In our previous
episode, the mechanical partner of the adventuring duo known as Ratchet & Clank
was mysteriously abducted, leaving Ratchet alone and without a foil for mishaps
and comedic wit. What’s a lombax to do but set out in search of his friend and
partner?
Quest for Booty
picks up that thread and bridges the gap between the full-on Tools of
Destruction release and the next full-length adventure featuring the duo.
“Full-length?” Well, this title is only available on the PlayStation Network, is
meant to be a summer release like a movie and only takes about four hours to get
through. Or even better, think of it as an episode of your favorite television
show. Not a lot is really decided, but it is an entertaining romp.
And that is
what Quest for Booty brings – an enjoyable romp. It is not as deep as an R&C
game, but the game does have some great graphical elements and, as always, the
weapons are fun to play with. And some of the puzzle elements are truly
entertaining. Take, for example, when you have to use the Kinetic Tether (which
is applied by Ratchet’s trusty wrench) to move objects around, affecting the
shadows the objects cast. It doesn’t take long to realize that what you are
really doing is using the shadows to create jigsaw puzzle pieces that have to be
aligned just right to create the picture you are trying for. That is a bit of
creative genius, and ramps up the entertainment value.
The game picks
up after Clank’s disappearance and has Ratchet on the search for his partner.
Slag, one of the main protagonists from Tools, is back and his storyline is a
little deeper (little being the operative word because the length of this
episode precludes a whole lot of depth). The action takes off right from the
onset with Ratchet and his partner-of-the-moment fighting pirates, getting
captured and then being shot to a remote island. Of course, with a nice little
arsenal of weapons, Ratchet is tasked with getting off that island and working
back onto the trail of Clank – who appears, at times, in a glowing dream-like
sequence … except Ratchet is not asleep.
There are the
nice arrays of weapons that can be selected through the radial menu and then
employed if you have the ammo. The Tornado Launcher is back, and so is the
Predator Launcher. Also making return appearances are the Fusion Grenade and the
Lightning Ravager. Each of the environments have minor puzzles to solve (whether
navigating the scene or unlocking items) and the game keeps up a solid
action-packed pacing.
The sound is
typical of an R&C title, with clever asides, and a steady barrage of effects.
Graphically the game is well done, for a short title or not. This is a vibrant
three-dimensional world that is delightfully animated. The lighting, textures
and effects are first rate.
Insomniac knows
the series very well and while this is not the Ratchet & Clank title that is
respected, admired and gobbled up, it is a nice little summer fix. And the price
tag takes into account the short nature of this title. It is available on the
PSN for $15.
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Gameplay: 7.5
The game is short in
length and just lacks that sense of grand adventure often associated with R&C
titles. That aside, the controls are familiar, some new puzzle elements are in
place and the game does provide an enjoyable gaming experience.
Graphics: 9.0
Ratchet & Clank
titles are delightful three-dimensional PS3 romps. The environments are lush and
a true visual treat and the animations are top drawer. This may be a short
title, but it is still visually well done.
Sound: 8.5
A solid supporting
cast-mate to the visuals. What is here is what is expected, but that does not
make it any less entertaining as a total audio-visual package.
Difficulty: Easy/Medium
Concept: 8.0
Some nice new puzzle
concepts that would work well in the next full-on adventure. And give credit for
the idea of an episode to bridge releases of full games, but having become used
to the grand nature of R&C titles, this just feels a little hollow.
Overall: 7.8
Insomniac tried
something different – and it’s a good attempt. It might have a place in a
different game, but when it comes to Ratchet & Clank, it really needs to be a
grand adventure that consumes days, not hours. This is a good game, make no
mistake about that. It is a solid R&C release, despite its shortness. It would
not get a good score without being a high-quality game. But when you are
building off an established franchise, anything less than what is familiar is …
well … less.
