Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction Reviews

• The new benchmark in platform gaming has arrived.

  
  By A1E110L9ZKX6FD on 2007-10-24
  Well if there was any doubt that the PS3 would be able to hit a homerun and kick start the console those fears can be laid to rest as Insomniac delivers one of the finest games to grace any console.
  
  Ratchet and Clank Future: TOD will go down as one of those games that changed the landscape for platform games. Why? Well for one if you have ever had the dream of wanting to actually play a Pixar movie this is as close as you're going to get. The graphics are nothing short of amazing and truly shows off the real potential of what the PS3 is capable of producing. If you have an HDTV set that can handle 720p or higher you are in for a real treat as your TV is going to be bursting with smooth frame rates, tons of characters on screen and loads of beautiful colors. It's just total eye candy at every single turn. You will be blown away.
  
  The game play is smooth as butter too. Smashing enemies and blowing things up is a real joy in this game and the action never lets up, not for a bit. The game has a pace to keep even the most hardcore gamer on their toes moving faster then a Lombax with his tail on fire it just keeps the adrenaline junky satisfied. You will not get bored playing this game.
  
  Humor wise this is one of those rare games will you be laughing out loud to. This is like I stated above playing a Pixar movie. Not only for the graphics but the actual content of voice acting and story line. It's just fun all the way around.
  
  One thing I wanted to point out that had me smiling from ear to ear was the sound. WOW! If you have a 7.1 system you will be blown away by the uncompressed 7.1 PCM that this game delivers. This is what your home theater system was bought for and it really shines in this game. Totally immersing and very impressive down to the last bolt pinging across the room in glorious 7.1!
  
  In closing this is without a doubt a must have game. This is the type of game that can and will sell systems. PS3 owners can breathe a sigh of relief that all the promise of the great next gen games that were coming for the PS3 have finally started to arrive and Ratchet and Clank is a benchmark of excellence that will be leading the way into the holiday season.
  
  Enjoy!
  
  

• In One Word: WOW

  
  By A22AD8M2SSOFHJ on 2007-10-29
  I have always been a little slow on getting into platformers. Usually my intrest wains after a few hours. As beautiful as this game is I was thinking I would fall into the same trap. So I decided to give it an hour. I couldn't put the controller down. The problem became so bad that I couldn't get up. Yes it is that addictive.
  
  What makes this game a masterpiece is not just the beautiful graphics or the exciting storyline. The fun characters keep it going but what really impresses me is the diversity of each level. I have played this game for over six hours and each level looks completly different from the next. From being in the asteroid belt to going to a destroyed city and then travelling thru a prehistoric land.
  
  Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction should be on everyones buy list. This is what gaming is all about. For children or adults this game doesn't discriminate. Never overlly difficult and not to simple. This game does it well on all levels.
  
  

• It's about time

  
  By AQB4DH57MSZSC on 2007-10-25
  Let's face it - you love the PS3 and everything about it, except the games that are out. You were wondering - when is that game going to come out that is going to make it truly irresistible to own the PS3 for those who are hesitant buying it just for the blu-ray movie value. This is that game! Our family has always been fans of the R&C series and own all the games except the PSP "Size Matters" game.
  
  The graphics and sound are truly stunning in this game. I agree with the other reviewer who died looking at the backgrounds - you will keep falling off the map watching the graphics in the game. With this R&C you believe you are playing in a Pixar movie.
  
  This is the game we have been waiting for - one that is truly playable and looks and sounds amazing. It's time to buy that PS3 if you don't own one already.
  
  

• Finally a single player game that is a MUST OWN!!!

  
  By ANGYOYD6Z7W1G on 2007-10-24
  I have a blast it's colorful the landscapes are amazing. Sometimes I died because I was too busy looking at the backgrounds. The PS3 finally has a chance to show its power. All in all it is a easy game to get into and is eaasy to play and understand. Great for all ages and levels of gamers
  
  

• Pixar graphics!!!

  
  By A1LKZUD510K61G on 2007-10-25
  This is arguably best platformer I have ever played. This game really captures the feel of a pixar movie and throws in great gameplay. If you have a PS3, you owe it to yourself to buy this game. If you do not have a PS3, well you're just crazy ;) this machine is pure class.
  
  This is the best looking game 'til date on any platform. I literately just stop playing and admire the beautiful environment.
  
  Pros
  + Best graphics this generation so far. This is Pixar quality people!
  + Gameplay is very well done.
  + Very fun to play
  + Crazy weapons that will have you trying different things out for days. Groovitron will rock you!
  + Good Lasting Appeal. Like all Rachet and Clank games this one will give you alot of mini games and reruns to keep you busy.
  + 12-15 hrs of regular game without counting the extras.
  
  Cons:
  - If your played the previous games, it may not seem as original...
  Yeah I really have to reach to come out with a negative, sorry there just isnt much wrong with this game.
  
  Don't believe me? How about the critics?
  
  100/100 - GamePro
  An amazing PS3 game that fully leverages the power of the console. It sets the bar high for not only the series but for all PS3 games to come. It is, without a doubt, reason enough to buy the system.
  
