The story of Ratchet and Clank continues with Tools of Destruction. For us platformer lovers this was a long time coming. Thank goodness Insomniac let the game release a week early so we wouldn't have to wait any longer. R&C once again has an intriguing story to follow up with the amazing game-play and production values. Besides dealing with an all-new bad guy, Ratchet through this new villain is learning new things about his past. While Clank is also a key part to the story, he begins to see tiny robots called Zoni, that only he can see. New awesome characters including Crunk and Rusty Pete lead the back-up in one of the most in-depth R&C stories yet. Oh and you can't forget about Quark.
When it comes down to the presentation, the audio, the graphics....what do you really expect from Insomniac? It's obviously a great package with everything you'd want in a video game. This is probably the best looking game out right now. Not in a detailed manner, but in a lively, "look at that" type way. Beautiful game. Slick, pretty, humorous and awesome.
Like always what makes this action/platformer a blast to play is the game-play. From shooting guns, blasting bombs, grinding rails, flying spaceships, sky-diving, puzzles.......oh and there's plenty of replay value; upgrading the weapons, finding the gold bolts, discovering the Skill Points, Challenge Mode, Controlling Zoni, Bashing Boxes and collecting millions of bolts etc. And while you're tackling all the fun things to do in this game, not once will you complain about the controls. This is Insomniac's 5th outing in the R&C world. They have the controls down sooo well. If you fall off a cliff, miss a jump, aim poorly.....it's all your fault. The sixaxis control is used really well also....the flying and puzzles are a blast to use with the sixaxis. I even thought the Twister weapon was fun, as long as you're not facing a shooting enemy, you should be just fine. Though, some people didn't enjoy this weapon at all. Also there were some glitch moments which was very surprising, saw some floating debris, Ratchet getting slightly stuck in places, but all in all, these are minor things that I could really care less about. Did it hinder my game-play at all? Did it ruin the beauty and controls? Nope, nope, nope. Also people are complaining about the difficulty. They find it as easy or easier than the past Ratchet and Clank games. I personally thought it was fine, but overall, I wouldn't mind a tougher experience. But hell, if you really want a tougher experience, just don't buy any of the armor. Still easy? Then don't upgrade your weapons. There, that'll make it a little more difficult.
There ya have it. Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction is another successful hit for Insomniac. Right now at Halloween 2007 Resistance: Fall of Man and Ratchet and Clank Future are two of the best games you can buy for the PS3, and both are made by the dudes and dudettes over at Insomniac. For R&C vets, you shouldn't be surprised by anything here. But it's just like the old ones....a complete and utter joy to play. And for new-comers, you've made the right choice. For me the Ratchet and Clank series has been pure video-gaming joy. 9.5 outta 10
