Review-- Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction

(Minor Spoilers Ahead)

Ahh Ratchet, my favorite Lombax, we've been doing this dance a long time. I remember you years ago when you had less polygons and certainly didn't have James Arnold Taylor doing your voice. Still though, I gave you a chance and in return you took a piece of my heart. Now on your 5th console outing you are once again proving why I left my wife for you.

You're Prettier:

The visuals in this game are astounding, while some are using the "Pixar" comparison I tend to feel that it misses that mark. Still though from the first cinema to the last I was impressed by just what the game could pull off. Explosions during heated firefights lit up the sky without the slightest bit of slowdown while the characters during cut scenes were infused with such life that you couldn't help but get wrapped up in the story. One downside though was the final boss battle which took a huge step back in terms of visuals, granted I was focused on unloading my aresnal on the baddie, still I wish it was a bit prettier to look at.

You're Way More Fun to Play With:

Gameplay gameplay gameplay. What is a R&C game without killer gameplay. The controls in this game are spot on with SIXAXIS being used in ways that make sense if not exactly inovative. The hacking minigame reminded me of the old Labrinth game where you roll a marble around and while it was usually easy it didn't detract from the action. Platforming was minimal and I never found myself falling off a ledge unless I knowingly did something stupid. Boss battles game down to unloading everything you had and for the most part they were fun if not amazing. Clank's mini levels with the Zoni, alien creatures, didn't grind the game to a standstill as in previous games. Skill points were usually a blast to accomplish and some even tested your gaming chops. I may seem a bit harsh on the gameplay but it would only be because the game didn't really do anything new. That being said it was still a Ratchet and Clank game which means the gameplay is solid and fun enough that you keep playing from start to finish without once thinking "this is sure getting old"

You Have Killer Weapons:

The weapons on this outing were hilarious and destructive. The popular disco-ball device really does work on every enemy and saved my ass on the final boss. My personal favorite was the Raptor which sent homing missles after your opponents. The tornado launcher I found myself using once or twice before taking it out of my quick select menu. My only issue with the weapons is that even when fully upgraded(Done by using the weapon as well as upgrading it at shops using in came currency) some weapons are too weak to be of any value later in the game. Blast the later creatures all you like with your initial yet fully powered up weapon and you'll find yourself out of ammo long before the creatuer is out of life.

You Tell A Good Yarn:

While I laughed out loud more than once during this adventure the story itself was a little...bland. I appreciated the more grown-up tale but I felt it could have been handled with a bit more finesse. Ratchet's planet hopping adventures tend to lend themselves well to chases and crazy antics especially when Quark is involved. This time though it felt like planets were being visited with no rhyme or reason, which is well and good for gameplay, but keeps the story from being considered "Next Gen"

Overall:

Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction doesn't break the mold, but rather perfect the shooting/platformer hybrid genre with an assortment of weapons, stellar visuals, a pretty good story, and solid gameplay that simply makes this game a must buy for anyone who owns a PS3. Plus the ending just makes you want a sequel to be released next week!