Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando is not all that different from the first game, but improves on what made it successf

User Rating: 9 | Ratchet & Clank 2: Locked and Loaded PS2
Insomniac Games is indeed heading in the right direction. The first Ratchet & Clank was a critically acclaimed hit, and started a new trend in platform games with it‘s fun, unique weapons and gadgets, along with it’s wise humor. Now a year after it’s release, comes Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando. It still maintains it’s quirky sense of humor and fun gameplay mechanics, and also adds a wider variety of new features and adventuring that long time fans and newcomers will enjoy.

The game starts out after the ending of the first Ratchet. While Ratchet and Clank are sitting back and relaxing in their home galaxy, a creature used for experiments has been lifted from MegaCorp, and it’s president/CEO, Fizzwidget employs them to find the creature unharmed. But something isn’t right, and you end up discovering throughout the game, that these so called fuzzy little experiments seem to be going somewhat crazy, and then the rest of the story turns upside down from there. Just in case you’re wondering, you don’t necessarily have to play the original Ratchet & Clank in order to get the storyline since it doesn’t relate.

Gameplay is very similar to the first game in that you are still collecting bolts to spend on weapons, ammo and gadgets. The mission structure has also remained the same, as you go from planet to planet completing objectives. The weapon system however, has changed a bit since you are constantly upgrading and earning experience the more you use them. The sniper, energy shotgun, Lava gun and a device that regenerates robotic teammates to fight by your side are just some of the newer weapons introduced. Now in the previous Ratchet, weapon swapping didn’t allow you to pause the action while in combat, but this version does. Sure is a relief for when enemies are being shoved down your throat one after another.

One of the things I like most about Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando is the fact that you can use certain weapons and gadgets from the last game as long as you still have that game save. It gives you more options as to what weapons you prefer to use like The Visibomb or the Teslaclaw. And besides weapons, Ratchet also gains experience as well by adding circular segments to his life meter. This occurs when a second meter fills up as you’re laying waste to enemies. Of course you still have your trusty wrench which also doubles as a boomerang and becomes stronger when you find some of the better upgrades for it. Their are also body suit armor that can be found at little stations throughout the game. They reduce damage and looks good on Ratchet if I might add. The gadgets have been revamped as well for more creative use. Offering different ways to solve puzzles, unlock doors and could also serve as small stand alone mini games depending how you look at it.

The enemies A.I seems tougher this time around, and from level to level the difficulty is being ramped up. I found the early levels pretty easy, but as soon as you get to the later ones, It might become harder to maintain the onslaught of the different enemies in your path. If you think you’re always on foot, you’re wrong. Yes, the hovercraft racing and space combat return. Giving the player upgrades for their ship, as well as acting as a fun deterrent to the on-foot gameplay.

Graphically, Going Commando is not all that different from it‘s predecessor. Each environment is vividly colorful, with a very similar yet different design from the next. The level that impressed me was the Spiracle World, which is literally a huge ball of a planet that you must traverse and destroy these satellite towers. Now the frame rate is steady for the most part with occasionally slowdown in some spots where their is a lot of action. As for the audio, it’s very well done. Musically, the game is a mirror image of Ratchet 1 with an upbeat techno sound, as well as the voice acting which obviously brings back all of the cast members along with a few new ones in the mix.

Overall, the game hasn’t changed much so don’t expect a great deal of originality here, but what it does bring to the table is more of what you loved about the first game. Good platforming elements, insane amount of weapons & gadgets, and excellent level design. So if you’re remotely a fan of action platformers, then I highly recommend Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando.