PixlBit

Well, I finally knocked Tool of Destruction off Mount Backlog. I might go back for a replay and to see if I can get the last couple of gold bolts and a few more skill points, but that will be later. I moved on to Casey's favorite, A Crack In Time and finished that day before yesterday and did a challenge mode run through yesterday in between cleaning and reorganizing my kitchen area (Death to all ants!!!) I set my timer for 15 minutes of game time after I would finish up one task and before moving on to the next. It was a pretty good motivational tool. I may keep that up, it was quite effective.

Now, my thoughts on A Crack In Time. I liked it, but Going Commando still remains my favorite.

What I liked:

The space segments were fun and very well done. Each area of the game was a separate sector with a bunch of moons, a couple of planets, and various quests/missions to do for the locals. The moons were optional, but there were goodies to be found, so worth doing them all. Only two made me mad enough that I had to turn off the game and do something else for a while. The planets are where the story segments take place, and the assorted missions will earn you bolts and experience.

The Hoverboots, after an initial extended practice run where I failed miserably over and over again and kept having to repeat the course, were much easier to master than the hoverboard, hoverbike, and chargeboots in previous games. I went from hating them to loving them pretty quickly.

Aphelion (your ship) handles much better in this game than in Tools of Destruction, and levels up nicely, if you put the effort in to finding the proper items.

There are some really kick-ass weapons in this one that I totally fell in love with. Looking at you, Mr. Zurkon! Also the Rift Inducer 5000, the Groovitron, the Sonic Disruptor, the Negotiator, and everyone's favorite: the RYNO V (it actually wasn't my favorite, it was just really, really powerful. I like the RYNO from the first R&C best so far. It does play the 1812 Overture while you're firing it, though).

The Battleplex was fun, and the only cup that wasn't optional was the Bronze Cup, because of course Captain Qwark needs rescuing.

Having difficulty levels was nice. I picked Casual, because sometimes R&C games can be really tough in places. I think I should have gone with Medium, and may not have had too difficult a time on Hard. Being as I tend to replay R&C games, I'll probably try them out at some point.

What I didn't like:

Game play-wise, I wasn't fond of splitting up the duo. Worked for the story though, so I guess this is more of a neutral than a negative.

The time pad puzzles in The Great Clock were a pain in the ass. I will admit to resorting to a walkthrough for most of them, as my patience is thin these days.

General Azimuth. I won't elaborate, in case anyone is planning on playing the game and isn't familiar with the story.

The Dynamo of Doom weapon. Enough with the Sixaxis controls already! I think I might have really liked this weapon if it controlled better. or I were better at controlling it.

I wish the Chimp-O-Matic had been available before the end of the game.

All in all, a lot of fun was had, many naughty words were spouted, and a great sense of accomplishment was achieved at the end of the game.

Casey, I can definitely see why it's your favorite.

Now, on to R&C Future: Into the Nexus!