  100/100 - GameTap
  It's rare that a game critic feels the way I do about this game, but in all honesty, I find it really difficult to find something that's not to like. The controls feel great. The graphics look great. The score sounds great. The weapon selection alone make me want to play the game over and over again, just to test out all the cool offered.
  
  95/100 - PSM Magazine
  Combines absolutely jaw-dropping graphics with familiar platforming/shooting mechanics and genuinely funny humor to make one of the PS3's few true masterpieces.
  
  94/100 - IGN
  Not only has it supplanted Going Commando as the best title in the franchise, it's also the best game of any series on the PlayStation 3 thus far -- and that's saying a lot when you're up against Oblivion, Ninja Gaiden, Warhawk and Insomniac's very own previous effort, Resistance: Fall of Man.
  
  New York Times - "This is like playing a Pixar movie"
  
  
• Laughter is the best medicine. Ratchet will be your family doctor
  By A3F43PAJZLOE3I on 2007-10-24
  This game probably has the highest production value and polish, comparing to any thing out in the market. A very clear example of how a game can be as fun as a Disney ride. Every chapter is different.. amazing environments, superb narration. Most importantly it is a very family friendly game. No non-sense vulgarity/violence. Every one in the family can sit and play together. So may times it will force you to put the controller down to laugh or you get mesmerized starring at the TV.
  
  There are questions if this is a PS3 seller. I dont know the answer. But sure this is a HDTV seller. It will force you to sell your house to pay for 100000000" TV.
  
  Probably this is the year for the return of good old school games. With Super Mario Galaxy coming in the next few days.
  
  
• Great presentation but weak gameplay
  By A1WBIIZ5KF7D6H on 2008-01-21
  I just bought this game recently and put several hours into it before deciding that it was not enough fun to continue playing.
  
  The Good:
  
  1. Graphics/Visuals (4/5)
  This is really the strength of Tools of Destruction. Even at 720p, this game looks very impressive. No, it's not like an interactive Pixar movie, but you could see why people might compare this to playing in a Dreamworks Animation movie. This game is just full of bright colored, smoothly animated objects/environments/characters, that it is really fun to just watch. The cut scenes are well made as well, and give a cinematic feel to the game. There are a lot of moving objects in the background, especially in the cities, that give a vibrant and more realistic feel to the environments. Breaking boxes/containers is especially fun to watch (and hear).
  
  2. Sound/Music (4/5)
  The sound as well is excellent. Great game music and sound effects that can really be appreciated if you have a decent 7.1 speaker system. The sound of breaking/destroying objects/containers is great, and the effects when you pick up various objects/bonuses considerably add to the fun of this game.
  
  Unfortunately, that's where the good ends.
  
  
  The Mediocre:
  
  1. Story/Acting (2.5/5)
  Comparing this game to a generic animated film, like Ice Age or Happy Feet would be understandble, but to compare this game to a Pixar movie is just ridiculous. You will not find Pixar quality writing in this game. The characters are not interestingly designed and the writing is not very humorous or clever. Kind of like any non-Pixar animation studio movie, which is not to say that it is horrible, just mediocre, as one would expect from a video game of this type.
  
  
  The Not So Good:
  
  1. Gameplay (2/5)
  True, I did not finish the game, and only played through the first few levels before I packed it up and sold it on the most popular auction site. However, the gameplay left me rather bored after awhile. Initially, it was fun running around, hitting or shooting enemies, picking up objects, jumping up walls, and sliding on rails/tracks (which thankfully are not accompanied by visual cues of which buttons to press while sliding, as in Uncharted and Heavenly Sword). But after awhile, it became extremely tedious and boring. From the beginning, this game plays as an arcade game, with non-stop hack and slash action. Not until you pass a couple of levels is there even a spot where you are not constantly fighting. The fighting, also, gets tiresome quickly. You can slash with your melee weapon or shoot a variety of guns/projectiles/etc. But you'll find that it is far too easy to just use the same attack (slash attack when midair for a huge, circumferential attack) to kill all enemies in the first few stages.
  
  2. Linearity (1/5)
  This is a gameplay issue as well, but deserves its own section because it is so extremely linear that it significantly and negatively affects gameplay. This game basically is running/jumping/gliding from point A to point B and so on. You do not get a sense that this is a real world, but rather just a series of hiking trails in a variety of environments. This makes it easy to navigate yet extremely boring. Between the linear stages are cut scenes, that while nice, give you the feeling that you are watching an interactive movie where you can control the characters but that ultimately everything is following a pre-written script. There is zero free exploration in this game, essentially it is as open-ended a world as you would find in a classic 80s side-scrolling game.
  
  3. Lack of anything to do but hack n' slash (1/5)
  Also a gameplay issue, but there is nothing to do in this game but continuously hack n' slash. No exploration, no real puzzle solving (at least in the first few levels), no figuring out what to do next. Just following the pre-scripted levels one tedious level after the next.
  
  
  The Bottom Line:
  
  Basically, this game has great presentation and production values, but the gameplay just flat out sucks. So boring unless you are the type of gamer who enjoys linear gameplay with mindless hacking and slashing. I would not recommend this game to anyone I know except as a demo to demonstrate the visual/audio capabilities of the PS3.
  
