Still The Galaxy's Greatest Heroes: Ratchet and Clank Review

Video games rarely get full-blown remakes. We are currently living through a period known as the "Remastered Age." Gears of War, the Uncharted series, and several other decade-old titles have recently been revitalized with modern developing technology. While the games do not change, they look better and run smoother, bringing classics to the modern age. Ladies and gentlemen, we have our exception. The 2002 Playstation classic Ratchet and Clank has been fully remade in glorious 2016 fashion by Insomniac Games.

Ratchet and Clank tells the story of two of the greatest heroes in the Solana Galaxy. Ratchet is a crafty and capable Lombax (cat-like alien), and Clank is an adorable and intelligent robot who packs quite an adorable and intelligent punch. The dynamic duo are accompanied by some classic characters, allies or otherwise: the boorish and bombastic Captain Qwark, the megalomaniac planet-destroyer Chairman Drek, and the nefarious Dr. Nefarious.

While the primary story arc of the game is somewhat unchanged, the plot, locations, and gameplay have all been spruced up significantly. The plot takes you from a spaceship garage on a backwater planet to some of the most beautiful and unique planets you can think of. Some new, some familiar. Like Veldin, Ratchet's desert home, and Kerwan, a bustling metropolis with a beautiful futuristic skyline. Spanning a dozen galactic locations, each planet is reminiscent of the Ratchet and Clank titles of yore. Sets are colorful, big, and teeming with wacky alien lifeforms. The tropical paradise Pokitaru is a shining example of what a Ratchet and Clank game can look like on the Playstation 4.

Ratchet and Clank is well known for its incredibly funny and entertaining weapons. This reboot is no exception, and players can expect a fun and goofy arsenal of weapons. As previously mentioned, this not just a prettied version of the 2002 game, it's a collection of the best parts of the series into one game. The showcase of heritage weapons and tools that span over ten years culminates in a remake that also acts as a celebration of the series. Fan-favorites such as the Predator Launcher and the Combuster are all in there, as with several newbies. The Pixelizer for example, is a shotgun that turns enemies into a pixilated version of themselves. Ratchet and Clank weapons old and new entertain players on so many levels in this game.

As always, your trusty friend Clank acts as your guide, utility belt, and your best friend (oh, and your jetpack). Clank is cunning, friendly, and technologically crafty, and he gets to shine during his own missions to help Ratchet and the other crime fighting Galactic Rangers get past obstacles throughout the game. The tiny warbot can hack computers, manipulate other small robots called "gadgebots," and solve intricate puzzles. This game's approach to Clank is much like every other Ratchet and Clank game, but with a lot more polish and modern flare. Clank is procedurally upgraded as the game goes on. He earns new equipment like his heli-pack, which in turn is upgraded into a booster pack.

The story of the game follows a similar route as the recently released Ratchet and Clank Movie. While most of the in-game cutscenes are produced for the game, some are taken directly from the feature film. It's pretty and neat, but sometimes changes the feel of game. It's easy to see that some scenes from the movie don't link up that well with some levels of the game.

Our heroes have finally made it to the next level of Playstation. Even though this game does not take place after the events of Ratchet and Clank: Into The Nexus (2013), there is hope that this refreshing telling the duo's first adventure will be followed by a new saga made for the PS4. This new game provides every Ratchet and Clank fan with nostalgia of over ten years of games, and the promise of a new platform for amazing intergalactic adventures.