an over the shoulder aiming view is a nice addition and the Clank missions have been reduced in number and are not as annoying as they used to be.

Just like most games Ratchet and Clank has its flaws and it's "why did they design it like that" moments. First and foremost why Insomniac decided to remove what was a promising multiplayer from the Deathlocked is baffling. It's bad enough that Sony is behind the curve as far as multiplayer but to allow one of their premiere exclusive titles to remove it's multiplayer component is one of those afore mentioned "why did they design it like that" moments. And as well as the sixaxis works for some parts of the game it has the exact opposite feeling for other parts. Most importantly the mini games that are designed for opening broken doors. These mini games are never fun and more often than not very frustrating, offering no enjoyment what so ever. Also the Tornado gun is completely useless do to the fact that apparently you can't actually control the tornado. You shoot the tornado and then it feels like you can only move it in one direction and ultimately you spend more time taking damage and dieing then killing enemies with a tornado. If Insomniac was shooting for realism then I take back everything I just said and they were extremely successful because just like in reality I do not have the ability to control a tornado. Somehow though I feel like that was not the objective and the long and short of it is there is no need to purchase the weapon.

Despite the lack of a multiplayer and the occasional frustrating moments Ratchet and Clank: Future Tools of Destruction is another great installment in the franchise. However the ability to replay the game once you complete it on a harder difficulty will add some replay in the absence of an online component. Ratchet and Clank as always will offer something for anyone willing to take it all in with an open mind.

Score

8.7

Graphics

I could do without Clank Mission all together and hopefully the mini games will be nonexistent in the next game but other than that it is just as fun as it has ever been.

9.0

Sound

A great looking game from top to bottom. No framrate issues, great texturing and vibrant environments.

9.0

Gameplay

Great voice over work, no complaints here.

9.5

Fun Factor

If you have played one before I don't need to tell you how enjoyable the game is.

Overall

9.0