  Overall rating is a 2/5 stars, because the excellent presentation does not compensate for the extreme linearity and tedious nature of this game, which in the end, should be fun, not just fun to look at and listen to.
  
  
• Finally, it is here!
  By A1VO4HYL62UGMK on 2007-10-28
  I waited impatiently for LAIR, and wasn't as pleased as I thought I'd be. I'm a HUGE Ratched & Clank fan, and I've been waiting for Future: Tools of Destruction for nearly as long.
  
  I was NOT disappointed! In fact, it's taking a few extra towels to clean up the drool!!
  
  This game is incredible fun, and incredibly beautiful! It sounds wonderful, and has great depth in the environments. This is definately the current crown jewel for the PS3, and is a MUST BUY for anyone w/ a PS3.
  
  Insomniac has YET to let the Playstation community down, and this just proves they keep getting better.
  
  BUY THIS GAME!!!
  
  
• just awsome
  By ATV2659V9HG6T on 2007-10-28
  i can't even believe how good this game is. but its not just me, look at some websites that thought so too.
  
  "In its own colorful way, this is as impressive as BioShock or Gears of War," Gameinformer.
  
  "Ratchet Future is one of the best looking titles of 2007 and is easily the most attractive PlayStation 3 game to date,"IGN
  
  "this is as much pure fun as you'll have this fall playing a video game," Gameinformer
  
  "Starting with the opening cinematic to the very last moment, the game is a prime example of what developers can and should do with the platform,"
  Gamepro
  
  now some reviews so far:
  
  5 out of 5 gamepro
  9.25 gameinformer
  9.4 out of 10 ign
  9.0 EGM
  9.5 PSM
  
  
• Best PS3 game thus far, one of the best games overall
  By A2LDWYW38O4N6H on 2007-10-31
  I believe the game took me about 12 hours of gametime to beat and when I did, I immediatly started playing it again in challenge mode which is more difficult, you keep your weapons and armor but get to upgrade them more along with some other extras and hidden stuff. The graphics are superb. While I'd say maybe not quit as good as heavenly sword in terms of visual quality, overall it's better because the game runs at a rock solid 60fps and feels silky smooth the entire time. The sound is wonderful and you never feel alone because there's always dialogue with Clank or other characters in the background or cut scenes. The story is very funny and uplifting, it really makes you feel like you're watching a Pixar movie.
  
  The game is one of the best game I've ever played. My all time favorite game is Super Metroid (SNES). I have loved many Sony, MS, and Nintendo games in the past so I'm no fanboy. If you're wondering if this is enough to buy a PS3 my response is a "qualified" yes. I would never spend $399 on a console for one game but, tons of other great games have recently been released or are coming soon.
  
  You have:
  Warhawk, Ratchet, Heavenly Sword, Ghost Recon, Rainbow Vegas Six, Guitar HeroIII, Oblivion and more now... and right around the corner you have Assassin's Creed, Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, UTIII and much, much more...
  
  For those of you more interested in family gaming my four year old watched and was completely entertained the whole way through. Once the game was finished he responded with only one word: "Again". If you like this title for family gaming you'll be happy to hear there's a bunch more family oriented games on the way including what will be the most innovative title in years: Little Big Planet. It's coming around January and has already won several awards.
  
  In conclusion, Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction is a incredibly fun, attractive game that will put a smile on your face.
  
  
  
  
  
• You won't be able to stop playing.....it's THAT addictive!
  By A1C139F5C7Y38P on 2008-05-09
  I'd never played any Ratchet & Clank games before giving this one a test drive - and now it looks like I'll have to add the other games to my library. I can barely sit here and write this review, because I want to keep playing!
  
  You play as Ratchet, the last known survivor of a catlike race known as the Lombaxes. Clank is your robot buddy, who spends most of his time strapped to your back, offering advice, or using a well-placed propeller to slow your fall. Your nemesis is Tachyon, the last survivor of the Cragmite race, who will accept nothing less than the complete domination of the universe.
  
  Most of the time you'll be running around as Ratchet, trying to collect bolt points or Raritanium crystals to power up and purchase new weaponry. Every once in a while you get to play as Clank, and unlike other games where secondary characters may not be very fun to play, Clank has unique abilities like being able to slow time and control other characters. With a seamless menu, you can choose weapons, deploy items, wear costumes, take flight, and more. Your goal is to discover the Lombax secret, and stop Tachyon's tyrannic reign of terror.
  
  Pros:
  
  (1) The graphics are very crisp and clear, even on a non-HD television. The visuals are similar to the type used in the original Crash Bandicoot game, but with a Blu-Ray redux and a 3-D environment to explore.
  
  (2) There is little bit of every kind of gameplay. Want to lay waste to hordes of enemies with a flamethrower? You can do that. Want to collect trinkets to upgrade your weapons? You can do that. Want to dance like a pirate and shake your booty? You can do that. Want to go rail-sliding like a skateboarder? You can do that. Want to avoid surface-to air rockets with the Sixaxis controller while free-falling? You can do that. Want to shoot down enemies in a spaceship? You can do that. Want to make your enemies dance to a disco ball before sending them to meet their maker? Yep, you can do that too!
  
