Ratchet & Clank

[Gooch]

So far, I'm impressed. The game is gorgeous (although a little Jak & Dexter-ish looking) with a fantastic framerate, great animation and some of the best textures I've seen on the PS2. I like the galactic settings and - gasp - I seem to be able to easily maneuver the camera to my liking (left analog controls character, right controls camera)! I'm not far into the game, but the gameplay has similar elements to the 3D Mario and Crash Bandicoot games. I can't wait to try out the 36 weapons in this game as there does not appear to be a shortage of enemies to attack. I've just been smashing things with my wrench and tossing bombs (with targeting) with the bomb glove. I haven't yet encountered the dreaded scavenger hunt portion of this game (if there is one), so up to this point, it's been smooth sailing. The villans in this game remind me of the Vykkers from Munch's Oddysee and it has the same sort of anti-corporation sentiment. I don't know the history of Insomniac (developers), but this is a pleasant surprise as I've been disappointed with the recent offerings in the platforming genre. Anyone else pick this up yet?

[NeoZeedeater]

The demo seemed okay, probably better than average for the genre but that's not saying much. Boring character designs rule the world of 3d mascot platformers and this game is no exception. At least the gameplay is somewhat fun and like you said, the frame rate is fantastic.

[sggg]

I haven't tried it but I have to agree with NeoZeed when he saud that the character designs look awful. It sounds like a good game but I am not sure I can get passed how "meh" it looks.

[Despair]

Well, I will rent next week to see if I'll like it. I was pleasantly surprised by Sly Cooper, so I want to see another Sony platformer offering.

[Gooch]

Ehhh...you guys are just fancy lads . Seriously, I don't blame ya for taking the cautious approach towards the platforming genre, but this is one game that I think "does things right" moreso than the other platformers released in the past year. I at least recommend a rental.

[Lhadatt]

Gooch: It's not so much that they're afraid it's not a good game, it's that they don't want to look at it while they're playing it. The character designs SUCK, plain and simple. What good is a character platformer without a likable character? Sure, Sluggy the Sluggy Slug 3 can have awesome gameplay, but you're playing as a slug. The same principle applies to R&C -- it might as well be called Butt and Ugly.

[Gooch]

Originally posted by Lhadatt
Sure, Sluggy the Sluggy Slug 3 can have awesome gameplay, but you're playing as a slug. The same principle applies to R&C -- it might as well be called Butt and Ugly.

Very well put. Maybe I'm just easier to please from an aesthetics point of view as I think the game looks cool. By the way, Slug 3 is the best in the series .

[PaCrappa]

"does things right' OH! It's in 2D? Where can I buy this platformer that "does things right"? I thought they only made those for the GBA these days. ;op Just kiddin'

Pa

[sggg]

I have nothing at all against platformers, modern or classic style. It's one of my favourite genres. Recently I enjoyed the hell out of the Sonic Adventures and Rayman.. and I am really looking forward to getting Sly Cooper.

It's just what Lhadatt said. The character designs on this game are so unappealling.

Anyway, I'll still give it a rent. It might be fun but it will be in spite of the character designs.

[Diff-chan]

I cant understand why people get so pissy about Ratchet and Clank's character design while they will happily play as that paunchy, balding tool with no fashion sense in GTA Vice City.