Ratchet and Clank: Into the Nexus

Editor's Notes

Disc version reviewed.

Introduction

Prior to moving towards a more multiplatform approach, Insomniac Games was responsible for two extraordinary franchises for the PlayStation 3: 'Resistance: Fall of Man' and the 'Ratchet & Clank' future series. While the former was a heavy focus on a more mature first-person shooter theme, the latter delivered action platforming at its best. Although the 'Resistance' story has come to its conclusion with the third entry in the series, the duo that is Ratchet & Clank continues to have a strong following that started with the PlayStation 2.

The Game Itself: Our Reviewer's Take

Where 'Ratchet and Clank: All 4 One' delivered a 4-player cooperative (and mostly enjoyable) experience, and the more recent 'Full Frontal Assault' provided an interesting take on tower defense, 'Into the Nexus' gets back to what has made the series such a strong contender and solid performer since it was first introduced more than 10 years ago. Developed with the single player experience in mind, 'Into the Nexus' is likely the Ratchet and Clank game fans have been waiting for since 'A Crack in Time'.

'Into the Nexus' tells a much darker story than many of the previous Ratchet and Clank games. It begins with a marvelously epic prologue with the partners transporting a female prisoner by the name of Vendra Prog. In dramatic fashion, her "twin" brother (they couldn't be any more opposite looking) Neftin charges ahead to spring her from captivity. What follows is some wonderful zero gravity platforming, rapid-fire encounters, and the shocking demise of a few long-time characters of the series, which I won't spoil here.

As an abbreviated version of the previous Ratchet and Clank adventures, 'Into the Nexus' is spread out over a handful of worlds, each introducing a good amount of game play variety. While many of the mechanics the series is known for make a repeat appearance – hover boots, swing shot – a few new toys come into play that helps 'Into the Nexus' feel like an interesting new entry rather than a repeat of prior episodes. The Jet Pack opens up the verticality of the world, while the Grav Tether creates portals for Ratchet to help complete a variety of platforming sections.

The developers at Insomniac Games also introduce a new 2D puzzle element specific to Clank. Able to enter small portals to the Nether world, the player guides the metallic sidekick through a maze-like environment using a unique gravity mechanic to shift him from floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall. Although these puzzles were enjoyable and help deliver fresh new ideas, they were a far cry from the head-scratching puzzles of 'A Crack in Time' that dealt with time manipulation and cloning.

Insomniac Games has always had a strong focus on unique video game weapons. From the light-hearted and laugh-out-loud weapons of the Ratchet universe, to the more hard-core weapons of 'Resistance', regardless of the series you were always in for a treat; and 'Into the Nexus' does not disappoint. While old favorites start the game off, it's the new flavors that really make your arsenal shine.

The Winterizer magically transforms Ratchet's enemies into snowmen while playing Jingle Bells, and the Nightmare Box is a terrifying jack-in-the-box that will first scare the enemies and then distracts them. These newest additions are undeniably appropriate for the holiday time release of 'Into the Nexus' and are testament to the consistent creativity of the development team. As in past Ratchet and Clank games, each weapon can be leveled up to insane levels of effectiveness, providing you with an arsenal that would give games like 'Call of Duty' and 'Battlefield' a run for their money.