Review: Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time – the last hurrah for the duo?
The amazing duo, Ratchet and Clank is back to finally close the story on the trilogy. The series has come a long way with nine games total over a span of seven years. Can the latest entry, Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time finish the story with a bang?
Story
The story in Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time starts you off after the events of the previous games, Tools of Destruction and Quest for Booty. The lovable duo has been split across space and time. After the events that led to Clank’s mysterious capture by the Zoni, Ratchet is on a mission to get his buddy back.
Along the way both Clank and Ratchet learn more about their past then in the whole series combined. The story keeps things interesting with never a dull moment as it switches between Ratchet and Clank constantly keeping things fresh. We finally learn a good amount about the Lombax race, and that Clank may have a greater purpose than being an average robot. The story is absolutely fantastic and gets emotionally heart warming at times.
The story is definitely aimed at not only children but also adults, with jokes and comments that someone older would be able to appreciate. For those who may not have played the previous entry, the game is solid in itself as it has its own self-journey type story that can stand on its own. The fact that the first cutscene recaps some of the story plots doesn’t hurt as well. A Crack in Time by far has the best story I’ve seen in a Ratchet & Clank game.
Controls
Anyone familiar with the Ratchet & Clank series knows that the games are known for its platforming. Actually, the franchise is a true testament to the genre in a sea of first person shooters. The fact that the series have endured for so long with much success implies how solid the franchise is.
I like to call Ratchet & Clank games as platformers for hardcore gamers. There are other good platformers out there but none are as hardcore as Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time. The game offers a satisfying combat system relying heavily on creative and inventive weapons, especially for Ratchet.
Since Ratchet is adventuring without Clank, he is now unable to helicopter. However, he is equipped with nifty hover-boots that adds a Sonic-like fast pace to the gameplay.
The critical skills needed in a platforming game apply here as you will have to time jumps to make it across moving platforms and dangerous obstacles that could kill you instantly. Some of the tricky platforming aspects can be overcome with quick thumb reflexes, double jumping and gliding. A Crack in Time definitely provides a level of satisfaction that you won’t get in a shooter.
Visuals/Design
What can I say about the visuals? The game looks fantastic, with amazing Pixar like graphics and attention to detail. You can literally see the little strands of fur blowing in the wind on Ratchet’s face. Since Insomniac Games uses the same graphics engine for the cutscenes and gameplay, the game looks consistently good.
Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time is also one of the very few next gen games out there that will run at a solid 60fps. The game is truly beautiful to look at in motion.
Some of the design choices Insomniac Games made with A Crack in Time are brilliant. The split story decision is great as the gameplay keeps switching up between Crank and Ratchet. Also, the fact that the gameplay is uniquely different between these two characters help keep things from getting too monotonous. Clank’s missions involve complex time manipulation puzzles. Clank must not only manipulate time but must also solve complex puzzles where he makes clones of himself.
The puzzles get extremely complex to a point where you have to map out four clone’s pattern and play it all back for a harmoniously crafted resolution. Clank’s puzzle/time manipulation missions really elevate the game beyond any of the previous titles.
This is in contrast to Ratchet’s missions which involve a great deal of exhilarating combat. Collecting bolts have never been as fun as it is in A Crack in Time. The good old weapons leveling system is back, allowing players to augment and upgrade their weapons. The hallmark of the franchise is the unique and fun weapons found in the game.
Some of the weapons such as the negotiator and Mr. Zircon make it back in A Crack in Time, along with some new and wacky weapons. There is a fun weapon called a sonic erupter, which is a giant bullfrog on a stick that will belch out sonic waves.
Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time evolves the series by introducing the overworld in space. In the overworld, Ratchet can travel from planet to planet in his space ship. This opens things up allowing Ratchet to explore many different planets like in Mass Effect. You will be able to pilot the ship to the planet and along the way fight off waves of enemy space ships as well. The overworld provides many side quests in-between missions as you will be able to fly to a planet to accomplish a side mission. This element really lends itself to the RPG or open-world adventure genre.
There are no online modes in the game, but it does have leaderboard support. Gamers will be able to compete for the top spot for various stats such as distance traveled in space, bolts collected and more.
Wrap-up
Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time offers a satisfyingly unique experience you will be hard pressed to find out there today. The game also adds a bit of replayability by offering incentives to collect items to not only unlock new weapons but also to unlock new boss fights.