  (3) Having infinite lives. This game is designed to keep you entertained and keep you playing until the story ends... with infinite lives, you can keep trying to jump that chasm, fight that boss battle, or duck that laser until success is in your grasp. Kudos to the game designers for including this feature.
  
  (4) The humor. From the computer countdown "Oops...3-2-1!" to Qwark's pleads of "I'm too handsome to die!", Ratchet & Clank had me chuckling all the way from the opening credits to the end titles. Some of the jokes remind me of the game Blasto - and there's more than one character presenting the jokes here.
  
  (5) The secret goodies. It's no surprise that video games are less about high scores and more about unlocking secrets these days. There are secret weapons, character skins, hidden areas, and using a style similar to Resistance: Fall Of Man, there is a long list of "skill points" to unlock, which skyrockets the replay value. The requirements are not always clear, but there are more than enough internet sites to help you out.
  
  Cons:
  
  (1) The camera angles. Unfortunately, there are a few places where the "behind the back" camera angle can get stuck and the shaking becomes nauseating. Thankfully there aren't many of these, so it can be overlooked.
  
  (2) The skill points. Yes, this is a positive, but it is also a negative. Most of the skill points are really fun to earn, but a few are next to impossible to achieve without an astronomically high level of patience. Those infinite lives will come in handy for the hardcore gamers.
  
  (3) Weak boss fights. Almost every boss in this game can be defeated with little difficulty. While some people may feel games like God of War are too difficult, I think there should be a middle ground - and this game almost feels too easy at times.
  
  In closing, if you had fun playing games like Blasto or Crash Bandicoot, you'll have a great time with Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction. The rating of E+10 means that pretty much anyone can play the game and enjoy it.
  
  And enjoy it you shall.
  
  
• The Future
  By A3FQ8E5YHWHGL0 on 2007-10-26
  If you like things that are awesome... You will not be disappointed in this game. Super-amazing graphics, controls, audio, and an auto-tuned difficulty setting that adjusts to you! Awesome. Also, you may be thinking "ah, that game is just for little kids"... Well anyone who's ever played it will tell you different! It's humor and storyline will entertain the likes of all, from hardcore gamers to grown-up couples and maybe even a granny or two. If you have a PS3 this is a must-buy. If you don't, then you're not looking toward the future of gaming...
  
  
• AWESOME IN EVERY WAY!!!
  By A2GN82I592BUD6 on 2007-10-28
  I've always been a real big ratchet and clank fan and this is the best one in the series.
  
  There are so many great things about this game...
  
  in a nutshell...
  
  ITS A FUN SHOOTER! The gameplay is great and it's nicely balanced. At 1st i thought that the game was set way to easy, but towards the last-last part of the game, it got more challenging. Now that i beat it, i will definately go back on a harder mode and enjoy it the game with another skin, difficulty level and more weapons!
  
  TONS AND TONS OF FUN COOL WEAPONS!
  
  Even though the Six Axis had a little part in it, it worked great and i'm glad they didn't over do it.
  
  GRAPHICS ARE OUTSTANDING! The levels are pretty big and the level designs is awesome! Heavenly Sword and Resistance really stood out when it came to graphics... and now this game will join it too.
  
  The game is CLEAN... meaning... no game is BUG FREE, but they did a great job and i found no major BUGS in the game.
  
  The story was a blur at 1st, but became very interesting and left us hanging at the end for more because of a certain situation...
  
  You can also tell its a great game when your fiance is laughing at the scenes in between, enjoying the story line, even picks up the controller to play.
  
  I really can't say enough, and insomniac did an AWESOME JOB! thanks for not letting us down!
  
  
• Must Have Game for Every Game System (Only Available on PS3)
  By A1GRKWIHYF0RZ6 on 2007-10-30
  My only complaint with this game is that game systems other than PS3 can't deliver this type of entertainment, graphics, or gameplay on their boxes. Once you start playing this game you can't put it down. It is not extraodinarily hard - it is just pure fun. It doesn't make you frustrated. The storyine is fantastic as are the animations, cut-scenes, graphics, sounds, gameplay and playability. Humor is fantastic - as one reviewer said, and a newspaper said, it is like being part of a Pixar movie. Well done.
  
  There are so many positive reviews of this game on Amazon, in newspapers, and game magazines - and they are all dead on. This is a must own game for anyone who has a PS3. In fact, if you can, it is worth buying a PS3 if you don't have one. It really sets the bar for all the other game systems who really, as MC Hammer once said "Can't touch this."
  
  
  
  
• In My Top 3 Video Games Of ALL Time.
  By A3A0R5COVBIRUA on 2007-11-06
  If I didn't already own a PS3 this would be reason enough to buy one. This game is completely and utterly amazing! The graphics are the best I have ever seen. The humor is hilarious. The characters are totally cool! The weapons are fantastic! The upgrade system for the weapons is great! The variation in play is staggering. If every kid was lucky enough he would have a new PS3 and a copy of this game under the tree this Christmas. I have gone back an purchased all the prequel versions of "Ratchet and Clank" on the PS2. "Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools Of Destruction" is now one of my top 3 games of all time right along side of "Mario 64" and "Halo" ( the original Halo ).
  
