Ratchet and Clank is a fun filled intergalactic ass kicking adventure.
Graphics and Performance-
From the second that the opening cutscene ends and you begin playing Ratchet and Clank, you will be amazed at not only the sheer graphical prowess, but the sense of scale that Insomniac has managed to pull off in the game. There is so much going on at once that it can almost be too much to take in from a visual standpoint. All of the different planets in the game are gorgeous and unique from a visual standpoint.
The game also maintains a very steady framerate which is essential given the games frantic combat.
Presentation and Sound-
The presentation in Ratchet and Clank is as magnificent as the rest of the game. Not only are there the standard cutscenes to advance the story, but you also get comedic gems such as Captain Quark's blueprints(crudely illustrated with crayons) that he uses to detail how you will break into a heavily guarded prison.
The game's voice actors do a fantastic job, as do the writers. Ratchet is a very humorous game, with a well paced story.
The sound effectsfor the weapons and spaceships in the game are very satisfying, and the musical score is top notch.
Gameplay-
Ratchet and Clank is much more focused on combat than it is on platforming, but you will find great examples of both in the game. Most levels have large secret areas that you can explore if you want to find the game's hidden items. These are some of my favorite sections of the game as they are a nice break from the game's almost nonstop combat.
Being such a combat heavy game Ratchet and Clank would fall flat on its face if it didn't provide you with varied and interesting ways to dispatch your opponents. This is easily the game's strong point. There are a variety of direct and indirect weapons to use in the game, from your standard blaster, to big rocket launchers, and support turrets and droids. You will need every single one to overcome your enemies in this game, especially as it nears the end. Ratchet starts off as a fairly easy going game, letting you ease into its contols before it ramps up the challenge in the later levels. Thankfully the game has very responsive controls to deal with the onslaught of soldiers, and space pirates.
Ratchet and Clank also makes excellent use of the SIXAXIS motion controls in a very fun hacking minigame, and as a means of flight control in certain levels.
The one part of the game that isn't as polished as the rest are the space shooting missions that can occur between planets. The controls aren't as tight as they could be, and the space combat itself isn't as fun as the rest of the game.
Story-
Ratchet and Clank would have a fairly generic sci-fi 'save the universe' story if it wasn't for the excellent dialogue and voice acting. In the game Ratchet is being hunted down by Emperor Tachyon, a Cragmite. Tachyon, the last Cragmite in the galaxy is hunting Ratchet because the Lombax destroyed his kind in the great war. Ratchet must seek out an ancient weapon to be able to destroy Tachyon's evil empire. The story is told well, and while it has a satisfying ending, it, obviously, leaves things open for a sequel. One that I eagerly await.
Lasting Appeal-
I spent about 18 hours with Ratchet and Clank beating all of the arena missions, seeking out hidden bolts, and working my way through the story, and I still don't have all of the upgrades and all of the game's weapons. The game is easily worth the price of admission. Upon beating the game I immediately started in with the Challenge Mode that you unlock. Challenge mode features more difficult enemies, and is centered around beating the game as fast as you can to get more bolts.
Overall-
Ratchet and Clank delivers a varied, but cohesive, experience that is long, challenging, and charming. You can't help but like all of the characters in the game. All ina all, Ratchet and Clank is an easy game to recommend. I had never played a Ratchet and Clank game before this, and it was a very easy series to jump into. If you own a PS3, you owe it to yourself to check this game out.