A Crack in Time is hands down one of the best platformers out there. I may go as far as saying its the best one out there for hardcore gamers. A Crack in Time manages to incorporate various elements from different genres – RPG/open world adventure/shooter. Also, the fact its geared towards a broader audience is appealing. I highly recommend all gamers to give Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time a try.
Score
5/5
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77 Responses to “Review: Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time – the last hurrah for the duo?”
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November 25th, 2009
I’ve always loved the R+C games, there so addictive and fun. Just recently got the platinum trophy for R+C as well lol.
The only complaint is that Tools of Destruction had more gadgets than this one. Definitely my favorite Ratchet game tho.
November 25th, 2009
I had a look though Mike’s reviews for this year against metacritic
Mike Metacritic
Halo ODST 360 80 83
Uncharted 2 ps3 100 96
RC CiT ps3 100 86
Shadow complex 360 80 88
Prototype multi 80 78
inFamous ps3 100 85
Riddick athena multi 80 81
Lux-Pain ds 70 48
Blue dragon + ds 70 69
MLB 09 ps3 90 90
SF IV multi 90 94
Fallout 3 multi 80 93
KZ2 ps3 100 91
Fable 2 360 60 89
CoD WaW multi 80 85
Average difference
DS +11.5 %
PS3 +10.5%
multi -4.2%
360 -13.3%
I suppose the only real surprise for me is that this suggests Mike is a DS fanboy
November 25th, 2009
@Me
Mike is pretty much die hard ps3 lol check the titles of most of his articles. Dave is a little bit more unbiased.
November 25th, 2009
I liked some of the weapons better in some of the older games.
The pinnacle being up your arsenal.
I also liked some of the upgrades better in the other games. I didn’t like how you can only mod three weapons.
While it’s great turning your enemies into monkey chimes, turning them into robot ducks that spit out bomblets was friggin’ classic.
I’m fairly close (i guess) to the platinum also.
Of course I need to beat the game another two times. Hard and Challenge mode, while getting five remaining bolts in the great clock, scoring 10k in my blaster, and finishing all the space missions (which I thought I did)
November 25th, 2009
“The series has come a long way with nine games total over a span of seven years.”
Hmmm interesting point there
November 25th, 2009
And todays award goes to toshi. Congrats. Congrats.
@me
the problem also appears to stem from a 10 point scale. Games can only be rated in derivitives of 5. Fable 2’s review seems to must away from what most others thought about it.
November 25th, 2009
@Mike
“The good old weapons leveling system is back, allowing players to collect bolts to upgrade their weapons.”
I need to point out a correction in the review.
You can’t upgrade weapons based on bolts collected.
You can upgrade armor with bolts but weapon upgrades happen by killing enemies with the said weapon. The three weapons you can mod more than the others also needs a mod kit to be found for each one and is independent on the bolts system.
Great review btw.
November 25th, 2009
I havent started playing this game it is still unwrapped. I need to download Quest for Booty first. but I have so many games (also bought AC2) and so little time.
this is a Great series..btw here is a lil info.
Nintendo copied the idea to visiting planets and play around the galaxy from Ratchet & Clank – End results = Mario Galaxy
November 25th, 2009
“Nintendo copied the idea to visiting planets and play around the galaxy from Ratchet & Clank – End results = Mario Galaxy”
You don’t even know the shit storm I created on joystiq with saying something like that when Mario galaxy just came out.
Someone even linked a picture of a Yoshi game that showed him fighting a boss on a round planet. Of course that game wasn’t in 3D making the point moot anyway.
November 25th, 2009
lol at Nintendo’s big holiday release – a port of a DS game that came out in 2006.
Sure the DS game was great, but come on. Seriously?
November 25th, 2009
“You don’t even know the shit storm I created on joystiq with saying something like that when Mario galaxy just came out.”
lmaooo….im sure ther are always ppl that are going to come out and try to argue something they dont know about (like toshi/kev)
November 25th, 2009
@me
Remember the 5/5 scoring system now. 96 is equal to 100 and 83 is equal to 80 if you round. Some are higher and lower, but I think he’s just scoring the games based on his experience with them.
My first ratchet and TOD, hated the first hour, was addicted to the rest. I’m not totally blown away yet in here in terms of weaponry, but I know that it will (probably) get awesome.