  
• Great Game for Kids and Adults!!!
  By A1B124AVX0QH2B on 2007-10-25
  This is a great game for kids and adults. Children will love to play (or even watch, it looks like a pixar movie) and adults will find fun in all the variety of play! I never played the R&C games on the PS2, but I LOVE it on the PS3! A definate must have!
  
  
• Best PS3 Game, Every PS3 Onwer Should Buy This Game
  By A3OZ6WIHZNUP72 on 2007-10-26
  This game is pure joy to play. The gameplay is so varied that you never get sick of playing the game. I literally played the game all day yesterday and could not set it down. It's a blast from start to finish. Do yourselves a favor and pick this one up.
  
  Ratchet and Clank FTOD is one of the best looking games made on any platform. This is as close as I've seen to Pixar quality in gaming. Period.
  
  So if you're like me and are sick and tired of all the FPS games that have come out this year, and are yet to come out, this game will feel like a really huge breath of fresh mountain air.
  
  
• Really Great
  By A3UFFJKLHHA7NC on 2007-11-01
  I just received this game yesterday from Amazon, and it's fantastic, just like most of the reviews said. The graphics are amazing, and the gameplay is very smooth. I haven't found to many games for the PS3 that I really want to keep, but this, along with Resistance, is one of them.
  
  
• Fun for a variety of ages
  By A39YVNYNFLGVYK on 2008-04-22
  Ratchet and Clank is fun, plain and simple. This game chronicles the adventures of the last lombax, Ratchet, and his robotic companion, Clank, as they travel across the galaxy to investigate various mysteries. The plotline is simple and effective. The artwork is well done, whether it ranged from prehistoric-type planets to otherworldly carnivals. Lastly, the gameplay is also effective. There were a few weapons that were somewhat overpowering, but the gameplay was entertaining regardless.
  
  What issues does Ratchet and Clank have? The developers added some replayability by giving you the ability to improve your weapons throughout the game and find some hidden items, but in general, there is only limited replay value, which downloadable content or some type of online play could remedy. Also, the plot line, while perfectly good, does not warrant five stars - this doesn't slow the game down much, as the action is the main event here. Lastly, I thought this game might have a simple enough control scheme that my girlfriend, a non-game player, would take to it quickly. She did not and found the controls non-intuitive and difficult. It's a game that people who have played games before will take to quickly though.
  
  Overall, if you're interested in this game, buy it. It's worth the money, and should be fun for any age that can handle cartoony violence (mostly robots or cartoonish lizards seem to be your foes).
  
  
• A great game for all ages, especially 5 to 9
  By A1Y1DA2CSTS450 on 2008-05-22
  There are already over 120 reviews for this game and I'll try not to repeat anything already written. So, this is not a comprehensive review.
  
  I have 4 kids from ages 5 to 9 and they simply love this game. It's very appealing and intuitive, as even my 5 year-old can do amazing things with Ratchet, including fighting, jumping, and selecting the right weapon for battle (there are quite a few to choose from). My kids understand the concept of gathering "bolts" (the equivalent to money in the game) to buy weapons, ammo, armour, etc. They even know how to "upgrade" their weapons to increase their power by collecting "raritanium" (another type of money in the game).
  
  The game does not overwhelm you with all these choices at first, you slowly grow into it. I enjoy the game myself, and even as a computer professional (I'm a Software Architect), I can't do a few things in the game quite as well as my kids.
  
  I'm not pulling your leg on this one: there was one instance I couldn't slide, jump, and battle. I gave the controller to my oldest kid (9). She couldn't do it either. Then the other 2 kids tried. Same thing, we all failed. Then my 5 year-old came in... and I promise you, it's the truth: he did it! I was floored and this is to prove that the game is e-x-c-e-l-l-e-n-t at appealing to all age groups. I don't need to tell you how happy and confident my youngest kid was afther this, as his older siblings cheered for him. It was a family feel good moment.
  
  There are a lot of "hardware" destruction which makes it fun, and there is no "killing", it's more like "destroying". It's comparable to Lego Star Wars (we have them both) but my kids prefer this one by far, as it is more colorful, action packed, and more challenging. Yet, it's not hard enough for a 5 year-old to have a blast.
  
  In a few parts of the game some kids may not be able to get by at first (i.e. flying). However, right now my kids can play the full games almost 100% on their own.
  
  If you have kids, this is a must have game, no questions asked.
  
  
  
  
• A great fun game, for anyone to play.
  By AQT421WL95QC8 on 2007-10-30
  This is an awesome game, I am up to my 7th planet and going to backtrack to get all the bots etc. To anyone who is saying this game isn't "hard", that is true, it's not the most difficulty game in the world. But that isn't a bad thing, it's the "fun factor" that matters. And it's a FUN game to play.
  
  This game is good for anyone to pick up and play, the learning curve isn't that big. I let my little cousins try it out and they loved it. If you finish the game there is choice of playing it at a harder difficulty adding to the replay value of the game greatly. Insomniac has done a great job in this game.
  
  Graphics: 5 / 5
  Gameplay: 5 / 5
  Story: 4/5
  Difficulty: 4/5
  
  Overall: 5/5 a must by for anyone.
  
