Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters

"New Ratchet & Clank on PSP comes up short."

Graphics-
The graphics of R&C:SM are very impressive for the PSP, but I have seen better. Most R&C games have you get off your ship and then have an overview of a large impressive world SM tried to imitate this but did it poorly. I found the colors a little bland and the weapon's explosions weren't as impressive as other R&C games. I'm not saying that I expected the graphics to be on par with the PS2 Ratchet games, but you shouldn't expect it to be either.

Sound-
Good music although most of the time the explosions and other sound effects will cause you not to hear it, also the voice acting is very well done. My only complaint is that the sound sometime skips a little, but it was not a big problem.

Controls-
Like most PSP games there are usually problems with the controls and SM is no different. The triangle, square, circle, and X buttons are the same as they were in the other R&C games, but the analog stick is how you move, the D-pad is how you strafe, and the L and R buttons are the camera controls which can cause problems during hectic battles when you are trying to change camera, strafe, and move all with one finger. After about half an hour you get used to the controls and the game becomes playable, but it would be better if you didn't have to get used to it.

Gameplay-
The thing that saves this game being awful is the classic R&C platforming shooting action. It has the traditional get money from crates to buy new weapons and modifications then by using the weapons they will upgrade into more powerful tools of destruction. The leveling of Ratchets nanotech (hit points) and upgrading the weapons adds a welcome RPG element that adds a lot of depth to the gameplay. The game also features a plethora of mini-games that are fun and rather challenging. SM actually improves on the armor system from the console games by allowing you to equip pieces of armor instead of just a full set which allows you to make miss matched armor combinations that can be more protective than a regular set. SM also has tons of replay value (like all R&C games) once you beat the game you get to upgrade all your weapons once again as well as buying a secret weapon, also collecting all titanium bolts, skill points, and armor sets can take quite awhile.

Online Play-
While online play is a nice feature once you are done with everything else (adding to replay value) it needs improvement. There are four maps to play in with modes like DM, CTF, and a few that are exclusively in SM. The matches are against up to four opponents which I think is a good amount because if there were anymore people it could become to crazy and take away from the fun.

Overall-
R&C: SM might sound like a very good game, but what takes away from it is that it is very short. I was able to beat it in 2 days which to most non die-hard fans might not warrant buying a forty dollar game. Although there is a lot of replay value for most people it will get boring and you'll stop playing after a few weeks. However if you are a fan of the series there is no reason why you wouldn't want to buy SM because it retain the series' classic weapons, entertaining story, and humor. Although because this game is short I recommend a rental for anyone else who is new to the series or is unsure if they will like the game.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 02/26/07