Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time Review

By Ellie Gibson Published 21 October, 2009

Zoni computer entertainment.

Version tested: PlayStation 3

Is it fair to criticise a sequel because it offers nothing new? After all, there would be no sequels if there wasn't demand for more of the same. Having ordered a meat feast pizza, do you complain because what turns up is just like the last one you had? Maybe you just wanted another meat feast pizza. Except with the pepperoni, ham and smingy brown stuff arranged in a slightly different order.

Ratchet & Clank fans who just want more of the same won't be disappointed with A Crack in Time. It's pretty, polished, funny, expansive, satisfying and rewarding, just like all the previous instalments in the series. There are hordes of enemies to batter and bolts to collect. There are puzzles to solve, doors to open, rails to grind on and jump pads to bounce off. Despite the global economic meltdown, business at the crate factory must be booming as there are endless piles of boxes to smash open - wooden ones, metal ones, exploding ones, more wooden ones.

There is a new plot, of course. Clank has been kidnapped by the Zoni at the behest of the evil Dr Nefarious, and Ratchet is on a mission to rescue him. Along the way he bumps into a grizzled old fellow Lombax, General Azimuth, and they join forces. Captain Qwark returns to provide comic relief, and there are plenty of good, occasionally Hitchhikers-esque jokes right from the start (opening voiceover: "Space. It's huge. So huge in fact that if you lost your car keys in it, they would be almost impossible to find.")

There's some nonsense about long-lost fathers, a bit of bobbins about a machine which can turn back time and a lot of conversations about what needs to happen next. These are largely redundant as whatever needs to happen almost invariably involves Ratchet visiting a strange alien planet, running and jumping around a lot and blamming a load of enemies to bits.

'Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time' Screenshot 1

Just like the previous game, ACIT is almost as pretty as a Pixar.

This is just as much fun as it's always been. Ratchet is a pleasure to play thanks to responsive controls, fluid animations, seamless weapon-switching and a camera which keeps up with the action. His new Hoverboots make it easier and faster than ever to get around, which is handy as some of the levels in ACIT are massive. The boots are also useful for jumping off ramps to reach high-up areas and special collectables. As always, there are enough of these to keep the hardest of the hardcore busy once the main game is complete.

The Hoverboots are the best of the bunch when it comes to new gadgets, but it's a pretty small bunch. The same applies to weapons. New additions include the Plasma Striker, which is a sort of rocket launcher with a sniper scope attached. It's particularly satisfying to use when you hit the precise targets shown in the scope, thereby causing extra damage. The Plasma Striker is also great when combined with the Cryo-Bomb Glove. This encases enemies in ice, leaving them immobile and you to pick off those targets with ease.

Some of the other new weapons are less useful. There's plenty of novelty value to the Sonic Eruptor - pull the trigger and the frog on the end of the gun will let out a huge burp, knocking nearby enemies to the floor. This might be fun at first, but you soon realise that temporarily stunning enemies with a comedy frog is not as effective as blasting their torsos open with your old friend The Negotiator.

Then there's the Dynamo of Doom, which unleashes a sphere of electrifying energy. You can move the sphere around and attack more enemies with it by tilting the Sixaxis. This is tricky to do while simultaneously keeping Ratchet clear of flying ammo, and as a result the DOD isn't really worth bothering with. Nor is the new weapon customisation system - the answer to whether you want to upgrade a weapon is always 'Yes', and though you can choose between various effects the differences are slight.

Most of the weapons in the game are old favourites, including the Buzz Blades and the Groovitron (be sure to try it out on the big lizardy boss Qwark runs away from in the Bronze arena). They're just as enjoyable to use as ever but you can't help wishing there were more new toys to play with, and more which weren't so similar to those we've seen before.

At least Clank gets a new weapon too. Ratchet's storyline is broken up by sections where you get to control his former sidekick, who's now equipped with a special sceptre. It can throw time bombs which create a sphere of slo-mo for a limited time - useful when you need to jump on a fast-moving platform, for example. It can fix time anomalies, or in other words be used to complete mini-games which involve shooting fast-moving spikey things. The sceptre is also good for whacking enemies in the same way as Ratchet's wrench, but there's not a great deal of combat in the Clank levels.

'Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time' Screenshot 2

This is General Azimuth. He played Rum Tum Tugger in the original Broadway production of Cats.

Instead the emphasis is mainly on solving puzzles, which is done by using a series of switches to record and play back time. For example, Clank can record himself running over to a pressure pad and standing on it to open a door. When he plays back the recording, a hologram version of Clank will perform exactly the same actions - leaving the real Clank to run through to the next area.

This might all sound simple enough but things get complicated once the puzzles start to feature multiple recording tracks, several pressure pads, rising and falling platforms and so on. Younger players may struggle to complete a lot of them without adult help. Adults who still don't really understand what happened in the last season of Lost will also struggle. Luckily there is an option to bypass puzzles if you get really stuck. Yes, this feels like cheating, and it will cost you some of the precious bolts you've collected, but it's a lot less depressing and expensive than kicking the telly's face off.

In any case, the puzzles are rather enjoyable. The record-playback mechanic allows you to work them out through trial and error, and they're complex enough to make you feel all smug and clever when you solve them. All the same, if you've played many action-adventure games you've probably completed plenty of puzzles like these before - there's nothing which really makes you think in a new way.

In between the Clank levels and the Ratchet missions, you get to pilot a spaceship around a free-roaming galaxy. You can visit tiny planets which are almost like mini-levels themselves, where you'll find special items such as Zoni to collect. You can accept sub-quests, such as shooting down a certain number of ships, to earn extra bolts. Occasionally you'll have to engage in obligatory special missions, such as a dogfight with ships guarding the planet you're trying to reach.