  
• A very entertaining continuation to a great series.
  By AA691X30P31T4 on 2007-12-18
  Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction (Future) is the fifth game in the long running series which encompasses three PS2 games and one PSP game. With the move to the PS3 the series gains significant graphical polish as well as some new mini-games influenced by the Sixaxis controller. Obviously that graphical polish will be a little underwhelming if you don't have an HDTV. I played the game through on my 50" Sony SXRD with 1080p functionality and it looked fantastic even if the game itself is rendered in 720p.
  
  Future once again puts you in the shoes of the two protagonists as they find themselves thrust into the harried role of galactic protectors. The story itself revolves around a new enemy Emperor Percival Tachyon who is bent on the destruction of the last Lomax which happens to be Ratchet. The story is entertaining and the little bits of humor sprinkled throughout the game continue the series unique charms. Captain Quark plays a significant role in the story and is amusing as always. The well done cut scenes keep the story going. The graphic quality of the game is getting to the point where the cut scenes and the in-game graphics are closer than ever.
  
  Future continues the series tradition of successfully integrating the platforming, shooter and puzzle genres in fun ways. The game starts off right away with plenty of action and also quickly gets you into using one of the newer game aspects influenced by the Sixaxis controller. There are several different sections of the game where you will need to tilt the controller to maneuver your character (or another object) on the screen. There are skydiving/falling sections where you tilt the controller to move Ratchet out of the way of missiles and other projectiles as you fall towards the ground. For some reason I found these sections a little frustrating as the movement didn't feel as responsive as I would have liked. In addition you need to hold the controller level to utilize the Sixaxis functionality so when I'm lying back on the couch I usually have to sit up (god forbid) to do these sequences.
  
  This aspect of the game feels a bit more gimmicky than anything. There are later sequences where you play a little mini-game with the Sixaxis functionality to unlock certain doors and those work a little better. There are also parts of the game where Clank gives the pair glider functionality and these areas work well with the Sixaxis.
  
  The play style of the series is mostly unaltered at heart, but expanded in a lot of ways. Everything just feels a lot bigger and brighter and clearer in this game with the updated graphics. The core of the game though is still the weapons. The new weapons are once again variations on blasters, bombs, missiles, shotguns and what not, but the way they are setup makes them, as usual, all pretty entertaining to utilize. As in previous games the weapons don't remain static. As you use them they upgrade themselves and as you collect the Raritanium element you are able to upgrade each weapon's range, damage and add assorted other functionality. By the end of the game each weapon no longer resembles what it started as and you are able to kick butt at a much faster rate.
  
  Future is not particularly difficult, at least until the last hour or so, for someone who is familiar with the series or just a good platform gamer, but that is to be expected as the series of games has never been oriented towards frustratingly challenging play. Though you can find ways to make it more challenging by going back and exploring for all the secret areas or by taking on the challenge mode available after finishing the game. The power scale tilts in most areas towards your character as you are able to bash and blow up a ton of different things collecting hordes of bolts (the in-game currency) along the way. The game plays very smoothly and there is little to no slowdown that I noticed. The controls continue to be very intuitive and easy to use.
  
  Most of the previous game modes that you had to acquire items to use are available by default now (helicopter pack, grind boots, etc) so you will find yourself using those aspects right away. There are new items to pick up that make taking down your enemies even easier, the most entertaining being the Groovitron, which launches a disco ball into the air that plays music that your enemies find puts them in the mood to get down and boogie.
  
  The only aspect of the game that I found lacking were the Clank portions. For those not familiar with the series, Clank is the robot pal of Ratchet and usually is found riding on his back for most of the game acting as helicopter and glider assistant. In certain areas that are too small for Ratchet to enter you play as Clank. These sections of the game I found to be pretty weak with little variation and too few interesting things to do to make up for the frustration of being weaponless. There are also some minor clipping issues at times with enemies getting embedded inside of walls after being knocked around or blown up, but these never hampered the gameplay.
  
  In the end Future puts a shiny new face on a series that is still entertaining with the same old tricks and some new ones. Fans of the series and even new PS3 players will want to pick this game up as it is great fun and looks terrific. Those looking for something really challenging might want to pass. This game like the previous ones is one that those people who like to game, but aren't the best at it, find very entertaining. My wife loves this series.
  
  
  
• Worthy game for anyone's collection
  By A2NYP1VC6FOFER on 2008-06-28
  This game is one of the best games out for the current generation of consoles. It might be formulaic, but everything is so polished, from the graphics to the gameplay, that it just about the most FUN experience on the PS3.
  
  I'm new to the Ratchet series. I tried it once, years ago on the PS2, but I didn't "get it." I gave up on it after the first level and never bothered to play it again. When I bought the PS3 in the winter of 2007, I wanted to see what the system could do so I picked up this game and gave the series another shot. I'm glad I did. I've gone through the game three times, and plan on going through it again soon.
  
  The graphics are excellent. I wouldn't say they match the "Pixar movie" level...nothing does, but this is as close as we've ever seen. The small details on the outfits and in the environments really show off that the attention given to the game by the developers. I really liked the variety you see in each of the different worlds you explore.
  
