Platform: Playstation 2

Genre: Platformer

Publisher: SCEA

Developer: Insomniac

ETA: November 2003

Related Links:

Review: Ratchet & Clank (PS2)

Review: Jak & Daxter (PS2)

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Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando

*Update October 12, 2003*

Siddharth has spent some time with the playable demo of Ratchet & Clank 2 and he gives us his thoughts:

From the levels I played there were a wide range of new enemies with improved group intelligence, making them harder to defeat.

One of the most notable additions are the new weapons such as the chopper and gravity bomb. The chopper can be described as a throwing star, which is effective in taking out enemies during close quarters combat. The gravity bomb comes in handy when taking out large numbers of enemies with its shockwave.  Then you have the numerous (and cool) upgrades.

The hover bike challenges are also new and take place over vast environments with various hazards and lots of opponents. The hover bike challenges are certainly difficult and almost require perfection in order to win. By winning hover bike challenges you can unlock more bikes.

Another new addition are the battle arenas. The battle arena’s see your character battle various numbers of enemies in front of an energetic crowd (and commentating), while unlocking new secrets.

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The heads up display has undergone some noticeable changes. The health meter looks completely different as its now represented by X’s, but the blue health pick-ups are the same. In the original Ratchet and Clank you would be able to access your weapon inventory by visiting various stations and buying different weapons. The stations are back, but the annoying shopkeeper seems to have been pulled from the sequel. The controls are almost identical to the original game, but there are a few new additions such as the ability to side step and attack at the same time. This comes in really handy when dodging enemy fire. The graphics have been improved with more textures, better lighting effects, impressive environmental detail and detailed looking characters. There was no evident slow down, and the frame rate was excellent during my hands on time.

Ratchet & Clank was undoubtedly the best platformer on the Playstation 2 last year. Ratchet & Clank offered gamers new and innovative gameplay not seen in other platform style games. It was only a matter of time before a sequel was announced. The good folks at Insomniac are hard at work making the sequel deeper and more enjoyable than the original.

Insomniac promises better gameplay with more weapons, better character abilities and highly intelligent AI. It will be interesting to see how such a great game can become even better. Insomniac has a lot of pressure on them to come out swinging with a winner. Judging from the screenshots and demo, the game is shaping up to be a hit. With Jak & Daxter 2 (sequel to Jak & Daxter), from Naughty Dog releasing around the same time, it’ll be interesting to see which sequel will win over gamers.  But let us get to the facts:

Having defeated Chairman Drek in their last intergalactic adventure, Ratchet and Clank find themselves returning to a more sedate lifestyle…until they are kidnapped and taken far away to the Bogon Galaxy.  Upon their arrival, they are propositioned by Abercrombie Fizzwidget, the quirky CEO of the largest (and only) corporation in the Bogon Galaxy, to investigate the whereabouts of one of Megacorp’s most promising experimental products, which has been stolen by a mysterious masked figure.  Mr. Fizzwidget extends an offer that Ratchet cannot refuse; the promise of adventure that he’s been longing for, a fully paid health plan, access to new weapon technology, a penthouse suite in Megapolis…and the chance to receive training to become a certified commando.  Meanwhile, since Clank is hesitant to reunite with Ratchet on another set of adventures, Mr. Fizzwidget lures Clank to stay by offering him a cushy accounting job at Megacorp.

It’s not before long that Ratchet and Clank find themselves entangled in action and mayhem. Follow Ratchet and Clank as they discover the answers to: Who is the mysterious masked figure? What is the importance of the stolen experiment?  Are things really as they seem? Along the way, the duo encounters many dangerous foes, but with a plethora of the coolest and most inventive weapons and gadgets ever, Ratchet and Clank set out to destroy anything and anyone who stands in their way of discovering the secrets that lie behind “The Experiment.”

Features:

Ratchet & Clank return to explore 20 inventive planets filled with chaotic action in a whole new galaxy.

Moving even deeper into RPG territory, the new character growth system allows players to earn more nanotech (hit points) by defeating enemies. By gaining experience, Ratchet can increase his nanotech units from 4 to 80 by the end of the game.

Enemies, like Ratchet, grow in strength and by the end of the game, can take up to 120 hit points of damage, forcing players to strategically manage their powerful artillery.

Weapons, weapons and even more weapons!  Offering 20 brand-new weapons with unique unlockable upgrades as gamers gain skill and experience, more than 40 weapons and gadgets are available by the end of Ratchet & Clank’s journey.

A variety of “maxigames” can be played over and over with different challenges and goals each time. Fun, addictive and challenging gameplay offer players the chance to earn extra money and prizes.

Engage in action-packed space combat throughout the game. Upgrade Ratchet’s ship with new weapons, armor and special items.

Race against the galaxy’s best in exciting, high-speed hoverbike races. Players can even customize their hoverbikes for more diversity when ripping up the tracks.

Explore the unique “spherical worlds” which create a never-before seen perspective in character action games.

Fight in multi-tiered gladiatorial arena challenges for money and special rewards.

Ratchet begins the game in a new commando suit, and throughout the adventure has the ability to accumulate up to five levels of armor.

New economics: the amount of bolts Ratchet can earn in each world grows exponentially, enhancing the sense of character progression as Ratchet gets richer.  Of course, the prices rise too…

More sophisticated AI means enemies behave more intelligently, giving players more of a challenge.

Clank returns as a playable character with brand new abilities.

- Siddharth Masand

(July 13, 2003)