"Ratchet and Clank" first debuted on the Playstation 2 nearly 14 years ago. A slew of sequels, spinoffs and remasters have been made, but never a reimagining. "Ratchet and Clank" for the Playstation 4 is a reimagining of the original game some 14 years later. It is more than just a return to form or a tie-in for the upcoming Hollywood movie. Rather, it revitalizes the franchise and proves that more than a decade later there is still a lot of mileage in this platformer.
Right off the bat one of the most noticeable aspects of "Ratchet and Clank" is its graphics. This game is beautiful. To put this into perspective it's as if you are playing an animated movie. From the environmental design of the various alien planets to the character animation everything is stunning. Colors pop and textures blend seamlessly.
The visuals are only helped by an amazing story and backed by great gameplay. The story starts right at the beginning of the franchise with our Lombax protagonist meeting his soon to be robotic best friend Clank for the first time. From then on the story takes players through various planets in an effort to save the world. It's nothing new, but the lovable characters help bring the story together along with a great sense of humor.
Gameplay has always been the series strongpoint and this game is no different. The series has always offered a large arsenal of weapons to play with and this reimagining stays true to its roots. Each weapon has various applications in combat and over time will grow in strength and usefulness. The various weapons such as the Groovitron and Bomb Glove are highly distinct and will prove useful in different ways. The various upgrade trees allow you to tailor the weapons towards your playstyle and ensure that even when picking up the latest weapon you will return back.
Weapons aren't the only mainstay in this series as there are tons of futuristic gadgets to play with. These gadgets range from a jetpack to magnetic boots to access otherwise hidden parts of the game. Many of these gadgets are garnered over time rather than purchased outright like weapons. As a result, there is a greater emphasis on building your arsenal whilst utilizing gadgetry.
The level design is also something very unique. One level may have you visiting a planet and taking down all its enemies while another may have you in the sky taking down airships using your own. The levels are varied and many of them retain the familiar platformer aspects seen throughout the series.
"Ratchet and Clank" is just as fun, if not more fun, than the original game. The updated visuals combined with its lovable characters and solid gameplay help make for an amazing game. It's more than just a reimagining of the original. "Ratchet and Clank" is a return to greatness. After years of countless sequels and spinoffs it is nice to be able to play what made the series great in the first place. "Ratchet and Clank" is back and worth the play.
Reach Staff Reporter Johnny Flores Jr. here.
Annenberg Media