Ratchet and Clank explode onto the PSN store!
The trailer shown promised a short, blockbuster esque, PSN download, which would contain all the explosive action of Tools of Destruction, yet in a smaller package. Turns out these promises have been fulfilled, as have the eminent expectations.
Quest for booty begins on the Azorean Sea, and much like Tools of Destruction, explodes into action with a deliciously exorbitant set-piece, fighting space pirates alongside your previous companion, Ms. Apogee. The similarities in gameplay to TOD (and every other Ratchet game for that matter), are immediately apparent in terms of the controls, the humour, and blowing all to kingdom come.
The game's plot follows on directly from the previous PS3 game (ignoring the PSP spin-offs), with Ratchet attempting to find out where his long-term robotic companion, Clank, has been abducted to. In order to do this, Ratchet must team up with Rusty Pete, a drunken space pirate from TOD, in search for answers from the mysterious Captain Angstrom Darkwater. This of course means that you play as Ratchet alone in this 'episode', though this doesn't really affect the gameplay. Whilst this does mean that certain features, such as the 'robowings' sections from TOD, are missing, Quest for Booty makes up for this with a few new ones, which come in the form of Ratchet's new wrench, the 'Omniwrench Millennium 12'. The new wrench allows you to grab and pull objects using its kinetic tether, for example; lowering catapults and manoeuvring platforms, and also pick things up, such as the adorable little Helio Grubs that light your way in dark caves.
One thing that really differentiates QFB with other Ratchet games though, other than the length, is the emphasis on puzzles and platforming. Usually the wacky and wonderful weaponry of the Ratchet and Clank games are at the forefront of the action, though this time they take a back seat, letting other aspects of the series shine through. Whilst the platforming sections are excellent, it seems a shame that some of the crazier devices from TOD, such as the groovitron, are missing. Also, whilst the puzzle sections are a nice distraction, there's nothing that'll actually make you cogitate in any way, shape or form. That's not to say it takes away from the experience however, as Insomniac seem to have polished every moment of the four hours this game lasts, with meticulously detailed environments, brimming with colours and characters of a luscious and chimerical nature. There's a lot of variety in terms of both what you see and what you do, and the story is told brilliantly through the characters, keeping you entertained for the games entirety.
So it's more of the same, but a little different. It looks brilliant, has great sound (how cool is the piratey theme tune?), plays well, and will put a big smile on your face. Although its four hour length and hefty three gigabyte download may be off putting, for a budget price of $14.99, this is a PSN must have.
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