-
Developer: Insomniac Games
Publisher: SCEA
Genre: Platform
Region: NTSC
Format:
Release Date: 30 Oct 07
-
- Insomniac continues to impress us with arguably the best R&C game yet, blending plenty of action and genuinely jaw-dropping visuals into one great platforming experience.
Overview
The Ratchet & Clank franchise was one of the big new release that came onto the Playstation 2 and really helped drive the console to the great success that it had. The franchise started out as a platforming game with an extra taste of action then what is normally found in a platforming title. However as it grew and expanded, the franchise became more and more action-centric, and now we are left with what has become a hybrid of the two genres (action/platforming). Now with the PS2 hitting its seven year anniversary from its initial release, we are here to see Insomniac Games transition for the franchise from the PS2 now onto the Playstation 3. Does the franchise have a good ride over, or does Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction come in for a rough landing? Read our full review to find out!
Gameplay
I have a pretty strong feeling that most of you have a pretty good idea of what Ratchet & Clank have accomplished on the Playstation 2. It was obvious that Insomniac knew what they were doing and really made great experiences on each outing. Now on the Playstation 3 I think many of us were wondering what sort of changes or differences there would be now with the cell processor backing the game. So how different is R&C now from that of the old?
Well to answer that question, the underlying game of Ratchet and Clank is still alive and well and if you have played any Ratchet and Clank title on the PS2 you are going to be well prepared for this title. In fact, the core elements of the games (including controls) are all almost identical to that of the PS2 experience. Some of the new experiences include the Sixaxis controls, which like in Heavenly Sword is used for directing an object or Ratchet. The support is pretty limited in nature (which is a good thing) but at the same time works pretty impressively. The thing about the Sixaxis control is that it's not overbearing, and does offer something fresh throughout the levels.
All in all though Tools of Destruction is still follows the Ratchet and Clank formula closely. In that I mean you're going to be going from level to level shooting up your enemies and using all sorts of different gadgets and gizmos along the way. With that being said, there are plenty of new little gizmos to check out in this game, and many that make a return. There also is the weapon upgrade element which helps make for a much deeper experience then most other platformers.
In terms of story, the Tools of Destruction story-line is very much like any other Ratchet & Clank title, spotty. There are times where the cut scenes will have you giggling, and other times where you will be scratching your head in a bit of puzzlement. The story is nothing to write home about, but as in previous games, it does get the job done of making you want to continue throughout the game.
There is no multiplayer in Tools of Destruction, which for some may be a major turn-off. For me, the experience of the single player in Tools of Destruction was enough to make for another great Ratchet and Clank outing. There isn't a whole lot new in terms of mechanics, or changes to the formula, but this is by far one of the most engaging single player campaigns of any recent Ratchet and Clank titles.
Graphics
There is no doubt that the PS3 has been touted as over-hyped when it comes to its graphical capabilities. However Insomniac did silenced a few of their critics with Resistance Fall of Man, and I think will shut even more with Ratchet and Clank Tools of Destruction. To say that Tools of Destruction is anything outside of gorgeous would be a crime against this game. The use of the bright colors reminds me of watching a Pixar movie, but even better this game is interactive! There is little to no slow down at anytime during the game, and with tons of enemies flying everywhere this could be one of the best looking games on the market to date.
Fun Factor
So visually the game is absolutely stunning, and in terms of gameplay it stays very close to its roots. However even though the game is close to its roots it still is one of the more engaging platforms on the next generation consoles. In fact it is really the first great one to be had on either the PS3 or Xbox 360. Tools of Destruction starts out as a relatively easy game but progressively turns up the difficulty level as the game goes on. And for a fifteen hour game it holds your attention from start to finish.
Overall
Although some will be disappointed with the lack of multiplayer gameplay, to me the gorgeous visuals built around one of the best platforming experiences makes for an all around great experience. If you own a PS3 and enjoy a little bit of action and a little bit of platforming, then Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction is a great choice for you.
- Gameplay
9.0 - Graphics
10.0 - Fun Factor
9.0 - Overall
9.0