These intergalactic interludes aren't all that interesting. Your ship moves rather slowly, even with the thrusters on, and you can only direct it on a horizontal axis. The tiny planets are just like the regular missions, only on a smaller scale - chop up some crates, jump over some platforms, blast some enemies, collect your reward and move on. Even the dogfights lack drama, being pretty easy to win and familiar to anyone who's ever played a videogame with space in before.

Many of the other elements designed to break up the pace are instantly recognisable. Remember shooting down waves of ships from a fixed gun turret in all those other R&C games? You will when you've played this one. How about battling waves of baddies in combat arenas, then finishing up with a giant boss fight? Tick. That's not to say all the shooting and fighting isn't fun - it's just very familiar.

'Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time' Screenshot 4

Word is they're building a Lidl here in 2010.

Which just about sums it all up. There's no question that Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time is a quality platformer, complete with a superb combat system, decent puzzles, fun weapons, pretty visuals and plenty of variation. If you've never played a R&C game before, you should, and this is a great place to start. If you're a fan who just wants more of the same, you won't be disappointed.

But I've been playing R&C games for years now, and I was hoping for something extra. That doesn't mean radical change - goodness knows no one wants Ratchet to "go dark" or start running round sandbox environments. I still want a meat feast pizza, I just want it to have a stuffed crust. And maybe some dips. Or in other words, a proper selection of exciting new weapons, original puzzles and a bit of innovation. It's not that A Crack in Time is all fur coat and no knickers. The problem is, it's all fur coat and the same knickers it's been wearing for seven years. Time for a change.

7 / 10

Read the Eurogamer.net scoring policy
Picture of Ellie.

About Ellie Gibson

Since joining Eurogamer in the mid 2000s, Ellie has written about subjects as diverse as the fall of Gizmondo, the rise of Hollyoaks actresses in Red Alert games and the noise a bear makes under NSFW circumstances.

Read more articles from Ellie by visiting the Ellie Gibson archive page.

You may also like...

Comments (165) Latest comment 2 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • ZuluHero #1 2 years ago

    Ohh.. a bit late at night for a review? Looks like EG are burning the midnight oil again (quite literally in this case!) When i eventually get a PS3 (for the last guardian) This will be one of the games i will get (along with the huge back catalogue of other ps3 exclusives by then :p). I love the visuals and the style of game, and its cool to see studios still making games like this. Even though they are very stylised, the extra umpf of the 'next-gen' machines really makes it look good.

    I'm still wishing and hoping for a Jak and Daxter game though :)

  • Charlie_Miso #2 2 years ago

    Did an embargo just expire or something?

  • Burkey123 #3 2 years ago

    Disappointing score :(
    Was hoping for at least an 8. Looks and sounds pretty much the same. Might pick it up cheap in a couple of months.

  • Ninja_Tino #4 2 years ago

    I see what you're saying but it's a rarity to have a great, colourful game nowadays. I'll still be buying this full price though, as I just love these games. I can see this board erupting tomorrow. Should have just given it an 8 to avoid the madness.

  • TriggerHippie #5 2 years ago

    Ratchet & Clank haven't strayed far from the formula since the very beginning and I'm happy for it. When they did try something different (Gladiator) it wasn't for the better. Tools of Destruction was great but I felt they'd dropped a lot of the stuff I'd come to enjoy in previous instalments, especially upgrading and personalising the spaceship.

    I'd imagine that this will be worth more than a 7 for fans of the series and gamers yet to experience its charms.
    Edited by 1 at 22/10/09 @ 02:47

  • El-Dev #6 2 years ago

    Maybe overly harsh here for sticking to the same fromula.

    Will be picking this up in the January sales hopefuly.

  • smelly #7 2 years ago

    >Is it fair to criticise a sequel because it offers nothing new?

    well i didnt see you guys mark down halo 3.. or gta 4.. etc etc.. so i'm guessing no it's not fair..

  • BobJustBob #8 2 years ago

    "goodness knows no one wants Ratchet to ... start running round sandbox environments"

    Speak for yourself!

  • local_celebrity #9 2 years ago

    Stuffed crust pizza?

    Classy.

    What do you fancy for afters, Ellie? Arctic Roll or Walls Vienetta?

    ;-)

  • Moz #10 2 years ago

    Must say the score sounds a little harsh.

    If it's as good as the last full ratchet then i'd give it an 8 - don't think i was really wanting anything new. Games of this ilk are so few and far between that i'm happy for Ratchet to stay as is. If there were 3 or 4 good platformers to play each year then maybe i'd expect something more.

    But most of the time trying to do something more just goes wrong, Mario sunshine anyone? Hell Mario Galaxy for that matter great as it is still leave me pinning for Mario 64 - there aren't enough pure experiences anymore there always has to be some new element which more often then not is there for the sake of doing something new rather then because someone had a great new idea.

    So unless someone at Insomnia has a random flash of generous i'd rather they didn't mess with the formula

  • mowgli #11 2 years ago

    @Smelly, that's because they made up for it in other ways.

  • Artemus #12 2 years ago

    Insomniac try and do something a bit different with the series and you end up with Ratchet Gladiator and a bunch of pissed off fans. You release a 'safe' sequel and you get marked down for lack of innovation. What to do?