November 25th, 2009
@phranc
Oh u got me there.. lol
“lmaooo….im sure ther are always ppl that are going to come out and try to argue something they dont know about (like toshi/kev)”
@roca
Well, plz tell me, where did u find me arguinging abt stuff i didnt knew abt.. Thank you..
November 25th, 2009
damn that smiley, it blew my cover
November 25th, 2009
Which R&C is where you play with a Giant Clank? I played that for PSP some time ago, quite a good game. I didn´t know there were so many of them.
“lol at Nintendo’s big holiday release – a port of a DS game that came out in 2006.”
The device placed at the base of my neck is blinking, that means I must buy. And I will love it. Beep.
To be honest I am quite exited to play a core Mario game with up to three friends, cooperative games are better most of the time.
November 25th, 2009
To be honest I am quite exited to play a core Mario game with up to three friends, cooperative games are better most of the time.”
no online means…
4 wii remotes and 4 numchuks to play with 3 friends
which cost you about $230 (3 extra set of controllers and the Mario game)
November 25th, 2009
@Akaro
I believe that was Going Commando.
I’d also buy that Mario game. Who can go wrong with a classic nostalgic type side scroller.
November 25th, 2009
“4 wii remotes and 4 numchuks to play with 3 friends
which cost you about $230 (3 extra set of controllers and the Mario game)”
Hopefully the friends bring their own wiimotes…
November 25th, 2009
Indeed, I see that can be a problem if you are a newcomer. However, the game doesn´t use nunchucks and in this case each of us have at least one wiimote (with nunchuck). All we need is the game.
Online games here are not that strong here (Veracruz) because the best we can get as regular users is 4Mbps (companies can get up to 30 Mbps but the contract is restrictive and the price is premium). Xbox online games do not have problems but Wii and PS3 games do (there are exceptions).
November 25th, 2009
@Phranctoast
Thanks, perhaps that was the one. The NSMB game has been getting good feedback, so hopefully the classic feeling will be there.
November 25th, 2009
@Akaro.
Do you recall the game where clank was a movie/tv star?
I’m pretty sure that was the game he was large because one of the “set pieces” had him fighting a monster for the show.
November 25th, 2009
OK, now that we are done with the holiday release season, I’m comfortable with releasing my top 5 GOTYs.
So without further ado, I present my top 5 GOTYs. Note list is not in any particular order.
-Assassins Creed 2
-Uncharted 2
-Demon’s Souls
-Batman
-Resident Evil 5
There were many great games that came out over the coarse of 2009. Not all can make the top 5, but they were great nonetheless.
Thank you all and have a safe trip home. Goodnight everyone.
November 25th, 2009
I’ll reserve my list until I play a couple of more games.
good night BJ.
oddly enough that sounds kind of what I try to get nightly.
November 25th, 2009
@Phranctoast
I remember that the giant Clank flies trought space shooting lasers à la Starfox. I loved those sections so I remember them the most. But I don´t know if that´s regular to the series.
November 25th, 2009
take Resident Evil off your list.
but here is my Top 5
-Uncharted 2
-Demon’s Souls
-Killzone 2
-Batman
-Assassin’s Cree 2
November 25th, 2009
@me_
Check out our scoring policy: http://gamer.blorge.com/gamerblorge-scoring-policy
The scoring system is outlined below:
5 = Excellent
4 = Good
3 = Average
2 = Fair
1 = Bad
We do not do percentages and as you can see a 3 (average) does not equal per say a 60% on a 10 point scale.
November 25th, 2009
@ Mike,
nice reply, I was looking for the scoring system. I remember seeing on the “old layout” but I couldnt find it on this one.
November 25th, 2009
Ha I knew someone would call me out on that controversial decision.
KZ2 was epic. The campaign was amazing, but a little too short. The online modes were fun, but I prefer co-op over competitive. It’s just a personal preference I guess. As a result, I ended up playing RE 5 a lot longer than KZ2.
November 25th, 2009
My top 5-
Uncharted 2 (best overall game).
Batman Arkam Asylum (only just second to Uncharted 2. They did an excellent job with this game.)
