Ratchet & Clank; Another Crack In Time?

The evolution of gaming is in full transition, with a vague estimate time of departure for the PS4 and Xbox respectively. Now is the time for wistful contemplation, extrapolating every prodigious content left before your proceeding separation as we mentally document our singular progression through this generation; the captivating moments of graphical splendour that question the limit of authenticity, the callous moments of frustrations that were the catalyst for the worsening deterioration of your controller, or the passionate determination that finally accorded victory against Hydra in God of War. The announcement of a new console feels like a finality to it’s still living descendant, to an extent that I’m already preparing for its arrival by respectfully placing my hoarded collection of PS3 titles into a sturdy receptacle that will provide ample protection from the elements, accumulated moisture and from malevolent, arachnid radicalism. It’s time to bid a sorrowful parting to this generation, take mental dictations of its achievements as the credits descend at a lumbering pace to ebb out its deteriorating lifespan, before hastily ushering in the future of technical interactivity and coordinating connectivity. Wow, this article finished sooner than I expected? But wait, hold your carnivorous canines, raise the casket of your yet perished system and plug it back in. Intentions contrary to my disregarding priorities that have highlighted my erroneous folly, with Sony’s PS3, even in its advanced state of rheumatic textures, its dwindling health and decrepit stage of menopause, this hermaphrodite of a console, despite its past indiscretions and examination regarding its fertility announces an unsuspecting pregnancy in the form of adorable twins; one, a feline humanoid amalgamation called Ratchet, and the other, a vertically inferior compatriot robot named Clank.

“Don’t be sad Ratchet, your back!”

The story–as far as the excerpt from the newly uploaded trailer alludes too–is a continuation of the pre-existing narrative depicted back in “A Crack In Time”, that continues Ratchet’s pursuit for the vestige of his vanished species with impunity, banished by a machine the Lombax themselves invented to protect the safety of their kin from a surplus vagrant, antagonized by the Lombax community and fuelled by misplaced hatred for his abandonment by his own kind. Or something like that? I still maintain comprehensive, lingering resentment for Insomniacs recent directives that have taken liberties with the already established, and humbly respected premise that was informally castrated in favour of a juvenile, lacklustre format, bereft of originality. It’s not that I don’t understand the shift from a concept that you could argue had been regurgitated or mimicked, but sacrificing the dynamic, hugely obnoxious array of maniacal ballistics, the exploitable space that shrouds profitable titanium bolts, that allows you to deviate from the stipulated path. I’ve been playing the Ratchet & Clank series since its inception back in 2002 and perhaps my perennial enmity is down to some instinctive, maternal shield to my perceived desecrated interpretation of the series development, but “Into The Nexus” despite its vagueness of its ideas, it does seem to show one insinuation; promise.

“The loss of gravity may result in awesome game play. Or in a loss of bodily functions?”

“Into The Nexus” demonstrates a classier more polished interpretation of the galaxy, with a much more obvious emphasis on its traditional merits. Its more serious presentation initially appears lacking in its traditional comical wit *Gasp* that made the 2 protagonists as well as its extensive, superfluous cast believable, despite their embellished personalities and disproportionate physiques (Yes we are well aware of your rock hard abs Quark). The effect of gravity is also and intriguing proposition reminiscent of the smaller planets of “Up Your Arsenal’s”, spherically inferior circumference, with the smaller concavity of the certain planets reduced gravitational pull making for leaps and jumps of stretched elasticity. But the end of its presentation faithfully retains its evanescent hilarity *wipes perspiration from brow*, personified by the varied cast of heroes and villains, as well as maintaining traditional elements integral to its success and combining unique exposition dynamics that elevate it above its predecessors without sacrificing the core fundamentals. It’s not intellectual, but nor is Ratchet & Clank patronising. By ignoring its recent past and returning to its more prosperous rhetoric that made the series so compelling, as well as its incidences much more grounded, Ratchet & Clank have extended the life of the PS3 beyond even the next generation. As well as further depleting my bank balance.

“Ratchet & Clank; It’s good to have you back.”

Are you looking forward to a new Ratchet & Clank title? Or has the series been compounded for too long? Let me know what you think. Cheers.