  • MikeJones #13 2 years ago

    "Which just about sums it all up. There's no question that Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time is a quality platformer, complete with a superb combat system, decent puzzles, fun weapons, pretty visuals and plenty of variation. If you've never played a R&C game before, you should, and this is a great place to start. If you're a fan who just wants more of the same, you won't be disappointed"


    Insomniac = Fail

  • Progguitarist #14 2 years ago

    Definitly think its harsh to dock points for not being completely original. Why doesnt FIFA receive the same criticism?

  • SuperSonic1305 #15 2 years ago

    This is bad news for Super Mario Galaxy and Modern Warfare 2. TEH INNOVATION is more important than being a good game.

  • Progguitarist #16 2 years ago

    I just think if points are going to be deducted it should be applied across the board. I can't see MW2 losing out even though it'll basically be the same game as COD4.

    As TOD was my introduction to this series I will be purchasing this.

  • Kenshin001 #17 2 years ago

    So nothing new in this iteration except the time manipulation, new weapons, weapon customisation and free roaming space exploration then. Unfortunately the review doesn't seem to account for the large amount of people who haven't actually played every single R&C game before.

  • juuken #18 2 years ago

    You people are so full of shit. Really, you are. It must have killed you to give Uncharted 2 a well deserved score of 9 so now you take it out on Rachet and Clank?

    Really, what the fuck?

  • miiiguel #19 2 years ago

    ^ huh?!

    http://ww w.eurogamer.net/articles/unchar...

    Can you count up to 10? It's right after 9.
    Edited by 1 at 22/10/09 @ 02:50

  • Nephirion #20 2 years ago

    As good as Operation Flashpoint 2 then?

  • Williambuzz #21 2 years ago

    A 7 wow! Someone is on crack here. Ellie Gibson, you should have just given it 6 cause your credentials of a reviewer just went down the the drain.

  • smelly #22 2 years ago

    @Williambuzz : I take it you've played the game from beginning to end to form that opinion?

    if so - what did you like/not like to formulate that opinion?

    if not - then i'd say its you who should shut the f-up - wouldnt you?

  • 3william56 #23 2 years ago

    It's a clear case of read the review, not the score. The review describes a great game, and yes, it is (sort of) fair to mark it down if you can get 80% of the same great game in the bargin bin (Tools of Destruction). But if you liked the previous versions(and I did), and fancy another dozen hours of the same (and I do) it looks like you'll like this one (and I expect to), so worth your money (when I'm done with Drake, anyhoo).

    I'm surprised that there's no mention of any improvement in the graphics. ToD was decent, but I'd have thought that given the strides Insomniac made with Resistance, and the beauty their long time collaborators Naughty Dog have just unleashed, that ACIT would be a fair bit improved?

    I suppose the 2 demos on the way will answer both questions.

  • Demiath #24 2 years ago

    All fur coat and no knickers? You crazy Britons sure have a funny way of expressing yourselves...

  • Williambuzz #25 2 years ago

    @smelly. Your right, I didn't play the game. I'm saying that Ellie fails in that, she praises the game for its innovated puzzles, weapons, and overall game play and gave it a 7 because it felt to much like a Ratchet and Clank game.

    As for your comment towards me, You must be a little guy cause your mouth makes up for size. Have a nice day and be good :)

  • Machiavellian #26 2 years ago

    The way I look at it is that if I am playing 60 for a new R&C but can pretty much experience 80 to 90% of the game from the previous version, the yes, the game should be knocked for it. Yes, I probably will have fun with the new game but my enjoyment will be less and I will be wanting more for my money.

  • Les #27 2 years ago

    Love it how the review admits the irrelevance of a score:

    "If you've never played a R&C game before, you should, and this is a great place to start. If you're a fan who just wants more of the same, you won't be disappointed. But I've been playing R&C games for years now, and I was hoping for something extra."

    So people that aren't fans but have been playing all those R&C games over the years are, to a certain extent, represented by Ellie's opinion... Can't imagine that to be a large group.

    So I say: Fuck scores, form an opinion of your own.

    /lay-out
    Edited by 1 at 22/10/09 @ 07:30

  • des #28 2 years ago

    Tired,too much milked series,that sells like shit,why are they even making it?
    I guess its a perfect thing for bundles,but still

  • Scimarad #29 2 years ago

    " 'goodness knows no one wants Ratchet to ... start running round sandbox environments'

    Speak for yourself! "

    That's precisely what went through my head:)

    Anyway, this one of those where it's important that you read the review rather than just look at the score, considering it's effectively being 'marked down' for not doing something different. Of course, if you've got any sense whatsoever you never judge a game solely by it's review score.

  • aphexstwin #30 2 years ago

    if ellie thinks its worth a 7 then thats what shes entitled to think.

    my feeling about 'innovation' is this. remember when the ps3 was announced? it had those boomerang controllers that everyone thought would be shit to hold even without having hold of one? so everyone moaned about them. in response to the negativity surrounding the boomerpad they released the sixaxis instead, a shape ingrained in every gamer. then sony gets shat on again for not being innovative enough. so basically, as with r&c, theyre fucked if they do, and theyre fucked if they dont.

  • BOFH_UK #31 2 years ago

    Well once again Eurogamer proves the vast majority of gamers are.... idiots.

    Look, the last couple of paragraphs make it very clear - if you're a fan of the series and are happy to have more of the same then it's higher than a seven. If you're a newcomer it's higher than a seven. BUT if you've played a R&C game before (which I suspect the majority of PS3 owners have) and want something different (note, not innovative, just different, important distinction that) then it's a 7. Which is still above average but enough to make those that fall into that category stop and think. Then the fanboys get upset because they can't use that score in the endless pointless willy-waving that the console wars have devolved into and you get a couple of hundred posts complaining. Oy.

