Ratchet & Clank: Difference between revisions
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The game takes place in a different setting than the first installment, this time in the Bogon Galaxy. In ''Going Commando'' Ratchet competes in hoverbike races and engages in spaceship battles. This game uses the leveling system for weapons that appears in every succeeding game; using a given weapon enough – and thus gaining enough experience – causes it to evolve into a more powerful version with upgraded stats and new abilities. The weapons in Ratchet and Clank 2 only possessed 2 levels (2 buyable, extra levels) and was expanded upon in later games to have more levels, from 5 to 99. Ratchet's health upgrade system is also based on experience, where an additional health point is granted after enough enemies are killed. ''Going Commando'' also introduced regular [[strafing]] to gameplay, whereas Ratchet could only strafe with the thruster pack in the first game. |
The game takes place in a different setting than the first installment, this time in the Bogon Galaxy. In ''Going Commando'' Ratchet competes in hoverbike races and engages in spaceship battles. This game uses the leveling system for weapons that appears in every succeeding game; using a given weapon enough – and thus gaining enough experience – causes it to evolve into a more powerful version with upgraded stats and new abilities. The weapons in Ratchet and Clank 2 only possessed 2 levels (2 buyable, extra levels) and was expanded upon in later games to have more levels, from 5 to 99. Ratchet's health upgrade system is also based on experience, where an additional health point is granted after enough enemies are killed. ''Going Commando'' also introduced regular [[strafing]] to gameplay, whereas Ratchet could only strafe with the thruster pack in the first game. |
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===''Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal''=== |
====''Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal''==== |
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{{Main|Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal}} |
{{Main|Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal}} |
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''Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal'' (known as ''Ratchet & Clank 3'' in Europe and Japan and ''Ratchet & Clank 3: Up Your Arsenal'' in Australia) was released on November 3, 2004, in North America for the PlayStation 2. The main plot consists of galactic invasion by an alien race known as the "Tyrhannoids", led by the game's main antagonist, Dr. Nefarious, a robotic madman determined to destroy all biological life in the galaxy, either through extermination or transformation into robotic versions of themselves. The game sees the return of protagonists Ratchet and Clank alongside new allies including Sasha Phyronix, captain of the Starship Phoenix which also serves as a staging area for the player. Captain Qwark makes a reappearance, and is a playable character in "Vid Comics" found throughout the single-player campaign. The player can complete various mission across different planets, space stations and asteroids in order to progress the plot and earn bolts, with the game climaxing in a battle between Ratchet & Clank and Dr. Nefarious, resulting in Dr. Nefarious and his butler, Lawrence, stranded in deep space. |
''Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal'' (known as ''Ratchet & Clank 3'' in Europe and Japan and ''Ratchet & Clank 3: Up Your Arsenal'' in Australia) was released on November 3, 2004, in North America for the PlayStation 2. The main plot consists of galactic invasion by an alien race known as the "Tyrhannoids", led by the game's main antagonist, Dr. Nefarious, a robotic madman determined to destroy all biological life in the galaxy, either through extermination or transformation into robotic versions of themselves. The game sees the return of protagonists Ratchet and Clank alongside new allies including Sasha Phyronix, captain of the Starship Phoenix which also serves as a staging area for the player. Captain Qwark makes a reappearance, and is a playable character in "Vid Comics" found throughout the single-player campaign. The player can complete various mission across different planets, space stations and asteroids in order to progress the plot and earn bolts, with the game climaxing in a battle between Ratchet & Clank and Dr. Nefarious, resulting in Dr. Nefarious and his butler, Lawrence, stranded in deep space. |
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The game was released in 2004 to critical acclaim, with praise being drawn to the quality of the mutiplayer components of the game, graphics, sound, characters, level design, story and overall gameplay. The game currently has an average score of 91% on [[Metacritic]]. |
The game was released in 2004 to critical acclaim, with praise being drawn to the quality of the mutiplayer components of the game, graphics, sound, characters, level design, story and overall gameplay. The game currently has an average score of 91% on [[Metacritic]]. |
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===''Ratchet: Deadlocked''=== |
====''Ratchet: Deadlocked''==== |
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{{Main|Ratchet: Deadlocked}} |
{{Main|Ratchet: Deadlocked}} |
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''Ratchet: Deadlocked'' (known as ''Ratchet: Gladiator'' in Europe and Australia and ''Ratchet & Clank 4'' in Japan) was released on October 25, 2005 in North America for the PlayStation 2. ''Deadlocked'' deviates from the previous installments of the series by reducing the platforming and puzzle elements and focusing on the combat aspects. Also, cheats became less comedic and more cinematic, including weather and color options. |
''Ratchet: Deadlocked'' (known as ''Ratchet: Gladiator'' in Europe and Australia and ''Ratchet & Clank 4'' in Japan) was released on October 25, 2005 in North America for the PlayStation 2. ''Deadlocked'' deviates from the previous installments of the series by reducing the platforming and puzzle elements and focusing on the combat aspects. Also, cheats became less comedic and more cinematic, including weather and color options. |
Revision as of 07:34, 11 June 2012
Ratchet & Clank (Series) | |
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File:Ratchetandclanklogo.png The original logo for Ratchet & Clank, used from 2002 to 2007. | |
Genre(s) | Platform |
Developer(s) | Insomniac Games (2002-present) High Impact Games (2007-2008) Sanzaru Games (2008) Nihilistic Software (2011) Idol Minds (2012) |
Publisher(s) | Sony Computer Entertainment America |
Platform(s) | PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 3 |
First release | Ratchet & Clank November 4, 2002 |
Latest release | Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One October 18, 2011 |
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/e9/Ratchet_and_Clank.png/220px-Ratchet_and_Clank.png)
Ratchet & Clank is a series of platform video games. The franchise was created and developed by Insomniac Games and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PS2 and PS3 consoles, with the exclusion of Size Matters and Secret Agent Clank, which were developed by High Impact Games for the PSP (and later ported to the PS2). Every game in the series has been released exclusively for the PlayStation family of consoles as the IP is owned by Sony Computer Entertainment.