  The gameplay is very fun. I especially liked the upgrade system for the weapons. It kept me playing much longer than I expected to, just to get to the next level for the weapons.
  
  The skill points (used to unlock bonus features) can be difficult to figure out. I'm going to have to look online to see what I need to do to get everything unlocked. A more explicit explanation for each one would have been nice. I like that we can unlock bonus features though. The developers commentary for the various levels is an especially appreciated touch.
  
  The one aspect of the game that I didn't particularly care for is the "Star Fox" sequences, where you use ships to fight in space. I understand that it was meant to break up the gameplay a bit, but it felt unnecessary and wasn't as fun as the other parts of the game.
  
  I'm definitely looking forward to the next game (sequel or expansion doesn't matter) and will buy it the day it comes out.
  
  
  
• Awesome game.
  By A3TK2PYIMY4H2C on 2007-10-26
  A must have game for every PS3 owners who like platformers.
  I got this game the 24th since it was released early in the US.This is my 1st R&C and I love it ! I was tired of all these FPS and this game came right in time ! Congrat. Insomniac !
  
  
• Best game on PS3
  By A1YVUYMNXGP7VM on 2007-10-27
  Best game out right now on any console in my opinion. The gameplay is amazing. Insomniac spent a lot of time making this title right and it shows. The attention to detail in every aspect of this game is really impressive. Must buy for any PS3 owner.
  
  
• Incredible! A must have title!
  By A3V2EZ6MA32FF6 on 2007-11-01
  Let me start off by saying it is extremely rare for me to write a review for anything on Amazon. That being said this game is so good I just had to let it be known. This game is so beautiful looking it will amaze you. But a beautiful game does not make a good game, gameplay does. This game has gameplay fun in spades. This is probably the most fun I have ever had with a platformer since Super Mario 64. It is that good. This game could be enjoyed by all ages, from kids to adults. If you own a PS3 you owe it to yourself to buy this game. You will not be disappointed!
  
  
• Highly Recommended
  By A1T0FXH0BUGN13 on 2007-11-07
  I have always detested platformers, until on a whim I played the first Rachet and Clank game. I have played them all, and the latest addition is probably the best (although I think the 2nd game may have had the best weapons). I think this game is very approachable and if this is your first R&C game you will miss nothing (but go back and play them all). My 8 year old had almost no difficulty playing (my 4 year old was challenged by some of the more reactive sequences, but he rarely plays video games - I mean, he's only 4). Everyone who played this game in our home has enjoyed it immensely. Bravo to Insomniac.
  
  The game looks...what hyperbole can I add that someone else has not already used? You will be impressed. The animations and environments are gorgeous. The gameplay is tried and true and remains very fun. The dialogue is funny, the plot interesting enough. Overall, a smashing success. Really, there is no downside for this game, unless you are a miserable curmudgeon who detests fun.
  
  As far as I am concerned this is the best PS3 game until LittleBigPlanet arrives.
  
  
• That Settles It:
  By A5NG276FJVX1A on 2007-12-03
  ... Insomniac really CAN do anything.
  
  Ratchet and Clank: Future has made me look at the PS3 the way Super Mario 64 made me look at the N64: as a machine with the capacity to deliver tremendously unprecedented quantities of immersiveness (and FUN) in video games. From the painstakingly rendered cities and skylines to the tongue-in-cheek inclusion of pop-culture preoccupations (yes, I'm referring to the Space Pirates), RaC: Future has put the depth and the artistic mindfulness back into console games, fusing gameplay, storyline, humor, and great big gorgeous levels into a single, perfectly cohesive package. This truly is the game that will make the Playstation 3 more than just a home theater or technological marvel.
  
  Anyone looking for a refreshing change of pace in console games will find this title a must-have, largely thanks to Ratchet and Clank's refusal to pigeonhole itself into the tried-and-tested moneymaker genres. People will always buy FPS games, or sports games, or racing games, or hack'n'slash RPGs, or Clancy-esque war-simulations, etc... so the market is always going to be flooded with those titles. Some are good; most are mediocre, and few are truly innovative. Ratchet and Clank, as a franchise, has gone back to the fundamentals of what made video games so darn fun in the first place and, accordingly, has broken free of those stereotypical molds.
  
  To really appreciate what's gone into this game, we must consider what Insomniac has done for console games in the last decade (I didn't play Disruptor and can speak neither for nor against it):
  
  They gave the original Playstation a thoroughbred platformer that finally surpassed Mario 64's brilliant level-design with their first Spyro the Dragon title. The enemies were easy; the controls were streamlined... but the ingenious, handcrafted environments and quirky, irreverent gameplay caused anyone who played it to sit up and take notice of what Insomniac could offer. With the sequels, they flushed out the controls and objectives, added characters and mini-games, but kept the quality up. (When Universal took over on the PS2 titles, the franchise fell into ruin.)
  
  When they moved on to a new franchise, they didn't model it after ANYTHING. Flying in the face of the video game industry's incestuous tendency to recycle old game formats, the original Ratchet and Clank was something new, something clever. And it was tremendously fun.
  
