Ratchet and Clank Future: A Crack in Time Review Page 2

18 Nov 2009 at 15:34:21 by Andy Alderson
Systems used to review this title: (PS3)

His wrench can be used as a melee and thrown weapon, while projectile and special weapons can be instantly selected via the radial dial which appears when you hold down the triangle button. When dealing with ballistics, you can precision free aim by holding L1 although, given the large number of enemies you’ll face (especially later in the game and on the higher difficulty settings), you’re better off letting the game’s auto aim do the work as the over the shoulder view in precision aim is quite restrictive, leaving you open to attacks from the sides and behind. In fact, the game’s camera can be problematic in some of the fast moving sections, leaving you with less control than you feel you ought to have. It’s a minor gripe but this can become frustrating in some sections of the game, especially when coupled with a checkpointing system which offers little in the way of generosity, often taking you back a little further than you’d like (and all too often, back to the start of some dialogue which you’ll get very tired of hearing).

There is some frustration to be found outside of the standard Ratchet levels too. Between main missions, you’ll find yourself piloting Ratchet’s space ship allowing you to take on some brief side missions (which usually involve shooting down Dr Nefarious’ ships) and to explore some of the smaller planets to collect more Zoni, which you’ll need to upgrade your ship in order to reach certain parts of the universe. Unfortunately the space sections can become a little tedious thanks to the simplistic controls and repetitive nature of the space combat.

However, while some aspects of the Ratchet levels upset the pace of the game, you’ll forgive Insomniac when you play the well-realised Clank levels. Most of these take place in the Great Clock or in Clank’s own subconscious as he learns how to perform his new duties as senior caretaker of the Great Clock. As well as straight platforming, Clank levels feature some mild combat as the wee robot fella now has the impressive Chrono Sceptre and Time Bombs at his disposal. The former not only fixes broken equipment, it can also be used to bash the hell out of ground enemies as well as deflecting ranged attacks from flying foes. The Time Bombs serve a dual purpose, being necessary to slow down fast moving scenery in the platforming sections as well as allowing Clank to trap enemies.

The most impressive aspect of the Clank levels, however, is the puzzle gameplay. Insomniac has cleverly provided a new take on the classic switch and lever puzzle, in the form of the time pads. These allow Clank to ‘record’ numerous versions of himself, allowing him to be in more than one place at once. This is necessary to cross certain rooms which feature switches, doors and moving platforms. It all sounds quite simple but by the time you reach the later sections of the game, these puzzles can become mind-bendingly complex, requiring you to record, and overwrite your recordings, numerous times in order to advance. For younger players – or those who just can’t be bothered  – the game offers you the option of skipping these sections, but it’s certainly satisfying to beat some of the later puzzles .

While A Crack in Time doesn’t deviate far from the earlier games in the series, it’s hard to criticise Insomniac for following a winning formula. Not only are Ratchet’s combat sections as fun as ever, the hoverboots add a new dimension to the platforming while the excellent puzzles in Clank’s sections offer some brain food in the midst of the action. And, as always, it’s all wrapped up in excellent presentation and storyline which not only offers the occasional nod to those who have been following the series since the beginning, it also manages to be accessible to newcomers.    

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