The games take place in a science fiction setting and follow the adventures of Ratchet (an animalistic human-like character known as a Lombax, who is a mechanic) and Clank (a diminutive, sentient robot) as they travel through the universe, saving it from evil forces on a regular basis. The series is noted for the inclusion of many exotic and unique, over the top weapons and devices, something that Insomniac Games also expanded into their other games.
Games
Original series
Ratchet & Clank
Ratchet & Clank was released on November 4, 2002, in North America and Europe for the PlayStation 2. In the game, Supreme Executive Chairman Drek plans to take pieces from other planets across the Solana Galaxy and create one new planet for his people, the Blarg, whose planet has become polluted and uninhabitable. Aside from the two protagonists, the game also introduces Captain Qwark, who appears in the following games, as both enemy and ally.
The game introduced features such as the ability to purchase items, weapons, and unlocking gadgets as the game progresses, which have become a staple of the series in following games. The first in this series does not feature the upgrade system of experience earned for enemies killed; instead, the player may purchase stronger, gold versions of select weapons using a combination of hidden Gold Bolt items and regular bolts.
Ratchet & Clank:Going Commando
Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando (known as Ratchet & Clank 2: Locked & Loaded in Europe and Australia and Ratchet & Clank 2 in Japan) was released on November 11, 2003 in North America for the PlayStation 2.
Abercrombie Fizzwidget, boss of the Megacorp company, hires Ratchet and Clank to retrieve the "protopet", an artificial creature stolen by a masked thief. The duo retrieve the protopet and confront the thief, but "he" turns out to be a female, Angela Cross, who helps them investigate the protopet's true origins. They find out that Abercrombie Fizzwidget is Captain Qwark in disguise and that he created the protopet to spread disaster across the galaxy. He plans to frame Ratchet, Clank and Angela, and then destroy the original protopet to restore his reputation as a hero. Qwark then films himself attempting to "cure" the original protopet using a device made by Angela. The device backfires, and turns the protopet into a huge mutant monster that the duo will have to defeat as a final boss. Following this, it is revealed that Qwark kidnapped the real Fizzwidget in order to conduct his plans.
The game takes place in a different setting than the first installment, this time in the Bogon Galaxy. In Going Commando Ratchet competes in hoverbike races and engages in spaceship battles. This game uses the leveling system for weapons that appears in every succeeding game; using a given weapon enough – and thus gaining enough experience – causes it to evolve into a more powerful version with upgraded stats and new abilities. The weapons in Ratchet and Clank 2 only possessed 2 levels (2 buyable, extra levels) and was expanded upon in later games to have more levels, from 5 to 99. Ratchet's health upgrade system is also based on experience, where an additional health point is granted after enough enemies are killed. Going Commando also introduced regular strafing to gameplay, whereas Ratchet could only strafe with the thruster pack in the first game.
Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal
Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal (known as Ratchet & Clank 3 in Europe and Japan and Ratchet & Clank 3: Up Your Arsenal in Australia) was released on November 3, 2004, in North America for the PlayStation 2. The main plot consists of galactic invasion by an alien race known as the "Tyrhannoids", led by the game's main antagonist, Dr. Nefarious, a robotic madman determined to destroy all biological life in the galaxy, either through extermination or transformation into robotic versions of themselves. The game sees the return of protagonists Ratchet and Clank alongside new allies including Sasha Phyronix, captain of the Starship Phoenix which also serves as a staging area for the player. Captain Qwark makes a reappearance, and is a playable character in "Vid Comics" found throughout the single-player campaign. The player can complete various mission across different planets, space stations and asteroids in order to progress the plot and earn bolts, with the game climaxing in a battle between Ratchet & Clank and Dr. Nefarious, resulting in Dr. Nefarious and his butler, Lawrence, stranded in deep space.