  • Les #32 2 years ago

    "Well once again Eurogamer proves the vast majority of gamers are.... idiots."

    But shouldn't EG know that by now and doesn't that knowledge without a proper adjustment in behaviour make them at least partly responsible for the mess that the industry's in?

  • Antaios #33 2 years ago

    Yeah, reads like a 7. I'm still getting this, though.

  • Roarster #34 2 years ago

    Wonder how many people will see the review, take one glance at the score and immediately strike it off their buy list without reading the actual (positive) review?

    Reviews like this could really use a separate paragraph beside the score explaining why it received the mark, even if it's just to stop the inevitable fanboy wars before they even get going.

  • mgillespie #35 2 years ago

    Who wants to bet MW2 won't get marked down for being more of the same...

    Clearly the reviewers here are narrowminded cretins.

  • speedofthepuma #36 2 years ago

    Thank the good God in heaven they haven't changed it dramatically.

  • MrsPacMan #37 2 years ago

    7 is a very good score....

    for a PS3 game!!!

  • tinocat #38 2 years ago

    Can't wait for my R+C fix.

  • 52pickup #39 2 years ago

    The score is solely reflected by the person(s) reviewing the game. IGN gave it a 9, so as i said, it's the individual reviewers taste in games that determine the review score. The only review you can ever rely on, is your own. I've followed the franchise since day one, and i will be buying this as soon as it hits stores.

  • OnlyMe #40 2 years ago

    So, is it a 7 because it's not offering something new, and therefore not given an 8? Or is it a 7 because it's actually worse than the last game in the series? I'm confused.

    Personally, I love this series. I played through most of the first game on PS2 (just never managed the last boss), never got to play much of the two (proper) sequels. I was however, more into the Jak and Daxter series, so my focus went on that one. I bought and loved both of the PS3 Rathets so far though, and completed them as well. I've had this new iteration on pre-order for a month or so, and I personally wouldn't pre-order if I wasn't sure it would be at least as good as the last, even if it's just more of the same. My pre-orders are based on what I expect the game to be, and my expectations are usually based on experience.

  • fjharps #41 2 years ago

    i think people should take reviews like a sort of guide how many people has enjoyed a poor rated game in the past (i have enjoyed a 3/10) and vice versa i know i havent enjoyed at all a 8,9,10/10 rated game sometimes so thats why in the end its up to your personal taste.

  • Goodfella #42 2 years ago

    Personally I think the score is harsh, despite the cop out reasoning at the end. It's a highly polished, FUN experience that does more of the same, what's wrong with that? Bungie have being doing it for years!

  • DonnieDarko333 #43 2 years ago

    Really surprised at the '7', other reviews are stating it's great..i was expecting a 8...bit harsh me thinks...but i'm still buying it..so don't matter really..haha

  • thebuzzard #44 2 years ago

    More of the same is exactly what Im after.

  • ardamillo #45 2 years ago

    So does the time playback mechanic work like that level in Braid?

  • Kazzahdrane #46 2 years ago

    Score of 7 but the review reads like an 8 (or 9 to fans of the series). As others have stated, marking it down for being more of the same (and yet really good by the reviewer's own words) seems a bit harsh, given the many annual franchises that do exactly that and sometimes stagnate completely.

  • Kenshin001 #47 2 years ago

    "So does the time playback mechanic work like that level in Braid?"

    Think it does since Insomniac basically said they took it from Braid.

  • Bennicus #48 2 years ago

    Looks like EG are burning the midnight oil again (quite literally in this case!)

    NO, NOT "LITERALLY".

    Sorry, just had to get that out of my system, carry on. :)

  • Zebula77 #49 2 years ago

    Don't think the score is all that important in this case. The review gives you everything you need - like the R&C series? = buy it, never played them before? = buy it.

    I've always liked the games and didn't really want anything new.

    What I DO want, however, is for Naughty Dog to make another Jak & Daxter game. :)

  • msamik #50 2 years ago

    Frankly, both Eurogamer and EDGR are a joke in terms of scores. Eurogamer reviews are written well, but the scoring is nonsense. Any site that scores Ratchet a 7 for "being the same" and scores ODST an 8 exposes itself to ridicule, Rathchet has better graphics, a more engaging story and set of characters, more varied gameplay and is ertain to offer a much longer campaign. More importantly, compared to Ratchet 1 on the PS2, the new edition does offer new time travel mechanics and weapons - ODST is the SAME gameplay as Halo 1!

  • onyxbox #51 2 years ago

    not as much value for money as ODST then I guess

  • HuggyAtHome #52 2 years ago

    I agree with many here - I want more of the same. Also because nobody else makes this stuff anymore other than Nintendo every 3 years. Score doesn't matter - you know what you are getting with a R & C title. It's gaming marmite and I love it.

  • andywilkie35 #53 2 years ago

    The second paragraph makes this an absolute must buy for me - I'm a big fan of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" and as I find the Ratchet games to be pretty much perfect anyway, more of the same is fantastic news.

  • guernican #54 2 years ago

    "This is bad news for Super Mario Galaxy and Modern Warfare 2. TEH INNOVATION is more important than being a good game."

    Depends whether you're already expecting the game to be a quality release or not.

  • Skurmedel #55 2 years ago

    Good old "score doesn't reflect the text"-debate. Comes up every time. Is it possible to just get rid of the score all together? I think it would amount to less commotion.

