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Review: Ratchet and Clank PS4 is a blast
Sat, 23rd Apr 2016
FYI, this story is more than a year old

Ratchet and Clank is very unique because it's both a remake but also a new game in itself. Not to mention it's based upon the new movie that will be out shortly. It's the duo's first foray on the PS4 and it's one that will satisfy just about anyone who likes platform style games. Platform games didn't get off to a great start on the PS4. Knack was the first platform game available for the system's launch back in November 2013, but it failed to shine. Thankfully the genre springs back to life as Insomniac Games has crafted one of the best Ratchet and Clank games released in many years. The Ratchet and Clank series was starting to feel a little stale as the last few games that came out on PS3 relied on weird gimmicks that didn't really gel with fans. This all changes with this new game because it takes the series back to its original roots. It's simple shooting/platform style gaming at its finest. The best thing about Ratchet and Clank PS4 is that it's more than just the average remake. Several new cutscenes have been added and the gameplay has been updated to feel more like the modern games in the series. It's not just like other remasters where the gameplay and visuals are the same. Insomniac Games truly went overboard to make this game feel and look fresh. Let's talk about the visuals first as the graphics in this game are phenomenal. It is without a doubt the most colourful and prettiest game that I have seen on the PS4 to date. The water looks realistic and the level design is expansive enough for you to explore and see secrets. It's great to see that the levels are not just linear corridors. The PS4 also helps Ratchet and Clank look close to the actual movie that it is based upon. Insomniac Games put a lot of detail to the character models as you can see the individual hairs on Ratchet's fur and more. If someone was walking past you while you were watching the cutscenes, they might think that you are watching a legit animated movie. That's how good the graphics are in this game. As for the gameplay, Ratchet and Clank never gets repetitive because there is always something new for you to do. You get to play as both Ratchet and Clank and their respective sections are different. There are also different planets that you can visit and all of them offer their own unique gameplay styles. For example, Ratchet is good and shooting and bashing things but there are sections he needs some extra help. In some sections, he can use a jetpack to fly around the level or even use a spaceship to shoot enemies down. He also has an arsenal of great weapons he can use that range from a flamethrower to even a missile launcher just to name a few. Clank's gameplay is entirely different as he focuses on puzzles and stealth. It's great that Insomniac Games added Clank's sections in because it makes the game feel less repetitive.  You can also undertake side missions that further prolong the fun factor. My favourite part of the entire game was taking part in a fast and chaotic hoverboard race. The full game itself is generous as the main campaign lasts for around 11 to 12 hours long. This doesn't include all of the side missions and other collectibles that players can obtain. It's nice to know that Insomniac Games crafted a lengthy single player experience instead of making it short and tacking on an unnecessary online multiplayer mode.  If there are any flaws to the game. it's that the boss battles sometimes get repetitive. You have to use a lot of ammo to defeat them and you will run out of it fast. The game also sometimes adds too many enemies on the screen at once that it can be overwhelming to shoot all of them at once.  Overall, Ratchet and Clank on PS4 is an entertaining entry to the beloved platform series. It's more than just a remake as there are a ton of new stuff to explore even if you have played the original game before. The game also has one of the best graphics that the PS4 has ever seen. This game is a must play if you are into action-packed platform style games.  Verdict: 8.5/10