The third installment of the series retains the experience and upgrade mechanics of the previous game, with weapons becoming increasingly devastating with increased use. Combat and platforming mechanics are also relatively unchanged as is the weapon purchase system, with bolts remaining as the primary currency throughout. Vehicle and weapon choice has also been extended, offering a large arsenal of new weapons and transport. The game also features 4-player split-screen play, or up to 8-player online if an Ethernet connection is available, and features an array of game modes including Capture the Flag and Deathmatch.
The game was released in 2004 to critical acclaim, with praise being drawn to the quality of the mutiplayer components of the game, graphics, sound, characters, level design, story and overall gameplay. The game currently has an average score of 91% on Metacritic.
Ratchet: Deadlocked
Ratchet: Deadlocked (known as Ratchet: Gladiator in Europe and Australia and Ratchet & Clank 4 in Japan) was released on October 25, 2005 in North America for the PlayStation 2. Deadlocked deviates from the previous installments of the series by reducing the platforming and puzzle elements and focusing on the combat aspects. Also, cheats became less comedic and more cinematic, including weather and color options. In Deadlocked, Ratchet, Clank and Al are captured and forced to compete in an intense, murderous, underground sport called Dreadzone, run by the media mogul Gleeman Vox. For the first time in the series, Clank is not a playable character nor accompanies Ratchet on any of the levels. However, a playable skin named "Alpha-Clank" is available for use as a skin in the "Co-Op" and "Multiplayer" modes of the game.
During "Co-op" play, the team-mates will have to stay close together, otherwise a timer will appear. The players will need to get back to their team-mate before the timer expires; if they fail this, both players will die.
In the beginning of the game the player can choose the difficulty of the game, from "Couch Potato" to "Exterminator". Deadlocked supports online play and a cooperative mode. Additionally, for the first time, you can not get Gold (Ratchet and Clank 1) /Platinum (Ratchet and Clank 2) or Titanium Bolts (Ratchet and Clank 3) in the game.
Future Trilogy
Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction
Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction (known as Ratchet & Clank: Tools of Destruction in Europe and Australia and Ratchet & Clank Future in Japan) was developed by Insomniac Games, and was released on October 23, 2007 for the PlayStation 3. This was the first Ratchet and Clank game for PS3, and the first in the future trilogy. In this installment, the crown prince of the Cragmites known as Emperor Tachyon is after Ratchet, owing to the fact that Ratchet is the last Lombax in the universe. The duo escape to the Polaris Galaxy, where they discover the Lombaxes have escaped to another dimension using a device called the "Dimensionator". They soon find the device hidden in Kerchu city. Qwark (who has been working for Tachyon but secretly helping Ratchet and Clank) shows up and tries to destroy the dimensionator but fails and ends up in the hands of Tachyon. Tachyon uses the device to open a wormhole to the dimension the Lombaxes now occupy to try and tempt Ratchet to join them. Despite this temptation, Ratchet and Clank continue to fight Tachyon, though the Dimensionator becomes damaged in the battle, ultimately sending Tachyon hurtling into a black hole.
This game also introduces a Pirate theme, which would lead onto the 'Quest for Booty' sidegame. Once again, the game makes use of the ever-popular Boss system, in which major waypoints in the game are marked by the presence of a particularly difficult and wise-cracking enemy.
Through the game Clank encounters a mysterious race called the Zoni that only appear to him that provide him with various assistance through the game only to abduct him during the ending cut scene.
Tools of Destruction has a completely new set of weapons which can be upgraded both by using them to increase their level and by purchasing upgrades using the appropriately named raritanium, another, rarer, form of currency in the R&C universe.
Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty
Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty is a short game developed by Insomniac Games and was released on August 21, 2008 for the PlayStation 3 PlayStation Network.[1] It was later released as a Blu-ray disc in Europe and Asia, but not North America.
Taking place where Tools of Destruction left off, the game focuses on Ratchet and Talwyn's search for Clank. After a number of encounters with the pirates they finally manage to activate a device called the Obsidian Eye that allows communication with the Zoni. Unfortunately the oversized microscope can not be activated without a re-usable black hole frozen in furion crystal or shortly named a Fulcrum Star. They end up accidentally reviving the dead pirates and giving Slag ( a side villain from Tools of Destruction) a new body. After Ratchet defeats Darkwater/Slag, he and Talwyn obtain the Fulcrum Star. Ratchet then activates the Obsidian Eye, and learns Clank's fate: the Zoni have him in another galaxy, where he is malfunctioning. The Zoni reveal that they have hired a doctor to repair Clank, Doctor Nefarious, the villain of Up Your Arsenal. Ratchet sets off to help Clank, and the story ends with Rusty Pete narrating to the head of Slag, which survived the destruction of Darkwater (from the previous game).
Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time
At the end of the credits for Quest for Booty, a message reading: "The Quest Continues Fall 2009" is shown. This indicated the planned release date for the next installment of the series. Dr. Nefarious returns as an antagonist (primary or otherwise), and that game goes into more depth about what happened to the Lombaxes.
In A Crack in Time, Ratchet finds another Lombax Azimuth, who is his father's best friend. It was then told that Ratchet's Father's name was Kaden and that he very much resembles Ratchet. Together they team up to find Clank. Clank, in the meantime, has discovered a great secret about his destiny as Keeper of the Great Clock and his father, a Zoni named Orvus. While searching for Clank, Azimuth reveals that he has a way to retrieve the Lombaxes without building another Dimensionator, he also reveals that he is not with the Lombaxes because he is the one that allowed Tachyon access to the technology that defeated the Lombaxes. Then takes the blame for Tachyon killing Ratchet's parents. Later on Azimuth and Ratchet find another Obsidian eye which Ratchet uses to speak to Clank. Clank reveals to Ratchet that the creator of the great clock is Orvus and that he is Clank's father. Clank asks that Ratchet go to Zanifar and confront Doctor Nefarious to save Orvus, But in order to do so he must travel back in time by 2 years which is made possible by the great clock's junior caretaker Sigmund by him creating a time rift for Ratchet to travel through. Shortly after Ratchet infiltrates Nefarious's base to find Nefarious about to kill Orvus. Orvus's last few words were "time is a gift and not to be tampered with," and that Clank is the only one who will be able to turn back time. This convinces Ratchet that he and Azimuth cannot use the clock to change what happened to the Lombaxes. Later on after defeating Nefarious and smashing his ship into his space station and blowing it up, Azimuth saves Ratchet and takes him to The Great Clock. After Ratchet and the general arrive, Ratchet reveals to Azimuth that he will not use the clock which forces Azimuth to attack Ratchet and leads into the final boss battle against Azimuth.
After Ratchet defeats Azimuth, Ratchet convinces Azimuth what he had done was wrong. Azimuth then saves the Great Clock and the universe but it cost him his life in doing so. Ratchet bids Clank farewell, telling him to "take care of himself." Clank, however, realizes that after finding his own family he cannot abandon Ratchet as he searches for his. Clank promotes Sigmund to Senior Caretaker and rejoins Ratchet, leaving the two to soar into the stars for another adventure.
The game currently has an average of 87 on metacritic.[2]
Other games
Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters
Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters was released in North America on February 13, 2007 on the PlayStation Portable and March 11, 2008 on the PlayStation 2. The development was performed by High Impact Games, composed, partially, of former Insomniac Games employees. While on a much needed vacation, Ratchet and Clank's rest and relaxation time is suddenly cut short as they soon find themselves lured into a mysterious quest. Following the trail of a kidnapped girl named Luna, Ratchet and Clank rediscover a forgotten race of genius inventors known as the Technomites. Luna turns out to trick Ratchet later on in the game. In this game, Ratchet and Clank use a whole new variety of weapons that may seem familiar to those who have played the series before. As in previous games, the R.Y.N.O. is a weapon available for purchase at a high price. The skill points and weapon upgrading systems also make their return. Also returning are optional weapon upgrades that can be purchased from Slim Cognito, a merchant from Going Commando and Up Your Arsenal. These modifications give the weapons additional features, such as lock-on mods, additional firepower and extra abilities. The armor system has been altered. There are seven types of armor available, all of which are found in different pieces (helmet, body, gloves, and boots) on different planets. Once a complete set of armor is found and they are equipped, it gives the player special abilities such as upgraded wrench attacks. All different kinds of armors can be combined for special abilities and additional protection. In the end they find the ruler of the Technomites, named Otto Destruct, and the fight ends with Otto losing. Qwark gets angry that Otto told him that he was his father, when in fact Qwark's parents were killed by defective Technomite technology. He tries to switch brains with Otto, but it ends up as Skrunch and Otto switching brains and Qwark gets shrunk.
Secret Agent Clank
Announced at the 2007 Tokyo Game Show, Secret Agent Clank was developed by High Impact Games, the same company who made the PlayStation Portable game, Size Matters. It is available for the PlayStation Portable and was released on June 17, 2008. This game was also released for the PlayStation 2 on May 26, 2009. The game focuses more on Clank as the playable character, due to Ratchet being wrongfully imprisoned and needs rescuing by Clank in his super spy motif suggested from previous games. While Clank can use martial arts action and high-tech, cleverly-disguised weapons to defend himself, execute bombs from his cuff links, and throw boomerang bow-ties, there is a need to use stealth at times to progress in the game. He finds that Ratchet is being framed by Klunk, Dr. Nefarious' creation of Clank. Eventually, Clank and Klunk will battle each other; this serves as the final boss fight of the game. It is a spin off title, as it does not count in the Ratchet & Clank series.[3]
Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One
An Insomniac Games production revealed at Gamescom 2010 in Cologne, Germany on 17 August. The game has Online Multiplayer and 4 player Co-Ops featuring the use of drop-in/drop-out, offline/online gameplay. The game mainly focuses on cooperative play. Teammates can work together, even using weapons between players. Players can take control of Dr. Nefarious, Ratchet, Clank, and Captain Qwark. It was released on October 18, 2011.
