Pai Pai's OFFICIAL and Fashionably Late RATCHET & CLANK: TOOLS OF DESTRUCTION Thread

[Pai Pai Master]

I know there are more than a couple of your guys on the forum going through this game at the moment. Being the latest addition to my very favourite game franchise, I wanted to wait until I was done with my first playthrough of the game to start a discussion thread for this one.

So what does everyone think so far? I beat the game a couple days ago and started on Challenge Mode today.

Stage Progression Spoilers, Not too bad.

"Absolutely fantastic from start to finish, particularly the last few planets. The Cragmite Homeworld started off with the one of the most action-packed sequences in the series, and the final planet was a lot of fun, really challenging, and hilarious."

ENDING SPOILERS

"Going into this title, we all knew that Insomniac was taking the series into a connected trilogy for the first time in its history. That being said, the verdict is still out on the ending. It's pretty weird to finish a Ratchet game without complete closure, but I do appreciate a nod to what direction the series can go for the next title. Will it be Clank-less all the way through? Last time that happened, the game went co-op...will we see a "Ratchet & Talwyn: The Search for Clank" or something like that?""

Though Resistance 2 is next for Insomniac, I don't mind waiting another 2 years for the next Ratchet game. This is undoubtably the pinnacle in the series, definintely the best one yet. The writers of the series have finally found what they're looking for, and the game had me laughing the entire way through. (Even had to pause the game a few times throughout to catch my breath, Zordoom Prison in particular had me in fits, as well as pretty much any scene involving Captain Slag and Rusty Pete) The formula is perfected and the game itself is polished to the point of a AAA title you'd expect.

I think it still has a few shortcomings however, particularly the space battle sequences (fun but a little mindless at times) and I'd definitely like the near-perfect weapon progression system to bring back a little of the customization aspect of Up Your Arsenal. I don't think the franchise needs a reboot after this one though. Insomniac's found their stride, made their best game yet, and I can't wait for more of it. Challenge Mode will keep me plenty busy for some time. The Golden Groovitron costs something ridiculous like 2,000,000 Raritanium.

On a side note: Insomniac and SCEA decided on something different for the franchise's popular commercials this time around. Gone are the live-action weapon-based commercials. Insomniac said they wanted the TV spot to give the characters a chance to shine this time, and I think it really works. Like the game's fantastic cutscenes, the ad is comprised entirely of in-game assets with some added post-processing.

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/u...es/124071.html

[Feba]

Re: Pai Pai's OFFICIAL and Fashionably Late RATCHET & CLANK: TOOLS OF DESTRUCTION Thr

You forgot to make the "What vidoe games are you buying this week?" thread.

[Pai Pai Master]

Re: Pai Pai's OFFICIAL and Fashionably Late RATCHET & CLANK: TOOLS OF DESTRUCTION Thr

It's coming, don't worry.

[TheGrandMom]

Re: Pai Pai's OFFICIAL and Fashionably Late RATCHET & CLANK: TOOLS OF DESTRUCTION Thr

I want to know what YOU think about it Pai! ^^

[Pai Pai Master]

Re: Pai Pai's OFFICIAL and Fashionably Late RATCHET & CLANK: TOOLS OF DESTRUCTION Thr

Game of the Year 2007.

But that's what I think, and I'm expected to be pretty biased when it comes to my favourite game franchise. XD

Also, holy crap @ Family Game of the Forever. The comparisons never end, but this is Pixar in videogame form. I can imagine people of all ages having a blast with this game. Makes me wish I had kids that I knew of so I could enjoy it with them.

[Icemage]

Re: Pai Pai's OFFICIAL and Fashionably Late RATCHET & CLANK: TOOLS OF DESTRUCTION Thr

Also, holy crap @ Family Game of the Forever. The comparisons never end, but this is Pixar in videogame form. I can imagine people of all ages having a blast with this game. Makes me wish I had kids that I knew of so I could enjoy it with them.

I agree, I got Ratchet and Clank on release day and it's simply awesome. A very few flaws (quirky collision detection once in a blue moon where I'll get stuck for 30 seconds in "freefall", a bit too easy all the way up to the last two chapters (which crank up the difficulty noticeably).

Nonetheless an amazing game. I don't think it'll win Game of the Year (Bioshock "probably" has that one sewn up, unless Super Mario Galaxy surprises everyone), but it still stands as by far the best reason to own a PS3 today.

The game is simply breathtaking. Visuals are uniformly excellent and detailed, Framerates are rock solid even with a zillion things zipping around in the environment (Stratus City reminds me of the scene in The Fifth Element where Milla Jovovich jumps off the side of the building - and I suspect that's intentional). The gameplay is incredibly fun. Aiming takes a bit of getting used to, but the weaponry you acquire becomes progressively cooler and more accurate.

The storyline and writing are awesome. You get a pretty good sense of empathy for the characters, and there is humor just dripping out of almost every line of dialogue, and a healthy dose of adult-themed asides that will zip right over the heads of the youngsters but everyone will find funny nonetheless due to context.


Icemage

[Pai Pai Master]

Re: Pai Pai's OFFICIAL and Fashionably Late RATCHET & CLANK: TOOLS OF DESTRUCTION Thr

Indeed, though I was surprised by the E10+ rating. While the majority of the game is very kid-safe, there's some brief language and a pretty raunchy, but hilarious, pirate song.

