Play it NOW!: Ratchet and Clank A Crack in Time
Isomniac has made a name for themselves over the past decade through the Playstation platform. Resistance and Ratchet and Clank have both become major franchises for Sony and those franchises are some of the few exclusive titles left to bear the PS3 name. While I knew quality was not the issue, my initial excitement to play another Ratchet and Clank installment was luke warm at best. Over time though, I found it impossible not to fall in love with its charm and humor. Playing “Tools of Destruction” felt much like an extension of the PS2 era, but “Crack in Time” shook things up more; separating Ratchet from Clank from the start (cannon with the previous titles ending and the downlodable side story “Quest for Booty”). In particular, was Clank’s new gameplay mechanics and level design that drew me in and the story took me through until the end.
I believe I recall over hearing a conversation on a recent RebelFM podcast, that if any developer could go onto making an animated feature, it’s Insomniac. This game is a testament to that. Their characters are fantastic, from Dr. Nefarious and his schizonphrenic radio opera fits, to Capitan Quark and his juvenile tendency of taking credit for Ratchet and Clank’s heroism, it’s all well paced and wildly entertaining. Clank in this story he has inherited the responsibility of maintaining the clock at the center of our universe. Inside the clock, Dr. Nefarious has upset the balance and as Clank, you must traverse a series of puzzling platforms by slowing time and making copies of yourself. The puzzles where there are fur multi-colored Clanks running to unlock various locations simultaneously are quite impressive. On your way to the center of the clock you will also have to repair various rifts in time on different planets. This done via a mini-game reminisant of Super Stardust HD, that a few of you PS3 owners may already be familiar with. Ratchet on the other hand while feature some new gameplay mechanics, can feel very much the same.
This is not bad though, with a new line up of weapons and some old classics remastered. My personal favorite were the Constructo brand weapons (pistol, grenade and shotgun) all of which were customizable in as many as 18 variations per gun. Complete your arsenal out with a Groovetron Glove or the Buzz Saw and you will be blowing up baddies in no time. One new addition is the way Ratchet moves between levels, instead of a traditional linear experience, the various stages are divided up into galaxy's. These galaxy will contain various space based side quests, some utilizing your ship, others being small Mario Galaxy like planets. The shipped based combat is rather enjoyable and the Zoni will provide you with upgrades, the more you collect, the better the ship. Gold Bolts work the same way, but offer more extra content, like alternate outfits. Best thing of all, this is a game that appeals to players of all levels and all ages. This is one franchise that continues to impress, so if you like light-hearted space adventures, with a colorful cast of characters and weapons that go boom! I would play it now!
*Note: Game was completed on casual and I received 53% of the Trophies. Also, all images are a result of Google image search
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