Ratchet and Clank Future: Quest For Booty (PSN) Review

Posted by Gregory McDougal on 09.15.2008

The Lombax with the trusty wrench sets out to find his mechanical buddy.

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Genre: Action/Platformer
Players: 1


Ever since "Ratchet and Clank" made their debut on the Playstation 2 in the fall of 2002, it has been one of the biggest selling franchises on Sony’s powerhouse system. Created by Insomniac Games (the studio who created "Spyro the Dragon"), the game could be described as Crash Bandicoot with modifiable weapons. The series stars a Lombax (probably a cross between a cat and wombat) named Ratchet and his robot friend named Clank. Spanning five PS2 adventures, the series has seen improvements throughout them all, while delivering great platforming action and humor along the way. The series is also known for it’s unique weapons. What other game do you know has a tool called the “Groovitron,” that has Ratchet throwing a disco ball into the air to make his enemies dance, while you attack them…NO OTHER GAME THAT’S WHAT.

In 2007, the Lombax and robot made their PS3 debut called “Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction.” Not only was the game beautiful, it was fun to play and more than a worthy addition to the franchise, even though this version seemed easier than previous entries. Insomniac is making the PS3 versions their own saga simply known as the “Future” series, which makes sense because “Tools of Destruction” left on a cliffhanger. The latest installment in the series is titled “Ratchet and Clank Future: Quest for Booty,” which can only be purchased on the Playstation Network. Don’t fret because even though this adventure is incredibly short, it’s worth the $14.99 price tag.

“Quest for Booty” picks up directly after “Tools of Destruction,” where Clank was abducted by the Zoni, who are interdimensional, time travelers in the forms of miniature robots. The only way for Ratchet to reach the Zoni is by obtaining the Fulcrum Star, which is in the hands of the pirate Angstrom Darkwater. There is only one problem…HE’S DEAD!!! Now our furry hero along with Talwyn set out to find the buried treasure at Darkwater’s grave to bring his little buddy back.



Don't Worry Clank, Ratchet is on the trail.


Gameplay

In the beginning of “Quest for Booty,” it’s standard Ratchet mechanics you shoot enemies in an extravagant manner to reach the next destination. You know, the fun stuff. However, further into the game your weapons are taken and you must rely solely on your omni-wrench, which is now known as the tether-wrench. This upgraded version allows you to move platforms in order to reach new levels, as well as holding items. For example, if Ratchet is in a dark area, he can pick up a Grub (glow in the dark creatures) with his wrench to traverse the area. This installment is more platform oriented than past versions since Clank is missing from the picture. The action is there, however, it’s kept to a minimum.

Even though more platforming elements have been added, there is nothing new to this game.


Graphics

For a Playstation Network title, it’s easily one of the best looking ones, and dare I say it looks as good as some of the standard PS3 disc-based titles. While the animations are not as polished as “Tools of Destruction,” it’s still a looker. Environments are colorful; vibrant, as well as great stand alone character animations.



GIVE ME BACK MY ROBOT!!!


Sound

The sound in any Ratchet game has always been well above average. From the great voice acting to the destructive sounds of things blowing up, it has always delivered. However, what’s missing is a lot of the humor that the series is known for. While there are some funny moments here and there, it’s nothing that made me shout out laughing. Also, I have a question for Insomniac…where is Captain Qwark? Hopefully he is improving his hidden kitten technique for the next game.


Lasting Factor

What lasting factor? Once this quest is over, it’s over. After the three to four hours it takes to complete the game, there is no incentive to come back. This is a first for the series. What’s worse is the fact that because Ratchet does not have all of his weapons available to him, what is available can be leveled up to the max in one sitting.

The 411

I’m not too upset with the length for one reason, the price. For $14.99, it’s a good deal, especially when the game looks the way it does. However, I am upset about the cliffhanger ending because I have to wait until 2009 for the next full-length “Ratchet and Clank” game. With that being said, this game is recommended to anyone who has enjoyed the series as well as those who wanted a good (albeit short) platformer+ on the PSN. Only those who hate the series (shame on you) need not go on a quest for this booty.

Graphics	8.5	While not as polished as Tools of Destruction, still one of the better looking PS3 titles around.
Gameplay	8.0	Even though there is nothing new, what's there is fun and engaging.
Sound	7.9	Great dialogue. A bit of the humor is missing from past installments though.
Lasting Appeal	5.0	Once it is done, it is done. There is no need to go back.
Fun Factor	8.3	It is a Ratchet game for $15? How could it not be fun?
Overall	7.6   [ Good ]