  • Boomerang #56 2 years ago

    @mgillespie
    "Who wants to bet MW2 won't get marked down for being more of the same..."

    How much do you know about MW2? Not very much it appears, 'cos it definitely will NOT be more of the same. Unless you count shooting...
    Edited by 1 at 22/10/09 @ 11:23

  • Kenshin001 #57 2 years ago

    "I've always liked the games and didn't really want anything new."

    That's what bugs me about the review though. It starts off with, "Is it fair to criticise a sequel because it offers nothing new?"

    Then talks about:

    His new Hoverboots...
    The Hoverboots are the best of the bunch when it comes to new gadgets
    New additions include the Plasma Striker
    ...the new weapon customisation system
    Clank gets a new weapon too
    ...the emphasis is mainly on solving puzzles, which is done by using a series of switches to record and play back time.(New)
    ...you get to pilot a spaceship around a free-roaming galaxy.(New again)

    Apparently it offers nothing new except for all the new stuff. I don't think I've seen the word "new" so many times in a review that is critical of there being nothing new.

  • Dismiss #58 2 years ago

    As many others have already mentioned, I might have grown tired of Rachet myself if there were other games like this out there. Sadly, quality platformer/shooters with some deep puzzling to boot, are hard to find. In this light, every new RnC is a game to cherish. As long as I'm having fun, I might as well go to the same playground. Isn't that why I bought Halo 3: ODST after all?

  • thedaveeyres #59 2 years ago

    Good review, highly entertaining read.

    A++++ WOULD READ AGAIN

  • youhavenomail #60 2 years ago

    The score doesn't really matter to those of us looking forward to the game. If you're happy with more of the same, then the review tells you to get it.

    What I do find interesting is that Eurogamer would think that EA put more effort into FIFA 10 than Insomniac have with R&C and considers FIFA 10 as more of an artistic achievement that warrants a score of 9.

  • El-Suave #61 2 years ago

    The review is good, but ths score is harsh. I hope other games (like i.e. Left 4 Dead 2) will be scored by the same standard.

  • funkateer #62 2 years ago

    I say judge R&C for what it is, not for what it isn't.
    Judging from the interview, an 8 or 8.5 sounds more reasonable.

  • VandelayIndustries #63 2 years ago

    Kenshin001: "Apparently it offers nothing new except for all the new stuff. I don't think I've seen the word "new" so many times in a review that is critical of there being nothing new."

    Hit the nail on the head there.
    Edited by 1 at 22/10/09 @ 10:06

  • Gunzberg #64 2 years ago

    Judging by other reviews this is a great R&C game, firmly in 8.5-9.0 territory. I'll be picking it up. First time I've seriously disagreed with an EG review - if it's more of the same I would think an 8 is fair...7 looks as if it just wants to send a statement to Insomniac, who after all are a quality developer. By giving this a 7 it is on the same level as some of the unpolished dross we have experienced over the last year, an 8 would have recognised its quality and polish

  • GreyBeard #65 2 years ago

    Offhand I can't think of anything like R&C around these days. Am I missing something obvious?
    I mean if there were a dozen competing titles I could understand Ellie being so jaded, but there's not a lot around so it seems a bit harsh to criticize it for not innovating.

    And honestly, originality should be considered a bonus, not a neccessity.

  • Murbal #66 2 years ago

    I hope you've cleared up all those pizza boxes; you don't want an infestation of mice, do you?

  • Les #67 2 years ago

    "Apparently it offers nothing new except for all the new stuff. I don't think I've seen the word "new" so many times in a review that is critical of there being nothing new."

    lol

    IMHO Ellie is one of the worst reviewers around here (in most of her reviews the majority of the text isn't about the game but about Ellie), though this particular review is probably one of her best.

    In the end, a reviewer plays a game and assigns it a score. Then writes a review and somehow has to make it more or less fit with the assigned score. Sometimes he/she succeeds, often he/she doesn't.

    So we can argue all about the arguments given to justify the score and how rubbish they are, but in Ellie's opinion the game is a '7' and nothing's going to change that.

    The important question is whether or not Ellie's opinion matters to you (either because you tend to share her taste in games or you like what EG likes, etc.).
    Edited by 1 at 22/10/09 @ 10:30

  • jimboton #68 2 years ago

    " Frankly, both Eurogamer and EDGR are a joke in terms of scores. Eurogamer reviews are written well, but the scoring is nonsense. Any site that scores Ratchet a 7 for "being the same" and scores ODST an 8 exposes itself to ridicule"

    That's because Ellie reviewed this while it was Tom who reviewed ODST.

    You can bet Ellie's take on ODST would have been consistent with her opinion here. Just as you can bet that when Tom does Modern Warfere 2 (aka Call of duty 6) review in that characteristic enthusiastic mood he is in whenever a 'needs to be AAA and sell gazillions" title falls in his hands (and most do) he won't be overly critical of it being ..quite familiar.

    Of course I'd love to see Ellie handle the MW2 review.

    just let her EG, I dare you to .. let her..
    Edited by 1 at 22/10/09 @ 10:04

  • Beige_Alert #69 2 years ago

    Review reads like an 8 to me, Still 7 is "Good" according to the scoring guide.

  • MrMarbles #70 2 years ago

    You can bet Ellie's take on ODST would have been consistent with her opinion here.

    Is Ellie's take on Mario and Sonic at the Winter Olympics consistent with her opinion here?
    Edited by 2 at 22/10/09 @ 10:10

  • scorpius45 #71 2 years ago

    Sod the score I will be buying this on day of release, I love Ratchet and Clank games.

