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Strking an odd balance of sorta cute and mildly crude, Ratchet & Clank is a highly acclaimed 3D platformer developed by Insomniac and published by Sony for the Playstation 2. Released in 2002, it features a protagonistic duo comprised of a Lombax (don’t ask) named Ratchet and small robot nicknamed Clank.
This well-paced adventure follows the pair as they engage on the same quest, although initially for different reasons. Ratchet is gung-ho on meeting his hero Captain Qwark, while Clank has more noble intention of stopping the evil Chairman Drek in his plan to destroy a number of planets. Traveling from planet to planet, the two meet various characters and are sent on a number of missions. Different gadgets are found along the way, and some can be purchased with bolts collected throughout the game. Some are weapons to help thwart off the different enemies found throughout the game, while others help with traversal and puzzle solving. There are even some metroidvania aspects thrown in, as occasionally you will encounter an area that cannot yet be accessed. The player must do some exploration in order to find the right gadget or upgrade to proceed.
The controls have aged fairly well with a few areas of exception. Getting used to the moves and weapons doesn’t take long, and the game guides the player along fairly well. Enjoyable and sometimes challenging platforming is required throughout the adventure, but the game also includes a fair amount of variety. In most levels, the player controls Ratchet, but certain areas will have you in control of Clank instead. The occasional turret battle or one-off challenge help create a well balanced experience.
Ratchet & Clank was both critical and commercial success. A number of sequels arrived in its wake, naturally some are better than others. Critics praised its controls and creative use of weapons. 2016 saw a film based on the franchise in conjunction with a new game considered to be a reimagining of the 2002 original. While the movie was poorly received, the game fared well enough to earn a 2021 follow-up, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart.
