Preview: Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction
I'm a huge Ratchet fan. I'm not keeping it a secret and I'm proud of it. The Ratchet series has been one of the most consistently funny and entertaining gaming experiences out there, and anyone who thinks it's a cheesy kids game is horribly mistaken. So with the first Ratchet game on the PS3, my expectations are soaring.
Insomniac's Creative Director was on hand to tell us what Tools of destruction would offer on the PS3 later this year. Details have been pretty slim thus far and aside from a trailer, no real gameplay has been shown. Lucky for me, about a third of a playable level was shown (we didn't get to play it though, but the Insomniac dude ran us through it), and so far it looks just as Ratchet should.
With Insomniac's goal of creating the "ultimate next-gen action/adventure game for everyone", here are the highlights of the showing of Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of destruction (Insomniac is hard at work on an E3 demo, hence it's not playable here):
- It's the first 2nd-generation PS3 title (Resistance: Fall of Man being Insomniac's first)
- Has undergone complete engine overhaul with new lighting, shadowing, and draw distance techniques.
- Lots of variety in the game including vehicles, explosions, dancing centipedes, and Jello (huh?)
- A variety of guns were shown (spelling may be innacture), including the Pyro Blaster, Combuster, Vizicopter (a Sixaxis-controlled missile launcher), Fusion grenades, and the now infamous Groove-a-tron
- The Groove-a-tron introduces a new type of weapon. It distracts enemies by deploying a nifty little disco ball that blasts "Stayin' Alive", where they can't resist the urge to start dancing. It's truly hilarious to watch these guys dance away (the crowd was cracking up), and then it was time to employ the beatdown.
- New shielded enemies force Ratchet to attack from behind using Plasma Beasts to get around them, and the Buzzblade to ricochet off walls.
- Ratchet can use a Tornado Launcher that is also Sixaxis-controlled and whirls enemies up as it moves through an area. It also picks up debris along the way.
- The new world of Tools of Destruction is much more full and diverse than pervious games, with so much stuff going on in the background.
The most prominent piece of gameplay we were shown was a quick glimpse at a boss battle. As Ratchet slides on a rail with missiles trailing him, breaking glass behind him, he makes his way up to an elevated platform where he is confronted by a huge robot bent of making Lombax meat out of him (FYI, I don't mean to neglect Clank, but he was there on Ratchet's back as usual, not doing much of anything). The boss rolls out enemies in protective shells, and the demoer used the Groove-a-tron to get him out of his shell.
Compared to Ratchet's PS2 graphics, it's a noticeable boost. Insomniac said that on the PS2, Ratchet has a total of 112 joints in his body, but in the PS3 game, he has 90 just in his face. The colorful world is a huge step up for Ratchet & Clank games, and it's great to see their world in HD. That's where the demo ended, and I am really excited to get my hands on the game at E3.
Looking for the scoop on other hot PS3 titles? Then check out our preview of the ridiculously hot Heavenly Sword. Then stop by for a peek at the loveable LittleBigPlanet, the next installment in the SOCOM franchise, Naughty Dog's new Uncharted: Drake's Fortune and the PSN-exclusive PAIN.
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