Ratchet & Clank

Moby ID: 8006
PlayStation 2 Specs
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Description official descriptions

Ratchet & Clank is a platform action game in a similar vein to the 3D versions of the Rayman, Sonic, Mario, or other comparable games. It involves the two protagonists Ratchet, a furry alien creature, and Clank, a nerdy little robot, going on a quest to find Captain Qwark and ultimately to help save the galaxy.

Ratchet & Clank includes many of the common features seen in previous similar games, but distinguishes itself in a number of ways. The game's levels are fairly vast and contain detailed structures which are visible at all times (i.e. there is no distance fog). The game also includes a number of prominently featured mini-games, such as a space fight sequence and a number of turret shoot-outs which are akin to Missile Command in the first person.

The game has over twenty levels (planets) and includes as many cutscenes made with in-game graphics which tell the story. Also of note is that the story is non-linear, requiring the player to return to previous levels to complete objectives and to choose between multiple paths forward. There is also a respectable array of weapons, gadgets, and accessories to find or buy as the game progresses, which offer some unique gameplay features.

Spellings

  • ラチェット&クランク - Japanese spelling
  • 瑞琪与叮当 - Chinese spelling (simplified)

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Screenshots

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Credits (PlayStation 2 version)

129 People (105 developers, 24 thanks) · View all

Reviews

Critics

Average score: 88% (based on 31 ratings)

Players

Average score: 4.0 out of 5 (based on 61 ratings with 5 reviews)

Possibly the PS2's finest.

The Good
This is a first-rate, addictive and entertaining platform game, re-energised such games after PS1 favourite Crash utterly failed to make it as a PS2 platforming hero. Ratchet and Clank is filled with interesting levels, weapons, enemies and gadgets. Added to that are the terrific cut-scenes involving humorous but well-thought-out characters and first-class vocals, not to mention the gorgeous, amazingly-detailed graphics and good soundtrack.

The Bad
Er....a few annoying sub-games.

The Bottom Line
Ratchet, a furry alien being, is a humble mechanic who dreams of being a hero. One day he comes across a little robot, Clank, who needs to find the well-known adventurer and heroic Captain Qwark in order to stop a ruthless money-mad tycoon. So you, as Ratchet (though you also occasionally play as Clank) must journey through various fully-3D platform worlds in order to track down the captain, and ultimately throw a spanner (or should that be ratchet :) into the destructive workings of Chairman Drek and his army of robots and other horrors. Weapons and gadgets can be obtained with the use of bolts, which are hidden in boxes or can be obtained from enemies you've marmalized. The weapons will gradually increase in power with frequent use, and ammo is available from vending machines scattered about the various worlds.

PlayStation 2 · by Gary Smith (57) · 2004

A Game For Anybody who wants a game with a storyline and the action adventure type....

The Good
Ratchet And Clank is a game where it is different then any other PS2 yet. You can blast many objects and a god storyline with humor, action, adventure, and betrayal..... The game has many weapons including a gun that turns your enemies into chickens. Missions include doing Star Wars type sky shooting to shoot down minions. And not to mention the game is futuristic so expect to see future like things like different planets, robots [duh] and other future like things you see in the Jetsons.

The Bad
Even though it's a good game there is still always downsides. Such as the "Skill Points" they can take a long time to solve.

The Bottom Line
It is unlike any other game I ever saw. And for less than $30, it would make a comforting gift for any being. My Overall Rating Is A 9 out of 10! Way To Go Insomiac! Keep It Up!

PlayStation 2 · by powerstone05 (344) · 2004

The game that saved platform gaming.

The Good
The vast environments and colors were spectacular and the weapons were great! Ratchet and Clank were "made for each other". Their smart one-liners and whimsical humor made the game even more enjoyable.

The Bad
The storyline was too cutsy, Ratchet and Clank lit it up with their humor, but it overshadowed the lacking storyline. I hope they make a more in-depth storyline in Ratchet and Clank: Going Commando.

The Bottom Line
Enjoyable for everybody of all ages. But, please do not try any of these weapons at home, believe me people have tried.

PlayStation 2 · by Exodia85 (2145) · 2003

[ View all 5 player reviews ]

Discussion

Subject By Date
Cover art error Starbuck the Third (22608) Sep 11, 2012

Trivia

1001 Video Games

The PS2 version of Ratchet & Clank appears in the book 1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die by General Editor Tony Mott.

References

Throughout Ratchet and Clank, you will come to various electrical power fences preventing you from proceeding. Everytime you encounter one of these barriers, they are powered by a Power Orb, the same Power Orb design used in the Jak & Daxter series.

Awards

  • 4Players
    • 2002 – Best PS2 Dexterity Game of the Year
    • 2002 – Best PS2 Dexterity Game of the Year (Readers' Vote)
    • 2002 – #3 Best PS2 Game of the Year (Readers' Vote)
  • GameSpot
    • 2002 - Best Graphics (Technical) (PS2)
  • GameSpy
    • 2002 – Best Graphics of the Year (PS2)

Information also contributed by STU2

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Related Games

Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus
Released 2013 on PlayStation 3
Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One
Released 2011 on PlayStation 3
Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault
Released 2012 on PlayStation 3, 2013 on PS Vita
Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction
Released 2007 on PlayStation 3
Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal
Released 2004 on PlayStation 2, 2012 on PlayStation 3
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Released 2021 on PlayStation 5, Windows
Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando
Released 2003 on PlayStation 2, 2012 on PlayStation 3, 2014 on PS Vita
Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters
Released 2007 on PSP, PlayStation 2
Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty
Released 2008 on PlayStation 3

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Contributors to this Entry

Game added by Tibes80.

PlayStation 3 added by Sciere.

Additional contributors: Unicorn Lynx, Zack Green, DreinIX, Patrick Bregger, skcos, FatherJack.

Game added December 27, 2002. Last modified January 28, 2024.