In Ratchet and Clank: All 4 One, Ratchet and Clank stopped their adventures as superheroes after the election of Captain Quark as the Galactic President. Dr. Nefarious tricks him into going to Luminopolis by telling him that he would have gotten a prize for his heroics acts. Quark invites Ratchet and Clank to come with him and, after arriving, they realize the trick, but it's too late because Dr. Nefarious brings back to life a Light-Eating Z'Grute that Ratchet and Clank defeat. After Killing the Light-Eating Z'Grute they all get captured by a mysterious drone, but they break free thanks to a little girl called Susy. After escaping they realize they are on an unknown planet and that if they want to get back home they will have to cooperate. Fortunately they make it to Susy's village where they find out that the drone is called Ephemeris and that the one who created it is a scientist called Frumpus Croid. However, they all want to go back home even if it means setting Ephemeris free. After hearing the sad story about the death of Susy's parents by the hand of Ephemeris, they decide they have to stop this drone. During the game they find lots of Dr.Croid's videos that explain how Ephemeris was taken by his partner Nevo Binklemeyer as well as Dr. Croid's pet, Mr.Dinkles. Thanks to Commander Smog, the commander of Nevo's army that was defeated by the heroes, they find Dr.Croid but realize he has gone crazy. After retrieving the coordinates of Ephemeris, they go there and find out that the one that is manipulating Ephemeris isn't Nevo but Mr.Dinkles. They discover that Mr.Dinkles was possessed by the spirit of one of the most terrible ancient races, called the Loki, that was trapped in the pets body to prevent it from taking over the universe. The Loki inside Mr. Dinkles abandons his body and enters the body of a enormous alien coming from Rykan V (Planet from ToD). The Creature is an Apex Predator of Rykan V, the Grivelnox. The heroes have to fight it as the final boss.
After defeating the alien, the Loki spirit, not finding a body, dissolves. Ratchet and Clank decide to restart their adventures as Galactic heroes and when reinforcements come to bring the heroes back home. Lawrence, the pilot of the ship, descends beside the four and, while Qwark is making possibly one of his most intelligent speeches, Dr. Nefarious tricks them and flys away with the ship. Ratchet decides he is going to pilot the weaponized drone, Ephemeris, back to Luminopolis with the hope of Quark, as president, pardoning their arrival in a super
Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault
On May 30, 2012, a new classic Ratchet & Clank game was announced, named Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault (Ratchet & Clank: Q-Force in Europe).
Ratchet & Clank Collection
Ratchet and Clank Collection | |
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Developer(s) | Insomniac Games Idol Minds (port) |
Publisher(s) | Sony Computer Entertainment |
Platform(s) | PlayStation 3 |
Genre(s) | Platformer, Shooter |
Mode(s) | Single-player |
The Ratchet & Clank Collection[4] (known in PAL regions as The Ratchet & Clank Trilogy[5]) is an upcoming video game that contains high-definition remastered ports of the PlayStation 2 games Ratchet & Clank, Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando and Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal, for the PlayStation 3 on a single Blu-ray Disc as a Classics HD title, published by Sony Computer Entertainment. The games were originally developed by Insomniac Games, who have assisted in the remastering alongside with Idol Minds to provide support for high-definition monitors, higher frame rates, stereoscopic 3D, and additional features for the PlayStation Network. The HD collection will be released on June 29, 2012 in Europe (Pushed back an added month for some unknown reason), and Fall 2012 in North America.
