PixlBit

A lot of people (well, relatively speaking with how much traffic I get) asked me to talk about Ratchet and Clank. So yeah, why not? I love Ratchet and Clank! So here's my thoughts on the games I've played. If it's not on here, I didn't play it.

Ratchet and Clank

Mark this down as a good idea, bad execution game. It got the ball rolling and had its moments, sure, but the gunplay does not work in this entry. Locking onto enemies really is essential and the less useful weapons are even more forgettable without the leveling system later introduced. The platforming meanwhile, has always been basic and is a good padding between fights, but does little to satisfy that itch when I want challenge and creativity from the genre. 

Is there anything I like? Yeah. The game's really funny, with the villain Drek standing out in particular. He plans to destroy a lot of worlds, taking the best from each one to create his own super world, while acting like a business CEO presenting the next Apple product. It's pretty good stuff. The worlds also have quite a bit of creativity to them and feel alive in a way none of the other entries really did. I'd say it's just okay. Still stoked for the PS4 remake.

Going Commando

I'd say the jump in quality from 1 to GC is one of the greatest improvements in video game history, up there with Mega Man 2, Uncharted 2, and Assassin's Creed 2. First off, the game added strafing and aiming, making the gunplay so much more intuitive and fun. The controls still feel a little stiff, but as a whole the gameplay is pretty satisfying and fun.

Possibly more important, however, is the weapon upgrades. These upgrades are acquired in a pretty simple, but unique way: Just keep using the weapon. That's it, eventually you'll get a shiny new gun that does the same thing, but better. It might seem strange, but it ensures you use every weapon and it's super addicitng. I wish more shooters would copy this formula, as I would love to see it in an FPS. 

The plot and levels aren't the best in the series, but they're still fun. A very good game, but not quite as refined as the sequels. The villain's okay until the end when a twist comes revealing his true hilariously stupid scheme. It's good stuff.

Up Your Arsenal

Up Your Arsenal took the great ideas GC had and improved on them in every way. Controls are now silky smooth, which makes the gunplay even more of a blast. Weapons meanwhile now have five different upgrades your first run with five more levels your second run, making things even more addicting. It's great.

The robot villain, Dr. Nefarious, is the best in the series. His only volume is yelling, he has great banter with his robot butler, his scheme is stupid in the best way possible, and every time he gets too angry, he crashes and his voice box starts playing lines from a soap opera. He's as good as video game villains get, and the perfect one for a goofy series like this. Add in that this puts Captain Qwark as a bufoon sidekick taking all the credit rather than a villain (a role he's much better suited too) and the laughs keep coming.

Size Matters

This was actually the first R&C I played, as I didn't have a PS2 or PS3 until 2010 (got both the same year actually). It was...okay. I wasn't a fan of the controls, as Ratchet I feel is one of those series that can really use a second stick. Also did not like the weapons as much as R&C's best, the plot wasn't as fun save a few great Qwark moments, and I really don't remember one level from this game-something I can only say for one other entry in the franchise (and you'll know it when we get there).

Tools of Destruction

First off, it's amazing how eight years later and this game is still gorgeous. The PS2 Ratchets were still look pretty good, but holy hell did they do a great job with them on PS3. That said, I tend to flip between whether I like this or UYA more. I'd put the weapons about the same, giving the slight edge to UYA for not having anything using the Sixaxis. I enjoyed UYA's story, villain and levels more while I prefer ToD's controls, polish, and Groovibomb (grenade which turns into a disco ball sending all your enemies into a dancing frenzy. Yes, that is as hilarious and awesome as it sounds). Using O to shoot just doesn't feel as perfect as R1, which frees my thumb to use the right stick to shoot or jump while still firing. Good stuff.

Quest for Booty

A good distraction. Not as good as R&C's best, especially since these games only get better the more you keep playing since you get more weapons and unlock more perks for each one so making a shorter R&C feels a bit counter productive. But still, good game.  

A Crack in Time

My favorite Ratchet and Clank game. Everything, from the level design to the story to the weapons to the gadgets is my favorite in the series. Also has the best Clank stuff as rather than his usual Pikmin light stuff, you have some pretty creative puzzle solving. I also loved how stupid Nefarious' scheme was in this game and how Qwark is top notch here. One of the few games I've ever platinumed. Inless said game is The Walking Dead (for obvious reasons if you played it), it takes a lot for me to platinum a game. Most people like UYA more and I'd be lying if I said you shouldn't listen to them because maybe there's something I'm not seeing to either of these games, but at the end of the day you really should just play both. Because these games are fantastic.

All 4 One

So ACiT got me pumped for the next Ratchet. Especially since it was a 4 player co-op romp that let you play as Qwark and Nefarious as well. And boy did this underdeliver. Let's take out that the game rips off Portal in something much less funny than R&C's usual great stuff. Let's ignore that the levels and bosses aren't even close to as much fun as other R&C adventures. And that the fixed camera was not as much fun as the usual series camera. I'll even let it slide how they repeat dialog to the point where I was sick of hearing Qwark and Nefarious. Or that they used that stupid "Let's replace a letter/word with a number" titling.

No, the real crime of QfB was that THOSE MORONS CHANGED THE WEAPON UPGRADE SYSTEM!!! No longer do you just need to fire weapons to upgrade them, you just collect shards or something (I don't even remember what it was). So long addicting gameplay. Goodbye using every weapon. Get lost wanting to replay many times over new game plus. You just killed the best part of the series.

Into the Nexus

ItN has the same issues as QfB in its length, just a lot less so. It's a decent run time, which is helped by its lower price tag. Still, could have used more levels and weapons. Like I said before, these games just get better the longer into the game you get. Another reason why I'm forgiving on it: THEY GIVE YOU A MOTHERFUCKING JETPACK!!! I'm firm in my belief that there are three things which could improve 90% of video games: Jetpacks, lightsabers, and replacing the main character with Sterling Archer. This game did one of those and it should be applauded for that. Firing the usual crazy weapons while flying through the air is an absolute blast, especially during boss fights. 

And that's my thoughts on the series. Still haven't played Deadlocked, Secret Agent Clank, or Full Frontal Assault. Do want to rectify the first one though. And if you are a fan, I hope you enjoy. If not, I highly recommend picking up the HD Collection because these are some of the most fun, likable games you will ever find.