Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time

I played this game for the first ever time a couple days ago and it was honestly one of the best games I've ever played. The twists and turns in the story. The graphics even hold up. It's just an overall amazing game.

This is the first Ratchet and Clank game I've played and to be honest at the moment I'm not too far so I can't really go into detail about the story.

The game opens up with an overview of the game before it (Tools Of Destruction) so I was made aware of the situation. It surprised me as the cut-scene has absolutely incredible visuals, something you would expect from a Disney film. And that is not an exaggeration.

When the game brought me to the first level I was still stunned by the graphics. Now this is a PS3 exclusive so good graphics are almost certain. But they really were excellent. This held up for all of the game I played through.

The combat is, in a word, brilliant. I hate easy games but I can forgive ACIT because the combat is so so fun. You can leap around killing many enemies, sometimes a dozen on screen, with virtually no slowdown. There is a vast amount of weapons and gadgets that are all upgradeable. Almost all of the weapons are incredible and bring hilarity to battle.

Also another great feature is the spaceship. While you are flying around the vast solar system you can stop off at a Godly amount of planets. These are kind of like obstacle courses which give you some of the games incredible amount of collectibles.

Here comes one of my favourite parts of the game. When you are playing as Clank you are in kind of a land of time where you can manipulate it. During combat you through grenades that slow down time. Outside battle you are given a task that seems impossible which is get to a locked door by going over all the buttons before it closes. To do this you must make a clone of yourself to go onto the first button. They you make another to go to the next button. Then you go to the door yourself whilst the clones do their job. It sounds very confusing but trust me it's excellent.

I was amazed at the love put into this game. The production values are really up there. A refreshing thing is the fact that the game is actually funny. I mean genuinely funny. The graphics are outstanding. I've heard the main quest puts you at just over 10 hours but I can tell you it will take you so much longer to get all the collectibles. Miss out on this and you will be missing out on one of the best games of 2009

Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time is an exceptional entry in the Ratchet & Clank series, showcasing some of the franchise's best qualities. The game effortlessly combines exciting action, platforming, and a deeply emotional story, creating a thrilling and unforgettable experience.

Incredible Visual Design The game's visuals are nothing short of stunning. A Crack in Time boasts vibrant, richly detailed environments, from lush alien jungles to sprawling futuristic cities. Each world feels distinct, with a high level of polish and artistry that immerses players in its colorful, dynamic settings. The animation is smooth, and the character models, especially Ratchet and Clank, are incredibly expressive, enhancing the emotional impact of the game.

Refined, Dynamic Gameplay Gameplay is a core strength of A Crack in Time. The combat remains fast and engaging, with a huge variety of weapons and gadgets, each with a unique playstyle. The addition of time-based mechanics, where players control time using Clank, brings new layers to both combat and puzzles, adding depth to the game. These mechanics are brilliantly integrated, providing clever and creative ways to tackle challenges.

Engaging Story & Character Development The emotional depth of A Crack in Time elevates it above many other platformers. The relationship between Ratchet and Clank is at the heart of the story, offering a heartfelt narrative that explores themes of identity, destiny, and friendship. New characters, especially the time-based mechanic Clank's storyline, enrich the plot and provide an engaging counterpoint to Ratchet's journey. The dialogue is witty and fun, keeping the tone light even as the story delves into more emotional territory.

Outstanding Sound Design & Music The soundtrack enhances every moment, whether during action-packed sequences or quieter, more introspective moments. The music dynamically shifts to complement the fast-paced combat and emotionally charged story beats. The sound design, including voice acting, is excellent, with characters brought to life through expressive performances.

Perfect Balance of Innovation and Familiarity A Crack in Time strikes a perfect balance between introducing fresh, innovative mechanics (like time manipulation) and staying true to the series' core gameplay elements. It's a masterclass in game design, offering creative challenges and keeping the player engaged throughout the adventure.

In conclusion, Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time is an absolute triumph. It combines thrilling action, creative puzzles, emotional storytelling, and stunning visuals to create a game that is simply a joy to play. Its seamless integration of gameplay mechanics, fantastic world-building, and memorable characters makes it a standout title in the Ratchet & Clank series, deserving of all the praise it has received.