Remastered features
The core game and story for all games from the original trilogy remains unchanged with the remastered versions. For the remastering, all three games have had a graphics overhaul to allow them to support modern 1080p HD resolution and 720p stereoscopic 3D support. All three games feature a fixed frame rate of 60 frames per second in normal mode, while in 3D mode the games run at 30 frames per second. It will also include the multiplayer of Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal (up to eight players) over the PlayStation Network, and included, full PlayStation Network trophy support.[5]
Development
Prior to the announcement of the HD collection, several other (God of War Collection (2009), The Sly Collection (2010), God of War: Origins Collection (2011), The Ico & Shadow of the Colossus Collection (2011), Jak and Daxter Collection (2012)) remastered collections of PlayStation 2 games had been made for the PlayStation 3 by Sony Computer Entertainment, bannered as Classics HD in PAL regions (North American copies simply have the subtitle "Remastered in High Definition" or "HD Collection").[6] One of the reasons why this brand was created is that PlayStation 2 titles are not compatible with most PlayStation 3 consoles (only the 20 GB and 60 GB models, and the first iteration of the 80 GB model are compatible). Another reason Sony release these collection is as a way to introduce new players to the franchise.[7]
A HD collection for the Ratchet & Clank series was first spotted on March 2, 2012, after Amazon France listed "Ratchet & Clank HD Collection" on its website,[8][9] and it was officially confirmed by Sony on March 15.[4]
Setting
Ratchet and Clank is set in a fictional universe that emphasizes interplanetary travel. Numerous biological and robotic species populate these worlds, which range from highly developed metropolises to those filled with primordial ooze.
Lombaxes
A lombax is a fictional species from the series. Lombaxes appear similar to bipedal anthropomorphic cats with a tail similar to that of a lion. Unlike most other organic species in the games' universe which have two fingers and thumb on each hand, lombaxes possess the human hand configuration (four fingers and thumb on each hand). The species has an instinctive affinity towards gadgetry and machines. The only Lombaxes in the series include, Ratchet, Angela Cross, and Alister Azimuth. According to a news broadcast in A Crack in Time, Angela Cross is a Lombax who has been missing for 3 years; she doesn't have a tail, as it is revealed female Lombaxes lack one and are possibly taller than male lombaxes. Ratchet and Angela Cross are the last known lombaxes in Ratchet's dimension after A Crack in Time when Azimuth dies. Lombaxes originated from the planet Fastoon.
Characters
The main characters in the series: are Ratchet, a Lombax mechanic presently residing on the Apogee Space Station in the Polaris Galaxy, from the planet Veldin, and his robot sidekick Clank, who was created by a malfunctioned machine. However, in Ratchet and clank Future: A Crack in Time, it is revealed Clank has a father named Orvus, was said to have created this machine and purposely made Clank. The player controls Ratchet for a majority of each game (with the exception of Secret Agent Clank), though certain missions will require the player to directly control Clank. Otherwise, Clank sits on Ratchet's back (in a backpack-like fashion) and is used to provide useful jumping, hovering, and diving abilities through various upgrades. These upgrades are given over the course of the first game, but Clank retains them through the later ones. Throughout the series, the duo will oftentimes encounter Captain Qwark, an ego-driven, false superhero that may help or hinder Ratchet and Clank's missions somehow. 'The plumber', a minor recurring character, has appeared in some form or another in most titles, perhaps unrealistically in some scenarios in the game.
Gameplay
The Ratchet and Clank games feature a mix of platforming and action, and Role-playing (because of leveling up weapons) gameplay elements presented in the third-person perspective, focused on the use of unique and unusual weapons and gadgets that Ratchet gains over the course of each game. Ratchet starts each game with his versatile Omniwrench for melee attacks, but new weapons are available by completing missions or buying them through a weapon vendor. Most weapons have a limited amount of ammunition, requiring the player to use weapons effectively to avoid running out of firepower. Ammunition can be restocked from vendors or by breaking crates scattered about the levels. In most later games, weapons can be upgraded through both repeated use of the weapon and by purchasing weapon modifications. The weapons in each game can range from standard weapon archetypes such as machine guns or sniper rifles to unique weapons such as transformation guns and decoy launchers. Typically the weapon set is a mixture of new weapons for that game and weapons returning from a previous title. In the case of Going Commando and Up Your Arsenal the weapons returning from the previous game can either be purchased or the save file from the previous game can be used to obtain them for free.
In addition to weapons, Ratchet gains many gadgets which have varying uses. Some gadgets are necessary to travel about some worlds, such as grind boots that allow Ratchet to grind on rails, or a swingshot (portable, reuseable grappling hook) that allows him to grapple a target and swing across gaps. Other gadgets can be used in combat as a means to distract foes. Other gadgets are necessary to collect in order to unlock certain doors and thus continue on missions; in these cases, the player typically must solve a puzzle minigame in order to successfully use the gadget and unlock the door.
Each game is broken out as a series of missions that take place on numerous planets across the galaxy. While most missions must be completed in a certain order to progress the main story, other missions are optional but can lead to useful rewards. Once the player has completed a mission on a planet, they can typically return to any previous planet they have visited to attempt missions they could not complete before. In addition to missions based on the platforming and weapon elements, missions may include minigames such as various races and arena combat. Typically, one or two of these minigames must be performed as part of the main story, but further optional challenges can be done to earn greater rewards, typically in the form of "bolts", the unit of currency used throughout the game. There are also missions that focus on Clank controlling a set of robots using a simplistic set of commands to travel through areas that Ratchet cannot.
