Gamesearcher1

Ratchet & Clank, unlike the eponymous movie, is wonderful. In terms of combat, the game does this extremely well. The zany arsenal of over-the-top weapons that all feel distinct and memorable couple well with the enemies across the galaxy. Everything from turning your opponents into sheep, to burning them alive, to making them a few pixels feels satisfying as all hell. Story-wise, and unlike a typical PlayStation-exclusive, this game is nothing too much, although it doesn't try to be. The story is easy to digest by everyone, and is pretty boring. The writing is really a hit-or-miss situation. Sometimes, the game will squeeze a decent smile out of you, and other times will result in boring, childish gags, that don't understand who to cater to. Graphically, this game is undeniably gorgeous, looking like you're playing through an animated movie, while the characters do look like stiff cardboard boxes during cut scenes. In terms of music, there's a lot to be desired. No tracks stuck with me, except one, but that was just because it sounded way too similar to a track of 1993's Doom. After listening to the original's music, this is a whole step down. Most of the levels are also very well-made, with useful items lurking most of them, while a few levels fall into routine tedium. All in all, this game, while marred by clear issues is still an enjoyable experience.

Naughty Dog was split into two after Uncharted 2, one half working on The Last of Us, and the other one focusing on this game. And the lack of polish does show a bit. The game introduced even more weapons than its predecessor, and adding necessary features such as throwing back grenades well. But the problem I have with this game is that the enemies deal way too much damage. Completing this game on Normal, I found that snipers locked onto your head quicker than usual, and more enemies possessed more powerful weapons. Now this wouldn't have been a problem, if the cover system was so useful. The problem of the first game, and one of the biggest achievements in the second is the reliance on covering. And this game joins, the former, unfortunately. The game's story is... alright. The implementation of Nate's younger years are meticulously added throughout dialogue and whole chapters. But the game is lacking in a worthy story, leaving too much time for impressive setpieces, which I'll get to in a second. The villains aren't built up too well, even though having an interesting implementation in the earlier chapters. The game killed it in terms of music. It scratches the itch of needing a good soundtrack in an Uncharted game, and every track works with where it plays. Also, it looks extremely impressive, with the visual imagery in some of the chapters leading to them being the greatest in all of the series. And, in terms of setpieces, not even Uncharted 2 can hold a candle to this game. I won't spoil any of them, but they're absolutely insane, and lovable. But, a problem I face with the game is that the controls don't feel precise, and meticulous. Your rolls and jumps feel weightless, and Drake moves too much with each move. The puzzles, though, are some of the best in the series. Overall, this game is a game you'll enjoy deeply if you're an Uncharted fan, but it has its flaws, and doesn't live up to its predecessor. Still, a great game.

It's 2008 and you're Naughty Dog. After the success of your first game, which did have its flaws, but was still a very enjoyable experience. So what do you do? Set everything to 11 was the answer. And I'm not even kidding. Firstly, the combat is so much more fluid. The number of weapons in the game feel like they were doubled, and combat is much more refined. Cover-shooting feels a choice you can have, but the game also allows for a more aggressive play-style, something I absolutely love. The game's main problem is the frequency of enemies that just eat up your bullets. For anyone who has played the game, the word 'train boss' will ring true to that statement. In terms of narrative, its much more sporadic than the first game, but overall it still holds itself well. The writing is some of the best in a video game, all of the characters, recurring or new, are distinct, memorable and everything else you want a character to be. The voice acting is also just as good as the previous game. It looks substantially better than the first game, and it uses this to great use in its unforgettable set-pieces, beginning from the first time you press 'Start', and it also uses tension a whole lot. Musically, the game is a ramp-up from its predecessor's mediocre music, but still isn't something I'd listen to after the credits rolled. The climbing is extremely fluid, the puzzles are good and this is the only game in the Uncharted trilogy to master the precise controls required of a game. All-in-all, this game cements itself as an absolute must-play. Few games can get you as pumped as this game.