  • freakzilla #72 2 years ago

    I didn't come here expecting much but a 7 still seems a bit harsh. I'll still get it when I can, R&C is pretty damn unique when you put it next to the likes of MW2, uncharted, borderlands etc.

  • msamik #73 2 years ago

    Mario/Sonic at Winter Olympics - by the same reviewer
    "Cynics might assume all they've done is slap an extra word on the box, throw in some new mini-games, add a couple more characters and cover everything with a fresh blanket of virtual snow. Well, Mr Cynics, it's true they've done that"

    8/10. Makes any sense? Not to me

  • Petulant_Radish #74 2 years ago

    It’s a score that is completely irrelevant, anyone who gets upset about a review score most probably has mental issues and should get themselves sectioned immediately before they start plunging knives into unsuspecting passengers skulls on public transport because someone said that they found a Bounty slightly less enjoyable than a Mars bar.

    Read the review, and ignore the score, or more importantly, play a demo and make up your own opinon. Mugs.

  • miiiguel #75 2 years ago

    Much sadder than everything else, is that you're giving a very poor image of what's a PS fan. Remember that when you say something about "the 15 yo's american kids who play Halo".

    Later.

  • markymark22 #76 2 years ago

    Dont really care for this game but it seems like a dumb reason to mark down a game. Different story same game gta4 had pretty much the exact same mechanics as vice city! drive/fly from A to B. Do work for mob boss, kill mob boss. Weapons...shotgun, pistols, etc...exact same. Collect all drug packs-collect all flying rats. I'm not picking on gta4 i'm just saying 7 is a poor score for a reason that's not applied to all reviews.

  • jimboton #77 2 years ago

    "Is Ellie's take on Mario and Sonic at the Winter Olympics consistent with her opinion here? "

    Well she seemed to think it was a clear improvement over the (only) previous Mario and Sonic game. She also ended up by warning that she expected more of any further games of 'mario & Sonic'.

    Personally I don't think for a moment Mario and Sonic at the Winter Olympics is a better game than Crack in time in any way, but yes, Iīd say her opinion here is quite consistent with her opinion there..

  • Les #78 2 years ago

    "just saying 7 is a poor score for a reason that's not applied to all reviews"

    But that's not how the human mind works. Ellie (or any other reviewer) first forms an opinion and then tries to find reasons for that opinion. Like I've said many times before, we're rationalizing animals, not rational animals.

    So while two games might (to a certain extent objectively) be argued to suffer from the same flaws, the review scores for both of them are based on the personal opinion of the reviewer of the games as a whole and thus can differ widely.
    Edited by 1 at 22/10/09 @ 11:08

  • faster1974 #79 2 years ago

    I'm with Tim Schafer - I miss colourful platform games. R&C maybe more of the same, but it's more of an increasing rare genre that I love.

  • Ellie #80 2 years ago

    Just for the record... I didn't start writing the review with a finalised score in mind. In fact I was pretty torn between 7 and 8. As it turned out, I felt 7 was the right score. Seems like many of you think I was wrong... Fair enough :)

  • Beano #81 2 years ago

    Review reads more like a 8 to me. But either way, 7 is a good score and it recieves great reviews from IGN and Gametrailers also - a must-buy for me :D

  • Les #82 2 years ago

    "Just for the record... I didn't start writing the review with a finalised score in mind."

    No, you're not aware that you started writing the review with a 'finalized score' in mind... ;)

  • RESIDENT_nEVILe #83 2 years ago

    A reviewer is perfectly entitled to mark down a game for sticking to a formula - it can be a legitimate reason, and opinions are like assholes.

  • mingster #84 2 years ago

    mods can you GI SAILOR please for his retarded comments

  • Vanmunt #85 2 years ago

    I knew somebody that went to the pub to meet her bloke with only a fur coat on, she also liked to sit on her washing machine on a full spin... mind you she was French.

    I would of definately given her one... no I mean 8, no a 7...

  • Darren #86 2 years ago

    EG gave Ratchet & Clank: Tool of Destruction an 8 and I absolutely loved that game so a 7 for the true sequel means I can be pretty confident that I'll enjoy it too. Quest for Booty was also very good but way too short.

    For me, these games are a relatively new experience because I only ever sampled demos of the earlier PS2 games so my first proper taste of a full Ratchet & Clank game was Tools of Destruction. I'm really looking forward to A Crack in Time.

  • Darren #87 2 years ago

    I thought the review was a fair one considering Ellie has played most of the games so familiarity much be rearing its head by now. As for the comment about not wanting a sandbox Ratchet & Clank game... actually, I think that would be a great idea myself. A linear storyline set in a sandbox universe where you can visit numerous planets and have plenty of other stuff to do outside the main quest. What's wrong with that?

  • Les #88 2 years ago

    @Sailor

    Yeah, that really adds to the discussion... Welcome to my extensive ignore list... :(

  • chudders #89 2 years ago

    Er, yes ulov3, they are some of the things you consider when reviewing a game. How that relates to your first sentence is beyond me. I think what you mean to say is that you think it's a shit review because you disagree with the score. Which is perfectly logical I'm sure.

    Oh, and some of you should be ashamed of yourselves for your personal comments, especially Sailor (who should be GI'd).

    Edit: Can someone get rid of Sailor please? I don't want to use the Karma system as some comments are voted down regardless, but this person is a prick.
    Edited by 1 at 22/10/09 @ 12:18

  • Darren #90 2 years ago

    To be honest I'd have thought Ellie would have given the game an extra mark just for the sheer joy of it not being another craptastic Wii game, which is usually what she has to endur... erm... review. ;)

  • Darren #91 2 years ago

    Goodbye Sailor!!!

