Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction (Playstation 3, 2007)

"Insomniac Does it Again"

Introduction

Here we are again. Two years later and another console game sequel to the Ratchet and Clank series comes out. Only this time around you get to see the duo in high-definition on the Playstation 3 and lets just say I don't miss the PS2 all that much anymore. This is the 5th game I've played in this series and I've been there since the start when the first game released in 2002. I was looking forward to this game all year and needless to say: it delivered.

Game-Play

The game-play has definitely been this series strong point and this game does extremely well in this area. While the 2 previous games lacked a bit in the platforming department this game brings it back with a vengeance. Many of the gadgets are quite fun to use, my favorites being the Gyro-Cycle and Robo-Wings. Another interesting gadget that really screams platforming is the Gelanator which shoot out a cube of gel that lets you jump higher and lets you stack them to get even more air. For you returning players in the series you'll notice many other gadgets making a welcomed returned such as the Heli/Thruster Packs and some more grind-rail goodness.

The shooter aspect of this series also does not disappoint with the many new weapons and combat devices Ratchet has at his disposal. The weapons themselves are quite diverse from one another and all need to be utilized in different ways to be effective. Each weapon is quite fun to use and they never get too complicated for the average player. The weapons also get experience with each use on an enemy and further upgrade their damage capabilities with each level they gain. My favorite weapon would have to be Alpha Cannon, which just screams firepower when you use it. Health is once again nano-tech based with health crates abundant for restoring health. Wrench use has also been kept the same as well.

The devices are a new aspect to the R&C series and they don't disappoint. Ranging from making any enemy dance with the Groovitron to turning them into a lovable penguin with the Transmorpher the devices are good for some laughs and is also very helpful to get out of a pinch.

Clank only game-play has made a return in this series and it's better than ever IMO. His new buddies have some neat new powers and Clank also gets a new helpful power of his own as well. The areas that you traverse with him can be thought provoking and are sometimes quite fun to do, unlike in past games where I thought it was a chore to play as him.

The only issue that I think any new player would have coming into this game would be that fact that there's not enough tutorial to teach new players how to do certain things.

Game-Play Score: a solid 10/10 with no big issues whatsoever(since lack of an extensive tutorial doesn't effect me) and it does what it's supposed to: making this game a blast to play.

Rent or Buy

Unless you like rush through things or you don't like platforming, this is the game you must own on your PS3. As of right now there's nothing else like it on the current gen console market and it's an amazing game to boot. It's also just good clean fun that people of all ages can enjoy. It's an obvious buy.

Final Score

Game-Play: 10
Graphics: 10
Story: 8.7
Controls: 9.9
Sound: 8.5
Play-Time/Re-Playability: 8.9

Overall Score: 9.3 (Amazing)

Final Say

Reviewer's Score: 9/10

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