And it's definitely not a contender for Game of the Year. I think it'll be the obligatory PS3 pick for many press sites (particularly since IGN calls it the best PS3 title yet) but I think it'll win a number of runner-up awards, particularly in the action/platformer categories. As much as I love the game, I don't think it'll be chosen over God of War 2 or Super Mario Galaxy for action/platformer title of the year. That said, it's certainly my personal game of the year. I loved Deadlocked and Resistance, but I've been looking forward to a new, traditonal Ratchet game since 2004's Up Your Arsenal.

[Icemage]

Re: Pai Pai's OFFICIAL and Fashionably Late RATCHET & CLANK: TOOLS OF DESTRUCTION Thr

Indeed, though I was surprised by the E10+ rating. While the majority of the game is very kid-safe, there's some brief language and a pretty raunchy, but hilarious, pirate song.

If you watch the developer diaries for R&C at GameTrailers.com, one of the writers talks about those racy pirate songs - what actually made the cut is the mildest of the stuff they came up with.

And it's definitely not a contender for Game of the Year. I think it'll be the obligatory PS3 pick for many press sites (particularly since IGN calls it the best PS3 title yet) but I think it'll win a number of runner-up awards, particularly in the action/platformer categories. As much as I love the game, I don't think it'll be chosen over God of War 2 or Super Mario Galaxy for action/platformer title of the year. That said, it's certainly my personal game of the year. I loved Deadlocked and Resistance, but I've been looking forward to a new, traditonal Ratchet game since 2004's Up Your Arsenal.

Up Your Arsenal was brilliant, but I really think Tools of Destruction is even better. Technologically, of course, but the gameplay is so varied and almost everything works perfectly (I could wish for a bit more stick sensitivity on the space shooter mode, and a shade more challenge in Clank's minigame mode, but that's about all).


Icemage

[Pai Pai Master]

Re: Pai Pai's OFFICIAL and Fashionably Late RATCHET & CLANK: TOOLS OF DESTRUCTION Thr

Which is all the more hilarious, in the sense of robotic pirates singing dirty pirate songs about robotic wenches. It's a tough call, but I might have enjoyed Captain Slag & Rusty Pete over Tachyon as villains. If the games weren't so spread apart, I may have preferred Slag being the main villain of the game, leaving the next for Tachyon, just so the former could get more of a spotlight.

[tdh]

Re: Pai Pai's OFFICIAL and Fashionably Late RATCHET & CLANK: TOOLS OF DESTRUCTION Thr

I love this game. I picked up the first Ratchet & Clank because it was a) on the Greatest Hits list and was only $20, and b) because of the developer. After about 45 minutes of playing the game I ran out to the store and bought the other 2 that were out at the time and were on the Greatest Hits list as well.

The only game in the serious that I just didn't care for was the PSP version, that wasn't even developed by Insomniac. (I really hope they do Secret Agent Clank to "redeem" Size Matters.)

Very impressed with the graphics, a full HD would have been nice but I can't complain as I don't have an HD TV of any kind anyway. Script is just as funny as ever, but I did like the weapon mod system in Dreadlock better. Either way the there are some great weapons, and lots of fun to be had.

I just beat the game this evening, and started over on Challenge mode. Took me an extra 4 hours or so to get all the holo-plans to get the final weapon, but it was all worth it. Now I'm trying to level it and start buying Omega weapons.

I can almost see a gripe with the ending, since there hasn't been a true "direct sequel" to any of the previous games, but I'm excited about this story line. .I had wondered why we hadn't seen any other Lombaxes in previous games Just hope I don't have to wait 2 years for it. (I'm impatient when it comes to my R&C.)

Abogee theory

Am I the only one that thinks the Plummer may be Abogee?

[Pai Pai Master]

Re: Pai Pai's OFFICIAL and Fashionably Late RATCHET & CLANK: TOOLS OF DESTRUCTION Thr

Max Apogee

I think it's pretty obvious Ratchet will meet up with Max Apogee in the next game or beyond. He's certainly not the plumber, since we see him in a photograph.

Which brings me to wonder...just what the hell is Talwyn? Great character design...but a certainly odd looking species! Her part in the game just wasn't big enough, IMO. Hopefully she'll play a more central role in the next title...Cronk & Zephyr almost had more lines than her!

[tdh]

Re: Pai Pai's OFFICIAL and Fashionably Late RATCHET & CLANK: TOOLS OF DESTRUCTION Thr

Max Apogee

I think it's pretty obvious Ratchet will meet up with Max Apogee in the next game or beyond. He's certainly not the plumber, since we see him in a photograph.

Thing is, at one point you see a silhouette of Apogee and he looks kinda "robust" like the Plummer. Plummer had almost no roll in the game, but knew to give that one item to the team. Those two little clues are what make me lean in that way. Of course I'm drawing a straws because it's going to be a long time before we get the continuation of the story.

In the past I've played all 4 of the PS2 games at least 3 times through. I'm sure this one will get a lot of replay time from me while I wait...

[Malacite]

Re: Pai Pai's OFFICIAL and Fashionably Late RATCHET & CLANK: TOOLS OF DESTRUCTION Thr

I haven't played any of the Ratchet or Jak games... ; ;

Is there a continuing story for this series like there was fo Jak and Daxter, or can I just rent this and hop right in?

[Icemage]

Re: Pai Pai's OFFICIAL and Fashionably Late RATCHET & CLANK: TOOLS OF DESTRUCTION Thr

I haven't played any of the Ratchet or Jak games... ; ;
Is there a continuing story for this series like there was fo Jak and Daxter, or can I just rent this and hop right in?

You can rent it and hop right in. Knowing the backstory just makes some of the long-running gags funnier, but pretty much all of the story and humor stands on its own.


Icemage