Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction

"I'm so putting this game in my top 5"

Intro: The Ratchet and Clank games have always been great, wacky, mind-blowing experiences, but they have often times lacked in story and an overall sense of epic-ness. Not this time! This game is damn near perfect. Every category you can come up with too rate this game in, it WILL excel in. The insane, family friendly kick ass gameplay is top notch, the story is resemblant of a Pixar film, Graphics are amazing, the score/audio is mind-blowing, the controls are flawless, there is a ton of replay value, and the overall experience is breathtaking and will leave your jaw dropped and speechless in disbelief at how bad-ass and crazy this game was. Insomniac has perfected designing for the PS3 and I am at a point where they can make a game where all you do is run around in circles and I will buy it. That is how great this game is. If you don't believe me yet, take a look at the rest of this review.

Gameplay:
Every game should have good gameplay. That's what a game is about after all. Ratchet and Clank games have been mixing up platforming and shooting since day 1, and they have always done it right, but the games never really hit a peak of epic-ness. They never had a level that made you say too yourself" I have too do this part again" or something along the lines of that was insane. Well this Ratchet and Clank installment hits epic status in about 3 minutes. Literally, the opening level is absolutely brilliant. It is beautiful and designed to a sense of perfection that has me pondering the questions: "Is this the greatest platforming level ever made" and "Is this the greatest platforming game ever made". And that is all from just the first level. There are about 40 different weapons and gadgets that are all unique and helpful in some way, shape, or form These weapons range from a Shock Ravager( a whip that emits lightning) , an Alpha Disruptor( kind of like a missile launcher) , a Transmorpher( A gun that turns enemies into penguins, yes you read that correctly) a Groovetron( a disco ball that makes everybody dance, bosses included), and lots more creative devices that help save the world. Then there are Robo Wings that let you fly. Grind Rails are amazing, you basically grind down a rail jumping over obstacles and dodging trains or other things. Also, there are space ship levels. Think of Star Fox 64. Yeah, 3 levels dedicated too gameplay like that. You will shoot down other spacecraft and anything else that stands in your way from point A too point B. Each space sequence ends with a boss battle that is very fun. This game also makes use of the Sixaxis motion control scheme for certain sequences. If you know me from the message boards or in general, you will know that I despise motion controls. Insomniac did it right though. There are parts of the game where you will have too free fall from the sky. In these sections you will steer the PS3 controller too move Ratchet out of harms way. You will have too dodge cars, missiles and much more. Also, there is a weapon that shoots out a tornado at your enemies. Steer the controller too steer the tornado. Very creative if you ask me. The motion controls don't feel forced but rather fun too use. If you don't like motion sensing then you can turn it off. Still not convinced? Well did I tell you that there are parts where you play as Clank! Clank is awesome, he can slow down time , levitate and much more all with the help of the Zoni. All of your weapons are upgradable. Defeating enemies causes them too drop Bolts. Bolts are used too buy ammo and new weapons. Some enemies will drop Raritanium. Raritanium are used too upgrade your weapons in numerous ways. You can upgrade ammo capacity, strength and more. Your weapons also upgrade as you use them. Finally I am through with the gameplay section. If your still not convinced, read on friend.

Graphics:
If you don't think the graphics in this game are excellent, I will personally schedule an appointment with your eye doctor for you. Everything is artistically brilliant, heavily detailed. You will often times find yourself dying because you are paying attention to the scenery while accidentally jumping off a ledge. It really is one of the greatest graphically pleasing games on the market. The game also runs at 60 frames per second.

Story:
Past Ratchet games haven't have had the greatest plots, but this Ratchet game has a great story line. It deals with Ratchet and Clank's past a lot. There are barely any characters returning from previous installments. As always the comedy will have you laughing your ass off. There are My Space jokes, and even a cheap shot hilarious joke directed at the XBOX 360. All in all, it feels like a top notch Pixar movie.

Controls:
The controls are pretty basic and feel very good. X jumps, O shoots. It is all pretty basic and just a little bit different from previous Ratchet games.

Sound:
The music definitely helps give the game that epic feel. Each piece is very appropriate for the level and is of great quality. The acting is believable and done very well. All the sound effects sound like they should.

Re-playability:
Once you beat the game there is challenge mode, collecting Gold bolts, Collecting Holo Plans( you need these to make the Ryno IV, the best weapon in th game) Getting all skill points( think achievements from XBOX 360). And concept art, developer interviews and more.Trust me, this game wil keep you busy.

Final Word:
This game is loads of fun and should be in every PS3 owners library

Rent or Buy:
$60 is well worth it, the game's main story last about 11 hours but it will take about 35 hours too do everything.SO BUY IT NOW!!!

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 11/05/07

Game Release: Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction (US, 10/23/07)