Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters

"Size Matters?"

Ratchet and Clank made there debut on the PSP and this was warmly received by fans and non-fans alike. So come one year later, we see this game ported to the PS2 and the end result? A game that was clearly meant to be a PSP exclusive.

So following up to a port of Syphon Filter Dark Mirror on the PS2, the folks at Sony at it again, porting a one year old PSP game for the PS2. Pricing it more than two times the current price you can buy it on the PSP. Sony is well aware there is a huge group of fans for Ratchet and Clank, who don't own a PSP. Like with Syphon Filter they seize this as an opportunity to rip off loyal fans, they deserve better than this.

With the price tag that is of a new PS2 exclusive, you wonder is this a quality title for the hardware? Incorrect. What we have is a game that was impressive for the PSP, but not the PS2. Even though the PS2 is now consider "obsolete" by people, Sony is abusing what life is left in it, by releasing this.

The first problem is the graphics, they have not be re-done for the console. The characters, locations and virtually everything all lack detail. Even with the size or Ratchet's feet, his toes are not all been separately animated, what we have is a big blob of yellow attached to his feet. There is much attention to detail as five year old with a canyon.

One thing that pleases me, is the quality of the voice-acting is here, for a game aimed for lower ages, the actors have put in an effort. But the things they seem to say are definitely not something a person over 12 would find humorous. The guns sound decent for a PSP port, the music is very well composed and doesn't encourage throwing your controller at the TV screen during frustration on some parts of the game.

Gameplay wise, its more of a collection of things we've seen in previous entries to the series. Even thought most of the guns have different names and looks to the ones seen in previous Ratchet and Clank games, there mechanics are pretty much the same. So no new types of firepower here to Up Your Arsenal (corny reference). Luckily for people with quick reflexes, blasting away foes can be easy as hell. Thanks to the camera views and lock strafe and nice substitutions for blood throughout the game. Some moments you will take the control of Ratchet's sidekick, Clank. Running around commanding Gadget bots and playing shooting aliens in space, with lots of pretty explosions. A great respect for a someone who plays the backpack.

Unlike a lot of shooters this is not just mindless shooting, there are a few puzzles and various challenges to take a coffee break from the shooting. The puzzles are quick to solve and won't have you stuck looking at screen for three hours screaming. Some of the challenges are some what boring and annoying. The hover board races are the ones that leave you angry. The controls are a pain and you will make at least 20 attempts before you win a race. Sadly you need to do win two of these races to progress in the game. We then have the Clank challenges, are like Robot Wars, if you remember the show. Involving battling other robots in little machines and throwing gadget bots at targets. But they are very repetitive, and you really won't finish them all. Shame they made so many of them and they've gone to waste.

While the gameplay isn't fantastic you will finish it right to the end. Its a fair length game and will take a couple of days to finish, maybe a week. The plot is not a Disney masterpiece and lacks depth with some parts of the story unexplained. There is plenty to go back for, a lot of hidden items and masses of guns to unlock.

After finishing one player mode, you will want to invite someone you meet on Myspace for a round of two player, which the box describes as "explosive". While there's explosions, its not that "explosive", its kinda boring and has the action level of two toddlers playing with cap guns. The computer voice constantly explaining the very complex method to win, makes you feel less of a pro when you beat your buddy.

GAME SUMMARY

Graphics - 4/10

No detail to anything in this game. No updates from its previous release on the PSP. Look at Ratchet's feet! There were PS1 games with more detail than this!

Sound And Music - 7/10

Some quality is in this game and the sound effects have the crisp feel of the PS2 exclusive Ratchet and Clanks. Voice acting has "effort" for the age group this is aimed at.

Gameplay - 5/10

Like previous Ratchet and Clanks, easy to pick up and blast baddies with toy-styled guns. Plenty of variation to the gun-fighting, but are they are those parts really any fun? Controls for the hover board races are a big annoyance!

Lastability - 6/10

You will probably only play this once, but if your attention span isn't short, there's plenty of stuff you'll miss in the first play through. But don't expect miracles from two player mode.

Overall - 5/10

A low budget port of a decent PSP title, that has failed in existence. Only recommended for the hardcore Ratchet And Clank fan, who doesn't want to waste there money on a PSP. Please avoid purchasing and supporting Sony's outrageous price tags.

Reviewer's Score: 5/10, Originally Posted: 06/20/08, Updated 06/23/08

Game Release: Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters (AU, 03/27/08)