Killzone 2 ( I love my shooters)
Assassin’s Creed 2
Mlb
November 25th, 2009
“Fable 2 360 60 89″… lol. Regardless of whether 3/5 equates to 60%, it was rather humorous to see Fable 2 (Metacritic 89, 1UP 100, EGM 94, Game Informer 93, GamePro 90, IGN 88, GameSpot 85) stand out amongst the others as the lowest scoring game on the entire list, coming in below even “Lux Pain” (Metacritic 48, IGN 42, GameSpot 35, GamePro 30) …ah, to each his own
November 25th, 2009
Opinions are like assholes. Everyone’s got one and everyone elses stinks
November 25th, 2009
So…..
What’s every bodies plans for amateur night?
November 25th, 2009
Steak flavoured butt floss. You?
November 25th, 2009
Well as a seasoned pro, who at 28, came home from the bar and threw up in their parent’s living room last year… I’m going to take it easy.
I’m spending the holiday with the gf’s family this year. I’ll go back home (NJ, where I grew up) and raise hell with my friends this weekend.
November 25th, 2009
Haha… Superman reference in Dragon’s Age: Origins DLC… also, one of the enemies also exploded into a cloud of blood after one of Morrigan’s spells… Sten is making head’s fly… good stuff.
November 25th, 2009
In Superman 2 what’s the story with that cellophane S on Superman’s chest, that Supermen rips off and throws at the bad guy?
November 25th, 2009
NSMB is a good game, plays just like the DS version.
Multiplayer can be fun or annoying depending on your point of view.
November 25th, 2009
(1) Infamaous-this game does not get enough credit
(2) uncharted 2- probaly the best story in any game
(3) batman- blew me away I thought it would suck
(4) killzone 2- story was generic but still great campaign and online
(5) Modern warefare 2
Take into mind that I don’t have rachet and clank, assassins creed 2, left 4 dead 2 or demons souls
November 25th, 2009
Read my review of Fable 2 as to why I gave it that score –
http://gamer.blorge.com/2009/02/11/review-is-fable-2-a-rpg-for-the-casual-market/
November 25th, 2009
Jofa
BJ
Phranc
Check this out:
http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3177091
November 25th, 2009
You don’t have to justify yourself Mike. It may just be that PS3 games are more to your taste than 360 games.
November 26th, 2009
I’ve played the demo. It had nice graphics and that classic playstation feel to the game. But I rather spend my money on something more hardcore :0
November 26th, 2009
Barnabe… it’s been almost three decades since I had seen it last, so I decided to watch 1&2 again tonight via Netflix streaming on 360 (also available w/disc through PS3)… lol… I honestly don’t know, but it was pretty hilarious, between that and the half-rip of civvy attire magically changing to Superman’s outfit. Also, Zod had telekinetic power, but Superman did not… leave it to Hollywood and a comic book mythos. Supertramp’s “Give a Little Bit” was one of the higlights as well… nice trip through time.
November 26th, 2009
Whoah… he did pull out a superior hand beam… and lo and behold… teleportation and illusions as well… and after Margot Kidder’s (the Demi Moore of the 1980’s) retarded love act at the end… even mind/memory control via a kiss…. I also enjoyed the villain chick’s need for “flair”… so much I had forgotten… let alone the “nerd revenge” scene near the end… lol.
November 26th, 2009
@Roca
Day one, dude, day one, heh. I first heard about it being imported in may last week or so, looking forward to it hardcore.
November 26th, 2009
Roca,
That was a good write up. I like his opening with the girl analogy. I hope people don’t end up writing the game off because of it’s similarities to Zelda.
Carl b,
I actually watched a few clips on youtube. Looks like they haven’t aged very well, but very funny nonetheless.
Did you see the new Star Trek? I think they did a fantastic job with it.
Robert,
I really liked Infamous, but after playing Assassins Creed 2 it got bumped off of my top 5 GOTY. I strongly suggest checking it out.
November 26th, 2009
@barnabe
I liked the 1st one even tho it was repetitive so I’m picking assassins creed2 up this christmass
November 26th, 2009
I thought the same thing. The sequel is bigger and better in every possible way though.
November 26th, 2009
ah might as well… started watching III via Netflix streaming too… nice “chaos theory” scene at the beginning… forgot to add “freezer breath” to the above list of powers. I had no idea they took Lana Lang from Superman III to be Superman’s mother in Smallville… and also the first public tech mass breakdown via malicious programming that I can remember captured in a movie (naughty Richard Pryor)…
November 27th, 2009
Hey Phranc,
I completed the “Challange of the Gods” trophy (it took a while and many tries before I completed it).
now im going after the “5hr” trophy. right now I just got Pandora’s Box and im at 3hrs and 40 mins. think I can make it?
