Ratchet and Clank: Future Tools Of Destruction

Ratchet & Clank: Future Tools of Destruction is the sixth game in the series and the first to be released for the PS3. Developed by Insomniac games, a developer with an impressive reputation in the platforming game genre it is one of the few exclusive titles available for Sony's console. Insomniac's previous effort, Resistance: Fall of Man was a good enough launch title but at times it felt shaky and unsure of itself.

With the latest game though, it feels that the developers are back to a series that they are confident with and know what they need to deliver: namely a huge selection of over the top weaponry, bright futuristic visuals and a satisfying mix of platforming and destruction.

Firstly, graphics wise the game is really impressive and is an excellent showcase for the PS3's capabilities at rendering some staggeringly detailed environments. The different game worlds all look different enough and there is a good range of sci-fi cityscapes, prehistoric swamp worlds and asteroid belts to explore and subsequently destroy. In particular, cut scenes are eye popping, especially on a decent sized HD television, where at times, I was forced to lean backwards slightly to take it all in.

Sound wise, the game delivers a pretty good effort, with weapons sounding reasonably impressive and meaty. Voice acting isn't anything terribly amazing, but it fits the feel of the game well, which at times is deliberately cheesy.

It isn't necessary to have played any of the previous titles in the series to be able to understand the plot, which isn't terribly complicated being primarily aimed at children, though the game does seem to ignore the events of the last 5 games, which initially confused me as a fan of the series. Although most characters return, including some amusing cameos from the series' regulars.

The story this time revolves around Ratchet & Clank having to save the galaxy from a suitably evil small toothy creature with a voice that can have you reaching for the mute button whenever he appears. In order to do this it involves the usual mixture of standard platforming sections mixed with some really enjoyable cartoon violence.

The weapon selection in the series has always been one of its strengths with some really unusual and frankly weird weapons being standard. This game delivers the usual arsenal of 15 or so weapons which upgrade to become more powerful the more they are used, up until they reach level 5 where they transform into an even more powerful death dealing cannon. There are some stand out weapons which always bring a smile to your face after you successfully pull the trigger and the entire room of enemies is vaporized in a puff of smoke, but overall I was a little disappointed.

Weapons are usually bought from vendors with bolts acquired from defeating enemies and can be further upgraded by using raritanium, found in hidden locations and from killing the tougher enemies. These are usually only minor until you have enough raritanium to unlock the weapon's special upgrade which usually is worth doing, as they double fire rate, increase damage and other similar valuable upgrades.

Many of the weapons have been copied from earlier games with very little changes, which is a little disappointing. Others have had some cosmetic changes, for example a bee hive which launches hornets to attack people instead of a robotic turret, which makes virtually no difference to the gameplay.

The enemies that you face are well designed and there is a fairly impressive range available throughout the game, particularly amusing are robotic mech-suits controlled by a fish in a bowl, which pop out and flap on the ground when destroyed.

The game also has some good replay value with a set of skill points achieved by fulfilling certain tasks, which unlock bonus art and extras. A challenge mode also offers extra incentives, including extra weapon upgrades and harder enemies but with more bolts being awarded for not getting hit. This is quite a fun addition and a tradition for the games, since the second adventure.

Many other features return although in an altered and diluted form. The traditional arena combat returns though it is far easier than in previous games, I for one was disappointed not to have the 100 round multiple boss mega challenge which normally took several hours repeated playing in order to complete but rewarded you with millions of bolts and meant you could smile to yourself smugly, before realizing you had no one to boast to.

Alongside the weapons Future Tools of Destruction, introduces "devices" which are basically small one use weapons and are all largely useless. I ended up never using them as they were never really useful and the price of them meant it was usually better to buy more ammo for one of your upgraded guns.

However, one of the most annoying things about the game is the unnecessary and obviously forced use of the Sixaxis motion control. Whether in the mini-puzzle games needed to open up new areas or in the flying sections, it is frankly annoying. Why the analogue sticks couldn't be the default as it is so much easier is clearly down to Sony's desperation to find a good use for it, but I switched it off after a few minutes.

All in all, Ratchet & Clank: FTOD is a perfectly enjoyable platform game which does what it sets out to do very well. What made the other games in the series so playable and enjoyable was an attention to detail and level of wit and humour which meant that even adults could find it enjoyable. However this latest effort seems to be more focused directly at the young ones and sorely misses the subtle references that the previous games possessed.

This is still a very solid, polished and well made game and if you are in the age of the target audience then you will very likely enjoy the game immensely. Otherwise, approach with a little caution, as you would a bee hive turret.