I never owned my own PS2, but I managed to get a unhealthy amount of game time into ones owned by friends, other family and the occasional stranger (not joking). One of my more fond memories was quick, sort sessions of Ratchet and Clank multiplayer – a addiction I could eventually explore in single-player on PS3. It’s been a while since A Crack in Time – but the debut of the Lombax on PS4 is looking well worth the wait.
Announced at last year’s E3, Ratchet and Clank for PS4 is a complete reimagining of the franchise’s first title on PS2 – a defining chapter in the history of developers Insomniac. You probably wouldn’t be able to tell that from the trailer below – with the title only sharing story beats with the original, and nothing else.
This isn’t just a remake of the PS2 classic; Insomniac Games wanted to go much further with the title:
We ended up with a new game, with elements based on the original – but now with modern controls, several new planets, new and updated gameplay segments, all-new Clank gameplay, all new boss fights, new flight sequences, and more, all constructed to take advantage of the PS4’s graphical prowess. Throw in James Arnold Taylor as Ratchet, and you have a new beginning.
In fact, if you’ve never heard of Ratchet and Clank’s escapades before, there’s really no need. Just think of this Pixar-like gameplay as your introduction.
Aside from tying in with the film set to launch next year, this reboot of sorts will be tweaking the series formula in smart ways. Taking a few cues from Sunset Overdrive, Insomniac is looking at a more RPG-like weapon system – although exact details weren’t divulged. In the past, you had to spend credits to access more whacky, powerful weaponry. Perhaps it’s based on weapon use this time instead now.
Aside from that, there’s nothing connecting this game and it’s predecessors visually. Insomniac has overhauled Ratchet and Clank for the new generation, and it’s utterly spellbinding to see in action. Most of what was in the trailer was direct gameplay – which I know is difficult to believe at face value. So let a good eight minutes more put those thoughts to rest – and give your eyes a bit of a treat.
And here it is for those who can’t view YouTube but want to see just how tight it looks.
I must admit that before this, I had completely forgotten that Ratchet and Clank was being brought back to life. And right now, it’s the PS4 exclusive I can’t wait to get my hands on the most. I’m coming Captain Qwark!
Last Updated: June 11, 2015
Blood Emperor Trevor
June 11, 2015 at 07:39
Oh, I thought you said Ratchet and Crank. Now I’m disappointed…
Hammersteyn
June 11, 2015 at 07:46
Best movies ever!
Raidz
June 11, 2015 at 07:43
This is going to be such a huge success. all the gamers that played R&C back in the PS2 era will buy this AND all the real kids. Nostalgia wins on this one
SideEffectZA
June 11, 2015 at 07:50
Want it, need it, must have it.
Admiral Chief's Adventure
June 11, 2015 at 08:07
Looks fun
Ir0nseraph
June 11, 2015 at 08:37
Nice now I have ratchet and Nathan Drake adventures for next year to look forward too.
Loftus
June 11, 2015 at 08:54
Might 2016 actually be a good year for next gen ?
Pieter Smal
June 11, 2015 at 08:59
Lovely!
GooseZA
June 11, 2015 at 09:18
Looks awesome. If only I had a PS4.
DadGamer
June 11, 2015 at 09:28
Looking good. I originally bought R&C Tools of Destruction for the kids, but it ended up on that stack of rare games played through more than once.
Quest for Booty wasn’t as good, Crack in Time was as good and QForce’s Tower Defence mechanic annoyed the hell out of me.
ToD is still one of the best looking games on PS3 and the gameplay is one of the most fluid and satisfying anywhere.
The cartoony humour and storylines are also something that Insomniac Games are brilliant at.
This PS4 version will definitely be on the games list when I eventually get one.
UnholyMunk
June 11, 2015 at 09:31
I started watching this and was thinking “Oh man, another game that’s just a cash grab on nostalgia”, but this looks incredible! I am genuinely excited for this game after watching those game play videos.
CaptainNemo42
June 11, 2015 at 09:45
What’s the point of E3 if everything is revealed the week before the actual event?
Tbone187
June 11, 2015 at 12:27
Looks like a certain bandicoot.