In addition to the main gameplay missions, the player can attempt to find special large bolts that are typically hidden or difficult to get to that can be used to upgrade or buy powerful weapons. There are also skill points spread throughout the game, which require the player to complete some unknown task guided only by the name of the skill point. For example, a skill point may be rewarded by completing a mission using only the Omniwrench. Skill points are used to unlock extra features such as concept artwork or additional outfits for Ratchet. Each game (excluding Quest for Bootyand All 4 One) also presents a special "Challenge mode" available after the player has completed the main story; in this mode, the player runs through the story missions again facing more difficult enemies, but has the ability to further increase the strength of the weapons.
Manga
A manga of Ratchet and Clank named Ratchet & Clank: Bang Bang Bang! Critical Danger of the Galaxy Legend (ラチェット&クランク – ガガガ!銀河のがけっぷち伝説, Rachetto & Kuranku – Gagaga! Ginga no Gakeppuchi Densetsu) was serialized starting on February 2004 in the bi-monthly edition of the Japanese magazine, CoroCoro Comic. It is drawn by Shinbo Nomura, and has finished in the February 2008 edition of the magazine.
The first volume containing the first 12 chapters was released on November 28, 2005. As of recently, a collection set was announced. A release date for when the set is to be released has yet to be determined. As of April 2010, the manga is still only available in Japan.
Merchandise
Official Strategy Guide Books
Official Strategy guide books published by Prima Games or Brady Games have been released for:
- Ratchet & Clank
- Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando
- Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal
- Ratchet: Deadlocked (with bonus DVD)
- Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction
- Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty
- Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time
- Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One
Comic Book Series
A spin-off comic book mini-series consisting of 6 issues was written by T.J. Fixman with art by Adam Archer and was released by Wildstorm from September 2010 to February 2011. In July 2011 a book containing all 6 comics combined into 1 was released. The comics take the duo's adventure in defeating Artemis Zogg and solving the disappearances of entire planets. The comics feature both new and recurring characters. The comics are available in paper form, or for download on the PSN Store as PSP comics.[10]
Action Figures
Series 1
Series 1 was released in January 2010 and consisted of:
- Ratchet with Clank
- Dr. Nefarious with a Zoni
- Captain Quark with Scrunch
- Armored Ratchet with Mr. Zurkon
Series 2
Series 2 was released in April 2011 and consisted of:
- Holo-Armor Ratchet with Clank
- Azimuth with Orvus
- Rusty Pete with Captain Slag's head
- Smuggler with his pet bird
- Hyperflux-Armor Ratchet (Limited Edition)
Plushies
Series 1
During the 2011 comic-con event it was announced that mezco would be releasing plushies around the time All 4 One will be released. Series 1 consists of:[11]
- Ratchet
- Clank
Statues
Series 1
During the 2011 comic-con event it was announced that mezco would be releasing a statue around the time All 4 One will be released. Series 1 consists of:[11]
- Ratchet and Clank
Other
Other merchandise released includes:
- 2010 Calendar
- Ratchet and clank minimate set
- Rubber Clank figure (for pre-ordering Secret Agent Clank)
- Blow-up wrench (comic-con 2010)
Other merchandise from clothing to collectibles has been released as promo items or as employee-only gifts.
Miscellaneous media
The Ratchet and Clank series has been featured in a variety of other media since its inception.
- In Jak II, Ratchet and Clank appear on some of the walls in Haven City.
- In Jak 3, Ratchet, Clank and the Tyhrranoids appear as targets in a secret gun course.
- In Ape Escape 3, In the Japanese and European versions of the game if the password "RATCH" or "ginganoraihousha" (depending on the version) is typed in, a monkey dressed up as Ratchet called "Ape Ratchet" with a Clank Backpack will appear in the TV Space Station level in the secret room.
- In Hot Shots Golf Fore!, Ratchet and Clank appear as additional characters.
- In Jak X: Combat Racing, Ratchet appears as a secret racer (unlocked when the player has a save of Ratchet Deadlocked on their memory card). Clank is available as an antenna the player can add to cars when customizing them.
- In Sly 2: Band of Thieves, Ratchet and Clank are shown on a poster on one of the walls, and a demo of Sly 2: Band of Thieves is available to play in Ratchet and Clank 3.
- In Daxter, Ratchet and Clank masks can be worn throughout the game once found.
- In Resistance: Fall of Man, Clank, along with Ratchet's Omniwrench and Gravity boots, appear as unlockable bangles for soldiers to use in online multiplayer. Also, medals and awards are named after the Ratchet and Clank series.
- In Resistance 2, an Omniwrench, Clank backpack, and Dimensionator is awarded in multiplayer mode.
- In Paul Blart: Mall Cop, a picture or poster of Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction is used as a display in a video game store.
- In ModNation Racers, if pre-ordered, players will receive parts to customize their racer as Ratchet or Clank.
