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Game sequels function in a different universe than most other entertainments, whereas any movie this year with a number affixed to it was destined to disappoint that is distinctly not the case with games.  One of the few things that Ratchet and Clank, Call of Duty, and the Halo series have in common is that their basic foundation, the gameplay, is so well composed that all future iterations are just improving on a very good idea

Such is the case with Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction, the initial foray of the duo into the next-gen, and the results are, well, awesome.

The Lombax is Back

The game doesn’t waste any time throwing you into the action, after a short cut scene, Metropolis, the key city in the first three installments, is being destroyed.  Following one of the most dramatically gorgeous opening acts in a game, you realize it’s tied in with Ratchet’s being a Lombax and being the only one.  The story still maintains it’s requisite silliness but the it has more coherence than before and as a result, does stay with you when the game is completed.

But story is not the star here; it’s the gameplay that has already been perfected in Up Your Arsenal being put to exceptional use with the processing power afforded by the PS3.  Of course, it’s about blasting everything in sight, but it’s just so impressive in this installment.  Bolts from enemies swarming to you never looked or felt so good and that’s without rumble.  The attention to the weapons is the best in the series. Every weapon has a use, and there’s no sense of redundancy between them.  Not to mention that as enemies get tougher you’ll want to use a wider variety of weapons, and getting those weapons is made easier by an easier to navigate quick-menu.

That’s not all to the weapons.  While they do upgrade with use you now collect raritarium, in addition to bolts, from defeated enemies, this substance can be used at weapons kiosks to upgrade specific assets of your weapons. The upgrade chart is a tree of connected hexagons, each one containing an upgrade feature such as damage, range, maximum ammo as well as increases to the amount of raritarium and bolts yielded by enemies.  When you buy an upgrade, you can then buy another upgrade adjacent to the purchased one.  This non-linear upgrade system allows the player to strategize based on play style and weapon choice, adding a lot more creativity to what could be a dull addition to the game.

It’s Called “Future” for a Reason

Although it may be the cause of the game feeling easier than the previous two installments, experienced gamers, especially experienced Ratchet fans who take full advantage of the upgrades and raritarium collection, can keep themselves on top of the increasing difficulty of the enemies. This reduces some of the more careful strategizing of the previous installments.  But really it’s not that big a deal because it doesn’t change the absolute satisfaction of the controls and sublime pacing of ToD.

Also there’s so much that the game is benefiting from the increased power of the PS3, levels are huge as you will appreciate in the numerous opportunities to grind rail. This sizable increase in virtual real estate is best put to use in open world levels that allow for endless exploration for hidden items and skill points, and are best accomplished using Clanks new wings to sail high over the environment.

Oh and what environment it is.  The game is gorgeous; nothing yet on the PS3 comes close to the explosion of color and detail.  The artists are finally realizing what was only hinted at in the PS2 installments and it shows.  The levels are filled with energy in background animations and details, but it’s the enemies that are the star.  Best realized when using the disco-ball groovitron that makes enemies stop and dance, the animations are so filled with character that you may begin to wonder if Insomniac employees are the only game developers who watch Chuck Jones cartoons.

Worth All the Bolts

There is even more to be found inside the game but, in the interest of allow you to just play it and find out for yourself, I’ll hold back. Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction is a top developer at the top of their game.  The fact that a game this polished and expansive comes merely a year after the release of Insomniac’s Resistance: Fall of Man (the other great PS3 game) is nothing short of awe inspiring.  While I expect that Ratchet will be receiving several more play through from me, I can't help but get excited of what’s coming next.

Review by: Adam Sessler
Video Produced by: Mark Fahey