  With Going Commando and Up Your Arsenal, they made the games deeper: added weapons, added an upgrade interface, smoothed out the controls, made the planets bigger, made the enemies more varied, added an arena feature... And all they while, the stories were progressively becoming more character-driven and were being set against a thicker and thicker backdrop.
  
  With Deadlocked, they once again did something different: they kept the franchise, but completely overhauled the genre surrounding it. Now we have an arena combat game that plays with the same irresistibility of previous Ratchet and Clank titles.
  
  When Insomniac moved up to the PS3, they stepped up to the challenge of creating a launch title for a console that came to the market late. The Xbox 360 already had a multitude of titles available, the Wii had cornered a specialty market, and (much unlike the first Xbox) the PS2 still had competitive, engrossing titles being released for it when the PS3 finally hit the shelves. Those are some awfully big shoes to fill for a studio that had previously focused on making the games they WANTED to make: generating more cult classics and avoiding the blockbuster (but ultimately shallow) titles. Of course, Resistance lived up to the challenge. Unlike Ratchet and Clank, Resistance: Fall of Man's influences are a bit more obvious. (But at least they drew from the proper sources, no?) And Insomniac certainly put its penchant for innovation to fantastic use for this title. While Resistance might not have the unparalleled gameplay of the original Halo, and while its conquered dystopian setting might not be quite so starkly engrossing as Half-Life 2's, Fall of Man certainly made for an unforgettable FPS.
  
  Finally, Insomniac has scaled-up its masterpiece franchise to the Playstation 3's capabilities, and the result is everything we asked for and more. Beautiful visuals, loads of hilarity, the poignant progression of the title characters' buddy-buddy relationship join with fun and rewarding gameplay. I'm sure the game isn't perfect, but it's closer than I've seen a video game come in a loooooong time.
  
  Now all Insomniac needs to do is produce a quirky, endearing, and deeply immersive RPG and they can start their own religion.
  
  
• An amazing game
  By A3PP64HMEYIGF0 on 2008-04-02
  Immediately after I beat this great game I continued playing from the beginning in challenge mode. I didn't even take a break until now to write this review. That's how addicting it is. Insomniac Games deserves heaps of praise for what they've accomplished here. I wouldn't go as far as saying it's on the level of Pixar, but it's definitely the best looking animated game I've ever seen. The whole production is top notch and it's obvious Insomniac spared no expense and went all out. So much stuff is happening on screen at the same time: enemies, explosions, spaceships flying, other characters helping you fight, all beautifully animated and without any slowdown whatsoever. This game shows off the power of the PS3 and we're still early in it's life cycle.
  
  The diversity of gameplay is what keeps you interested over the long run. Even with graphics this pretty you still need a game to play. There are tons of weapons, gadgets, and devices to use and upgrade. It can be a little overwhelming at first for people not familiar with Ratchet and Clank games. Instead of just blasting though everything with one or two easy to use and powerful weapons, it's better to experiment with all of them. For example, I kind of ignored the Nano-Swarmers weapon when I first got it. But after using it for awhile it proved to be powerful and indispensable, especially toward the latter stages of the game when the enemies get tougher. As you use the weapons, they upgrade, so something fairly weak at first may become powerful later.
  
  The menu system is great and it's really easy to switch between weapons. It takes seconds to switch on the fly between multiple weapons. Elder Scrolls: Oblivion could have learned something from this game.
  
  Every level has it's own look and feel and there's always something different to do. There's flying with the robo-wings, shooting through tubes on the gyro-cycle, jumping around on grind rails, fighting in the arena, and more. Sometimes you play as Clank and his parts were creative and a nice change of pace.
  
  There are complaints that the game is little too easy. For veterans of the series, and newcomers who manage their weapons right, then yes it might be a little too easy. But the difficulty picks up toward the second half of the game and the "easy" factor didn't bother me because the game is so much fun to play. Also there's no way this game is too short. Considering everything this game has too offer, there's tons of game here. Also, the voice acting is good, there are some laugh out loud moments especially in the prison level.
  
  Ratchet and Clank: TOD is not to be missed. Thank god for Insomniac, along with Naughty Dog with their game Uncharted: Drakes Fortune. These two companies are carrying the PS3 on their backs with two outstanding games, and are paving the way for a bright future for the PS3.
  
  
• Now I know why I bought a PS3
  By A27R3WWFDUGSZP on 2008-04-19
  Yeah, I impulse-bought myself a PS3. For a while, didn't exactly know why, though it made a lovely conversation piece. The purchase justified itself with this game.
  
  In a word - fun. It's just fun. Not too hard as to be frustrating, easy to put down and pick back up later. The voice-over work is amusing, it doesn't take itself too seriously, and it's not like far too many modern games that focus obsessively on making it look good at the expense of gameplay. That's not to say it's not a very pretty game, on a HDTV it's quite impressive.
  
  If you're looking for something fun to play when you get home for work and want to relax or something, pick it up. You won't be disappointed.
  
  

• Uncharted: Drake's Fortune
• Sony PlayStation 3 Blu-ray Disc Remote
• PlayStation 3 Wireless Sixaxis Controller
• PlayStation 3 Dualshock 3 Wireless Controller
• PlayStation 3 40GB