- In LittleBigPlanet 2, pre-order bonuses included a Ratchet costume and a Clank costume for Sackboy.
- In InFamous 2, In the movie district you will find a billboard with the name "Latch it and Skank."
- In Resistance 3, In the final cinematic at the end of the game, Joseph Cappelli's son is seen playing with a toy Hydratank, an enemy vehicle from Ratchet and Clank Future: A Crack in Time.
- In PlayStation Home, it has mostly all the characters,outfits,and vehicles in The Ratchet & Clank series.
PlayStation Move Heroes
Released for the PlayStation 3 in March 2011 utilizing the PlayStation Move, PlayStation Move Heroes is a crossover title that features Ratchet & Clank, Jak and Daxter and Sly and Bentley from Sly Cooper.[12]
Reception
Game | GameRankings | Metacritic |
---|---|---|
Ratchet & Clank | (PS2) 89.88%[13] | (PS2) 88[14] |
Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando | (PS2) 90.64%[15] | (PS2) 90[16] |
Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal | (PS2) 91.41%[17] | (PS2) 91[18] |
Ratchet: Deadlocked | (PS2) 82.68%[19] | (PS2) 81[20] |
Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters | (PSP) 85.42%[21] (PS2) 64.14%[22] |
(PSP) 85[23] (PS2) 62[24] |
Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction | (PS3) 88.59%[25] | (PS3) 89[26] |
Secret Agent Clank | (PSP) 73.48%[27] (PS2) 61.00%[28] |
(PSP) 72[29] (PS2) 61[30] |
Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty | (PS3) 77.80%[31] | (PS3) 76[32] |
Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time | (PS3) 87.85%[33] | (PS3) 87[34] |
Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One | (PS3) 70.45%[35] | (PS3) 70[36] |
![]() | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (January 2010) |
The Ratchet & Clank series has been generally well-received, particularly its main games, garnering high praise from reviewers.
See also
- Insomniac Games
- High Impact Games
- Sanzaru Games
- Jak and Daxter
- Sly Cooper
- PlayStation Move Heroes
- PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale
References
- ^ "IGN: Quest for Booty". IGN. News Corporation. Retrieved November 25, 2011.
- ^ "Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time for PlayStation 3 Reviews, Ratings, Credits and More". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved November 25, 2011.
- ^ Haynes, Jeff (November 19, 2011). "TGS 2007: Secret Agent Clank First Look". IGN. News Corporation.
- ^ a b "The Ratchet & Clank Collection Going 1080p on PS3, Multiplayer Included". Retrieved 3/15/12.
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(help) - ^ a b "The Ratchet And Clank Trilogy – Coming May 2012". Retrieved 3/15/12.
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(help) - ^ 'Classics HD' line for PS3 in Europe, starting with Sly Collection and God of War | Joystiq
- ^ PS3 News: Sony: We'll do HD remakes where there's 'demand', 'a sense of franchise' - ComputerAndVideoGames.com
- ^ "Ratchet & Clank HD Collection Spotted". thesixthaxis. Retrieved 3/2/12.
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(help) - ^ Ratchet & Clank HD listed on Amazon | PS3 News | Official PlayStation Magazine
- ^ Ratchet & Clank comics coming September 8 | Joystiq
- ^ a b http://inagist.com/insomniacgames/94174002796429312/Check_out_the_awesome_Ratchet__Clank_statue_and_plush_dolls_coming_out_this_fall
- ^ Reilly, Jim (2010-06-15). "E3 2010: Heroes on the Move Announced". IGN. Retrieved 2010-06-15.
- ^ "Ratchet & Clank Reviews". GameRankings. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
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(help) - ^ "Ratchet & Clank Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
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(help) - ^ "Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando Reviews". GameRankings. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
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(help) - ^ "Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
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(help) - ^ "Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal Reviews". GameRankings. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
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(help) - ^ "Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
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(help) - ^ "Ratchet: Deadlocked Reviews". GameRankings. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
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(help) - ^ "Ratchet: Deadlocked Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
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(help) - ^ "Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters Reviews". GameRankings. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
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(help) - ^ "Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters Reviews". GameRankings. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
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(help) - ^ "Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
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(help) - ^ "Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
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(help) - ^ "Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction Reviews". GameRankings. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
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(help) - ^ "Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
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(help) - ^ "Secret Agent Clank Reviews". GameRankings. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
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(help) - ^ "Secret Agent Clank Reviews". GameRankings. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
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(help) - ^ "Secret Agent Clank Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
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(help) - ^ "Secret Agent Clank Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
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(help) - ^ "Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty Reviews". GameRankings. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
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(help) - ^ "Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
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(help) - ^ "Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time Reviews". GameRankings. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
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(help) - ^ "Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
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(help) - ^ "Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One Reviews". GameRankings. Retrieved January 20, 2012.
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(help) - ^ "Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
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External links
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