  • Vanmunt #92 2 years ago

    @sailor

    Mate, you have some serious issues... I think you may need help.

  • Ellie #93 2 years ago

    I've never heard of With Your Father's Cock, is it a 360 exclusive?

  • Artemus #94 2 years ago

    Ah I see this has turned into a pleasant conversation.

  • Ornithophobe #95 2 years ago

    Magical platforming adventure with a young farm boy who sets out to find the fountain of youth to save his old pet roosters life.



  • RedPanda #96 2 years ago

    Post deleted at 14:31:59 28-01-2012

  • kdoggdayton #97 2 years ago

    When good times go bad

  • EvilBob_leeds #98 2 years ago

    I'd like to add my voice to those saying that this score is pretty inconsistent. Bearing in mind the number of sequels that amount to a quick reskin and a new campaign, I think the criticism is overly harsh.

    Frankly if the game is like a fur coat with 7 year old knickers, then I'd liken this review to a cheap bomber jacket worn with second hand lime green crotchless panties. Clearly a bit rubbish and poorly thought through, but not without amusement value.

    Poor show Ellie, poor show.
    Edited by 1 at 22/10/09 @ 12:57

  • JonFE #99 2 years ago

    Let's play "Guess the poster":

    When the question "Are you sure you want to ignore this poster?" pops up and the correct answer is "Yes, I'm f@€&ing sure, thank you very much!", who is the poster in question?

    Answers on a postcard ;-)

  • sneetch #100 2 years ago

    I love the accusations of "arrogance" that are constantly thrown about in these threads.

    I think some people need to find a dictionary.

    Also, look up irony when you get one.

  • Boomerang #101 2 years ago

    Wooo, this Ignore Poster feature is sweeeeet.

    Back to nursery Sailor.

  • sneetch #102 2 years ago

    @Boomerang

    At least it's working for you, I've tried three times and I can still see the fool's rantings!

    Edit: Ah, fourth time's a charm.
    Edited by 1 at 22/10/09 @ 13:07

  • makeamazing #103 2 years ago

    I am buying this for my 11 year old son, so do I think 7 is bad... no not at all (definately getting it). Secondly do I think R&C is for older people... not reall. Kids love familiarity, and i think they will love the new R&C., I dont know why anyone over 16 would want to play this game (certainly not someone of Ellies age..hehe)... but then reading alot of the comments on this topic, perhaps i am wrong.

    So do i think an 11 year old or around that age will be worried that its all familiar...not at all. I know its Ellies job to review games, but to think that R&C should move along with her age is just not going to happen :D

    I dont think Sonic at the Olympics is worth an 8 using the same scoring system to be honest ;)

  • MeBrains #104 2 years ago

    the f**t named sailor likes beavis n butthead.

    he's a cultural being!

  • mingster #105 2 years ago

    ulov3.. your speaking shit an you know it

  • Goodfella #106 2 years ago

    @ makeamazing

    I don't know what gives you the idea nobody over 16 would want to play this game, is it the pwetty cowors and the cutesy cweatures?

    Seriously, that's a very blinkered view you have there, games are meant to be enjoyable, imo, and the R&C games deliver in that respect, not only that I'd like to see how many young kids can complete the games, they're not exactly easy.

  • Boomerang #107 2 years ago

    Reviews are opinions. There's no right and wrong. They can only be as objective as possible, and help us monkey consumers make decisions before we spend our hard earned.

    You can choose to use it in your decision making or... rip the crap out of it. Your choice.
    Edited by 1 at 22/10/09 @ 13:59

  • kdoggdayton #108 2 years ago

    I want this reviewer tested for drugs

  • JonFE #109 2 years ago

    @ulov3:

    Out of genuine interest, which Ellie's reply is insulting him?

  • jefranklin18 #110 2 years ago

    Why are people getting wound up over a number and a review? It's only a game - get the demo (out today on US PSN and probably next month on EU) and try it for yourself, if you like consider buying otherwise don't. I don't mind mature debate but chucking insults around really isn't helpful or mature.

    As for those complaining about Ellie's writing, the top of the page says who's reviewing it, if you don't like their style, go to CVG, IGN or whomever for a different opinion. Personally, I have no problems with Ellie's writing, although she is a little harsh on Lewisham at times. Just don't go out after 11 at night...

  • miiiguel #111 2 years ago

    Out of genuine interest, which Ellie's reply is insulting him?

    This. Want to know too.
    Edited by 1 at 22/10/09 @ 14:45

  • des #112 2 years ago

    People are having meltdowns over Ratchet game?!...amazing

  • Goodfella #113 2 years ago

    Sweet Jesus, I can't believe it. I'm in agreement with donnie for once.

  • MeBrains #114 2 years ago

    goodfella... yeah I know! it happened to me as well :| (btw... that's about the Wii comment, not about the R&C visuals one)

    ulov3: head of to these other sites then. nothing to see here...
    Edited by 1 at 22/10/09 @ 15:58

  • darkmorgado #115 2 years ago

    Glad to see that Sailor was banned.
    As a site administrator for a social networking site, I've been personally abused by people myself in the past simply for doing my job. People seem to forget that people who work for websites are genuine human beings with real emotions and there is no excuse for pathetic, ignorant remarks giving someone abuse just for doing their job.
    It's pathetic.

    PS - Ellie, I love your reviews. And for the record, I think your score is totally consistent with the text you wrote.

