Review: Ratchet and Clank Future: A Crack in Time

When we think about innovations in gaming, platformers don’t usually come to mind. Although I loved Sonic Adventure for the Dreamcast and the Sypro the Dragon series for the original Playstation, platforming games in general are a dying breed. Whereas games in other genres—such as Resident Evil, Metal Gear and Final Fantasy—have made leaps and bounds (pardon the pun) in the way of technology, platformers have been essentially stagnant for well over a decade.

Another problem (at least for us older gamers) is we often have to recall our childhood love of Saturday morning cartoons to overcome the syrupy sweetness of these cute characters. The sugar coated graphics and often silly, childlike storylines do nothing for hardcore gamers.

The Ratchet & Clank series may be a platformer, but it’s been known to tower above other games in this genre in quality and gameplay, with gorgeous graphics and a grand arsenal of highly entertaining and humorous weapons. Is the third installment into this classic franchise a simple rehash of older Ratchet titles, or does it propel the series forward? Read on to find out.

The Story
This third and last installment in the “Future” trilogy (which also included Tools of Destruction and Quest for Booty) continues right where the series left off. But you need not fret because there is a great recap that runs during the initial game installation to get you up to speed.

For those who may not be familiar with the story, Ratchet is on a quest to find Clank who has been kidnapped by Dr. Nefarious. As in other R & C games, your quest will take you across numerous galaxies, exploring planets and picking up outrageous weapons and gadgets along the way.

A new villain to defeat

This time around, Insomniac decided to dig a bit deeper into the characters story lines. As you very well know, Ratchet is the last remaining Lombax. Or is he? Could there be more out there? We also learn a bit more about Clank’s origins. For those who have been following the series, it’s nice to finally see the bigger pictue and fill in the holes from the previous titles.

The GamePlay

Rachet and Clank are seperated for most of the game. Ratchet’s quest consists mostly of hacking and slashing while Clank’s adventures (which are more interesting) are comprised mostly of time-based puzzles. Between the two main characters, the action is split up evenly and is well timed to not have any one side become too monotonous.

Much like other platforming games, you better get ready to jump, fall and then jump some more. However, in between the jumping and falling, you will also have access to a plethora of amazing gadgetry and weapons. And this is where you’ll see just how addictive Ratchet and Clank Future: A Crack in Time can be. You are constantly being rewarded for everything you do—whether it’s collecting an endless supply of nuts and bolts or stockpiling weapons for your arsenal. What’s really interesting is the ability to customize. You can level up pretty much everything in your arsenal from your weapons to your armour and ship. The more you use a certain weapon, the more powerful it will become, which ultimately changes how that weapon is used.

Record yourself performing tasks, then play them all together to create multiple Clanks!

In terms of innovations, Insomniac has added a new time control feature. While playing as Clank, you have the ability to record yourself performing tasks, then create a second or third recording of yourself on top of that. Add all three recordings together and you can solve puzzles that would normally take 3 sets of hands to complete. For example, if you need to open a door but need to stand on two pressure plates to activate the door, here’s the process you would follow. Record yourself stepping on one plate, then record another version of you stepping on the second plate, then record yourself running through the door. It’s a unique puzzle system that will really make you think!

Besides the main story, some free roaming side quests have been added to the overworld map. You don’t have to complete them, but rather tackle the quests at your leisure to help you level up your weapons and gadgets quickly.

The Controls

The controls feel like any Ratchet and Clank title. They’ve worked in the past, and they still work now. Trigger buttons are your primary fire, while holding down the triangle button selects your weapons. The controls feel natural. If you’ve played a R&C title in the past it will take you mere moments to reacquaint yourself with this new title.

The time warp feature does have a slight learning curve, but once you’ve completed one or two time warp puzzles you’ll be on your way.

The Look

R&C is pure eye candy from beginning to end. The rich colours of the levels prove that not all games have to be based on a brown and green palette. The worlds here are bright and vibrant. From expansive futuristic cityscapes to lush jungles, the creative minds at Insomniac have created some highly polished and detailed levels.

Ratchet and Clank Future: A Crack in Time looks gorgeous

Great care has been taken with every aspect of the game, no matter how minor. From the way plants move when you pass through them to the realistic displacement of water, every detail enhances the quality of the gameplay. Simply put, Ratchet and Clank Future: A Crack in Time looks amazing.

The Bottom Line

A Crack In Time clocks in at just over 10 hours and offers some fun diversions without a huge commitment. All in all, the game is engaging and the story involving the lovable Lombax and his robotic sidekick has many great and genuine laughs.

A Crack in Time is essentially a kid’s game that can also be enjoyed by adults. With that in mind, there is a certain cuteness factor that one has to get over. However, the game and its humour do not talk down to you and, overall  it does a good job of balancing the needs of both audiences. It may just be worth your while to play if only to see the luscious colours and graphics. A great way to end the Future trilogy and YES it actually does end here!

The Good
If you are a fan of Ratchet & Clank Future, then this is one of the best in the series.
No more cliffhangers. The ending is the ending.
The graphics are a feast for the eyes.

The Bad
Not a fan of other Ratchet & Clank Future titles? Proceed with caution because this is more of the same.
Unless you are a completionist, there is not much as far as replay value