Ratchet and Clank (2016)

As you’ll find fairly quickly, this game is as far from just a remaster as you can get. For a start, the gameplay utilizes many of the aspects that came about in the later entries, such as levelling up your weapons and health. But this game doesn’t stop at being a revisit to the beginnings of Ratchet’s adventure; it also makes references to the other entries in the series, such as through its weapon selection bringing back old classics. One good thing is the sections where you play as Clank on his own; these could have been an easy trap for a section of the game you dread playing, but here they feel like a well-constructed break from blasting everything as you figure out the puzzle elements to proceed.

But the even more obvious proof that the game is no mere re-tread is the story; rather than just give you Ratchet’s original first trek across the galaxy, this time the tale is told from Captain Quark’s point of view, who claims that things did not go as we were led to believe. And telling the story is what Quark does in hilarious fashion, narrating the game throughout… even when Ratchet (controlled by you) is doing something wrong, such as trying to breathe underwater. It helps to never break the utter joyride that this game tries to be. What also helps the game do well is that there is constant dialogue as you play. Ratchet and Clank aren’t mute in all but the cut scenes; they’ll make the occasional quip, whether it is related to the story or in reaction to how you’re doing (such as low health or no ammo) and add colour to an already vibrant galaxy.

Speaking of vibrant, the game is gorgeous. Ratchet and Clank games have never been beholden to the typical sepia tones of many modern shooters out there, and that hasn't changed here. Every world feels alive just from how beautiful it looks, how each one breathes an air all its own. Whether it’s the rain-soaked streets of Blackwater City, or the barren deserts of Veldin, you’ll not feel like the worlds are devoid of life. It’s a real treat to see Insomniac work their magic like this every time, and they've hit a home run with it in this game. My only disappointment is that games locked 30FPS frame rate, which is new for the series.

I can’t give this game enough love. It’s rare that a game gets me in a vice grip like this, but it’s done just that. It’s by no means perfect; nothing ever is. But in terms of how much joy I’ve had with these guys, I haven’t had a blast like this in some time. If you own a PS4, get this game. Don’t deny yourself this fun-filled ride that will get its hooks into you quick, and take you from start to finish without ever letting you get bored.

+ Classic tried and tested gameplay
+ Great replay value
+ Beautiful, colourful game

- Locked to 30FPS