November 27th, 2009
I was at 8 of 10 and I had to stop to go to Thanksgiving dinner. Thats the one with all the gorgons and the undead soldiers with no magic.
I think you can do it. Hades is easy and the Ares fight is 10 minutes maybe.
November 27th, 2009
“Thats the one with all the gorgons and the undead soldiers with no magic.”
lol……that one of the hardest one, but if it make you feel better 10 is harder
November 28th, 2009
Beat challenge of the gods.
November 29th, 2009
I found 8 to be the toughest. 9 I beat on my first try and 10 wasn’t bad as long as you stay in the air. Three quarters through I got rage of the gods and that sustained me enough to get to the top.
November 30th, 2009
awesome! GoW2 trophies doesnt seem to be as hard as GoW1
November 30th, 2009
How’d you do beating it in 5 hours?
November 30th, 2009
just rush through the whole damn game
December 1st, 2009
I saw that you got the platinum. I’m going to go back to one of my earlier saves for the niyad and see if I can finish upgrading the weapons. Then I’m free to beat the game in 5 hours also. I trust you played that on very easy right?
December 1st, 2009
did you beat the game yet? hit me up through blorge.net I’ll let you know some “cheap tips” on how to get all the upgrades
December 1st, 2009
I’ve beat the game, just not in 5 hours. I still have to replay from beginning to do that. I broke my glasses the other day so I’m waiting for the fix and the new TV to arrive before I jump in again. I’m practically blind
December 1st, 2009
do you have a save just before you fight Ares?
December 1st, 2009
“do you have a save just before you fight Ares?”
Yes.
December 1st, 2009
you havent upgreade all the weapons yet, correct?
December 1st, 2009
no.
December 1st, 2009
no, as I haven’t.
December 1st, 2009
ok
then all you need to do is fight Ares until you see the “circle” symbol above his head. Grab Ares and follow the QTE and stop after the first “stab” (you stab Ares on the back with one of his wing)
for each stab you get about 3K-6K of Red Orbs. so just keep on that until you maxed out everything.
remember to stop after the first stab because if you stab him twice Ares will send you the place where Kratos killed his family.
let me know if you understand what Im talking about. if not I will explain it better
December 1st, 2009
I get it.. Damn. Thats a pretty damn good idea.
December 1st, 2009
haha I found it by mistake, I press the wrong button after the first stab then I saw how much red orbs I got from the fisrt stab. so I kept doing until I maxed out everything. I though I wasnt going get anymore Orbs after the 5th time but it looks like you can keep doing it forever and you will always get orbs
December 1st, 2009
His first iteration is easy. Not until the third does he truly get challenging.
December 2nd, 2009
he is impossible to beat on hard.
trust me!
December 2nd, 2009
I learned moves in Challenge of the Gods that I would have never have thought of using in game. I’m looking forward to getting back into it.
December 2nd, 2009
yeah…
I never used the “L1+O – in mid air”
or “roll + X”
I got a question. you told me the Golden Fleece is to parry enemies attack. but in GoW he never got it but you can still do it?
December 2nd, 2009
The golden fleece is to reflect back projectile attacks.
December 2nd, 2009
oh I see, Thanks.
December 3rd, 2009
you have Plat for Ratchet and Clank yet?
December 4th, 2009
not yet
very close to doing it with gow1. maxed out all weapons and armor with your trick and got the 200 hit combo in phase two of that fight fighting myself. used rage of the gods which I didn’t realize gives you unlimited magic so I used army of Hades followed by Posiedens rage which gave me the over 200 hit combo.
I just need to beat the game in under 5 hours and kiss the nyad. If i had an older save I would have gone back to do that trophy but I’ll have to do it when I make my second run through.
I still haven’t progressed through R+C any further. I need to beat the optional fight, collect 5 more bolts, beat my blaster runs hot and finish all space missions before a plat that one. Oh yeah.. and beat it on hard and challenge mode. I got my work cut out for me.
How some of you guys do this stuff is beyond me. Especially with Uncharted as you got to collect all that shit.
December 7th, 2009
R+C plat is sooo easy lol