Ratchet & Clank: Tools of Destruction is a great addtion to the series
Tools of Destruction is no doubt my favorite of the R&C series, so let's do a review.
As usual, I'll split my review in five criteria: graphics, gameplay, sound, difficulty and enjoyment.
GRAPHICS
Tools of Destruction is very impressive visually, every surface seems to be crammed chock full of details. I especially like how you can use the Robo Wings to explore on Sargasso, land on top of those giant beasts. This more open landscape design allows for plenty of exploration opportunities, which, in and of itself, is pretty fun too.
The graphics makes every world so lifelike and beautiful, and stopping for a moment to enjoy the scenery is totally worth it.
GAMEPLAY
As usual, Ratchet & Clank's controls are as good as ever, responsive and tight controls allows just enjoying the game with ease and negates the
possibility of making your character not go where you want him to go.
The power-packed arsenal includes several personal favorites of mine, including the Mag-Net launcher, the RYNO IV, Mr. Zurkon and of course the Groovitron.
Ratchet's weapons get no less impressive in time, and once again makes figuring out exactly how you want to get rid of your enemies a thrilling game.
As usual, the varied alien worlds and locals assure you never get bored, becuase you get to fight pirates, cyborgs, giant T-Rex monsters, Basilisks and much, much more.
The game also has plenty of variety, and also quite a few really fun gadgets to boot. The gelanator is fun to use, bouncing around on gelatin platforms just adds to all the quirky fun of the game. hacking and jumping puzzles break up the action nicely between the hectic shooting.
Clank's gameplay is pretty much the same as in previous games, only now he controls the mysterious Zoni. These little guys are way more potent than the tiny gadgebots you controlled in previous games. Letting Clank levitate, use telekinesis and slow down time.
These thought-provoking stages serves to prove how the Ratchet & Clank series has much more to offer beyond the shooting.
SOUND
I think this should be an appropriate time to point out that I'm norwegian. And from Tools of Destruction onward, dubbing the dialogue has been done.
As such, ToD was my first Ratchet & Clank game with a norwegian voice-over. I didn't really find it a problem, and I actually like the character voices. Mostly because the voice actors were competent and did their job.
Even when translated, the many jokes and puns carry over well, and makes sure to give Rathet & Clank: Tools of Destruction the same light-hearted, humourous atmosphere that the previous games had.
The sound effects are, all in all, good. I don't really have anything to say about them at all, but they're just fine.
DIFFICULTY
Insomniac's 5th installment in the Ratchet & Clank series is overall quite easy. It gets tough at times, especially in the final parts of the game. But overall it's really nemo problemo to get through a level without a scratch (slight exaggeration, but you get the point).
Then again, I like easy things.
ENJOYMENT
Ratchet & Clank: Tools of Destruction is undoubtedly one of my favorites. It has some of the coolest weapons, enemies and story (even though it's part of a trilogy).
The game has plenty of jokes and comedical situations that serves to lighten the mood at every turn.
I highly recommend it to to any Ratchet & Clank fan, and to anyone who enjoys shooters or platformers.
Best of luck to you all
- LombaxHedgehog