Game Review: Ratchet and Clank- Size Matters
The New Straits Times
Mar 24, 2008
RATCHET AND CLANK: SIZE MATTERS (PS2)
Size does matter but it is how you play it. And that is what the new Ratchet and Clank title is all about.
Originally developed for the Playstation Portable (PSP) last year, the Playstation 2 (PS2) version, Size Matters, just doesn't have the same effect it had on the portable.
What a turnaround, to think, the PSP has a better version than its console cousin!
There are gameplay problems, weak story, glitches and poor multiplayer modes but that doesn't mean it is a terrible game.
For those unfamiliar with the series, Ratchet and his trusty robot companion Clank are relaxing on a tropical island enjoying a well-deserved vacation when they are thrust into a mission to rescue a kidnapped girl.
The two heroes will have to fight terror plants, evil robots and other enemies but there are handy weapons that will help them in their adventure.
The game has a great mix of shooting, platforming and RPG elements which make the series so enjoyable.
Control over Ratchet is accurate for the most part, as he can strafe, shoot and make use of a wrench as both a weapon and a door- opening device.
It's solid, although there are times that the shooting suffers from inaccuracy.
Clank's abilities include commanding drones to attack, follow and activate switches during his stages.
The weapon power-up system enables it to be upgraded, giving you extra blasting power as you progress into the game.
During your adventure, there are Bolts to be picked up. Bolts are the currency in the Ratchet universe and can be spent on new weapons, ammunition and modifying your armaments.
With Bolts, you can expect to blast your way through enemies with the Lacerator, Concussion Gun and Shock Rockets while running, leaping and grinding towards the end of each level.
As in all RPG games, the satisfaction of seeing your equipment being upgraded is the main motivation to go on. There are a lot weapons, gadgets and armour for you to upgrade along the way.
Ratchet not only has a full collection of attack items but can also equip varying armour sets that include elemental alignments.
Match up an armour set and you can even alter Ratchet's attack, like setting his wrench on fire.
The core gameplay is an enjoyable romp for fans of the series but the bland and blocky environments and graphics may turn off those new to the game.
The camera is quite jittery. It pans and slings itself up and down during battles within confined areas, even pointing straight to the ground at times.
If that is not enough, some of the enemies take a lot of beating before they go down. Even with a fully modified weapon, these terrors seem to keep going and going, which could get quite frustrating.
The mini-games are not that fun to play because of some flaws.
The Skyboarding sections control awfully. Turning is extraordinarily difficult and hit-detection is questionable at best.
Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters is strictly for fans.
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