Ratchet & Clank

After a stop-and-start relationship with Ratchet & Clank (2002), I finally saw the credits roll. And while I had my fair share of frustrations along the way, I have to admit, there's a lot of heart and ambition packed into this nearly two-decade-old title.

Let's start with the big caveats: the controls. Coming from a modern gaming sensibility, the lack of strafe (and the clunky platforming) makes for a frequently frustrating experience, especially during gunfights. It's not difficult in a satisfying way-it's often difficult despite your best efforts, thanks to stiff movement and limited camera control.

And then there are the checkpoints, or rather, the lack of them in certain sections. More than once, I found myself slogging through a tough area only to die and be sent all the way back. If it weren't for the save-anywhere function in my PS2 emulator, I honestly might've rage-quit for good. The original save system really doesn't hold up by modern standards.

That said, once you push through the friction, there's real substance here.

The level design is impressively diverse. Each planet feels distinct-not just visually, but in the kind of challenges it throws at you. From flying missions to giant Clank boss fights, to rail grinding and clever puzzles, there's a lot more variety here than you'd expect from a first entry in a franchise.

The arsenal of weapons is another highlight. From the basic blaster to more chaotic options, it's a playground of creative destruction. And yes-smashing crates and collecting bolts is weirdly, almost embarrassingly satisfying. That little "ching" bolt sound? Straight dopamine.

Story-wise, it does a solid job. Ratchet's arc-from cocky and reluctant adventurer to someone who takes on the responsibility of saving the galaxy-feels earned, and Clank serves as a great moral compass. The villain, Chairman Drek, might be cartoonish, but the themes he represents-corporate greed, environmental destruction, and profit-driven planetary devastation-have aged disturbingly well in today's world.

Final Verdict: A rough ride with a lot of heart. If you're willing to wrestle with the controls, you'll find a game bursting with creativity, personality, and more depth than you'd expect from a 2002 platformer. Not for everyone in 2025, but definitely a milestone worth acknowledging.

Ratchet and Clank is about a space creature (don't know what it's called) who meets a little robot named Clank. They join forces to stop the evil mad scientist. (I forgot his name.) Now, let's get to the good stuff.

Graphics- Ratchet works in 3-D. They're good, but not mind-blowing.

Level Design- Well, the levels vary, but it simmers down to fighting loads of enemies many of the times. Beside, there are too many of those door-opening puzzles.

Controls- The controls are smooth, and never hard to learn.

Diffculty- It never gets too difficult, and never too easy. It's about right.

Story- Well, it's not too good, but it's a video game! The cut scenes are hilarious though.

Variety- The variety is a bit limited sometimes, but new things are thrown into the mix here and there.

Shopping- You can buy plenty of weapons and ammo from the shops.

Rewards for completing the game- None

7/10

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Ratchet & Clank is an outstanding game for PS2. All the weapons, gadgets, characters are all the best, and also it fits in with the game. Ive beaten R&C 4 times. When you beat R&C you feel like playing it again. It is not to long and not to short. I cant wait for Ratchet & Clank 2: Going Commando, which comes out November 11, of this year. I recommend R&C and give it a 10/10!!!!!

I grew up playing this game. A lot of the PS1 and PS2 games are classics, but there are some that do not age very well.

I started playing this game again, 20 years after it's release and it's aged incredibly well. The graphics (upscaled and emulated) are a solid 8/10. The gameplay is a 9/10 - - simple but easily the best in it's genre at the time and still enjoyable. The number of memorable gadgets and weapons is great. I remember as a kid saving enough bolts to finally buy the RYNO, and I still have that same feeling. The UI and sound design is a 10/10. A lot of modern games could learn from the UI and sound design to be honest.

This is one of the best action adventure games ever made and it deserves to still be played!

This game was the first game I ever played when I was 6 years old with my dad and we absolutely fell in love with the franchise. It's an amazing story and a classic adventure that I believe anyone could play. It deserves a remaster on any future consoles that come out hundreds of years from now. It will forever be considered a classic for the ages. There is no limit to how far ratchet and clank can go there will always be another universe to save and an adventure to have. Playing this game today takes me back to those glory days of being a kid and discovering the wonders and beauty of the video game industry. Please give it a try.