  • Liamario #116 2 years ago

    As a review, it's perfectly fine. To say more of the same as a negative is perfectly fine. But when you don't apply the same rules to all games, the score becomes questionable. We all know of a particular series that EG would love to have babies with and because of their infatuation with it, they are not reviewing other games fairly. That is to say that their reviews are inconsistent and bias in favour of this certain overrated game
    Edited by 1 at 22/10/09 @ 17:27

  • makeamazing #117 2 years ago

    I don't know what gives you the idea nobody over 16 would want to play this game, is it the pwetty cowors and the cutesy cweatures?

    Seriously, that's a very blinkered view you have there, games are meant to be enjoyable, imo, and the R&C games deliver in that respect, not only that I'd like to see how many young kids can complete the games, they're not exactly easy.

    @goodfella, its not a blinkered view, its my opinion, you dont have to agree, thats why its called an opinion... I also dont get many of this generations Wii games are played by adults (Animal Crossing, Pokemon etc etc) for example... i know a number of over 18s that play that game, and I have NO idea why..lol. No need to get all defensive... i'm guessing you play it and are over 16 :D

  • sneetch #118 2 years ago

    @donnie080208
    likes been said if this was made by nintendo and on the WII, all the reviews would be fawning over it with 98% ,10/10 etc..what formula did super mario galaxy stray from exactly. Its good, but allways the same game each gen,same with mario kart, which also should have been marked down imo. average games on wii get high scores and are called innotive because theres such a dearth of decent games on the system

    On a point of pedantry, on this site Mario Kart Double Dash (2003) got a 9/10 Mario Kart Wii (2008) got a 8/10 so you can say it was marked down. Super Mario Galaxy was, for me, sufficiently different from Sunshine and SM64 (things like the gravity, the variety in the worlds the novelty of the different "planets" and "galaxies", Rosalina and the Lumas and so on) and an excellent enough game to fully deserve its 10/10, IMO.

    In general though, it's a difficult thing to judge: at what point exactly does a reassuringly similar classic format become a derivative, stagnant formula? When does a game become repetitive?

    I imagine that the timing here doesn't help R&C. "Quest for Booty" came out in 2008 with "Tools of Destruction" the previous year, so that's three games, each one year apart with (relatively) few innovations in each. Super Mario Sunshine, the last (non-handheld) Mario game before SMG is 7 years old and before that 13 years ago, we had Super Mario 64.

    So Mario had three (non-handheld) platform games in 13 years vs R&C's three games in three years. Given that, is it really surprising that the familiarity of the instalments in the R&C series might begin to feel repetitive while the familiarity of the Mario games brings feelings of nostalgia? If there were 6 or so years between the last three R&C games then I'm sure they'd have a similar feeling of nostalgia.

    Ultimately whether or not a game is a please-don't-mess-with-this-format classic or a complete rehash of a stale format comes down to the feelings of the individual reviewing it, but I guarantee that if SMG II adds nothing new to the SMG format then it won't be getting 10/10: the last game was just too recent.

  • drumbaby #119 2 years ago

    Reviews that penalise high quality games for lack of innovation are a bit old hat themselves.

  • man.the.king #120 2 years ago

    "There are puzzles to solve, doors to open, rails to grind on and jump pads to bounce off...a proper selection of exciting new weapons, original puzzles and a bit of innovation"

    I am puzzled. Are these the same puzzles to solve, same doors to open, the same rails to grind, and the same pads to bounce off as in previous games? If not, it is confusing as to why Ellie feels the need to mark down a game for offering "more of the same"?
    Edited by 1 at 22/10/09 @ 18:20

  • mdaize #121 2 years ago

    As much as I respect your opinion and alot of your review does provide valid arguments for/against game mechanics, it is NOT your position (reviewer) to write an analysis of the game in the hopes that it contained X amount of change/innovation.

    The purpose of a review is exactly that, a review of how the game is, not how the game is against your views of what it should be.

  • Ihya #122 2 years ago

    After reading the review, the scoring system just shot itself in the face.

  • old_skool #123 2 years ago

    Sorry Ellie, this thread is turning out to be more entertaining that your review :-)

  • man.the.king #124 2 years ago

    @Les

    I find it surprising that any poster who attempts to "talk back" to an EG reviewer is immediately marked down by the EG masses. Is it because people think that the EG reviewers/journalists are above reproach or criticism?

    I agreed totally with your post about human psychology - oftentimes it is the case that people tend to rationalize "after the fact" rather than beforehand, and usually based on existing prejudices.

  • old_skool #125 2 years ago

    The purpose of a review is exactly that, a review of how the game is, not how the game is against your views of what it should be.

    That's a flawed argument because you'll inevitably base your opinions and perceptions on your past experiences. A good analogy would be you drinking fresh river water everyday and not thinking anything special of it. But if you only drank well water and never tasted fresh river water you'll think the river water was great!

  • man.the.king #126 2 years ago

    @makeamazing

    "I dont know why anyone over 16 would want to play this game"

    I'm 35, mate, and I think R&C are some of the most fun I've ever had in video games. That's not to say I don't enjoy other "mature" games. Look at my Games collection if you wish. However, I don't think it is reasonable to classify something as childish just because it has a cartoonish interface. It can have that and still be lots of fun for both kids and adults.
    Edited by 1 at 22/10/09 @ 19:14

  • Goodfella #127 2 years ago

    @ milkyjoe

    I couldn't disagree more. Production values are top notch in the more recent R&C games, way beyond those of Mario galaxy.

  • Les #128 2 years ago

    "@goodfella, its not a blinkered view, its my opinion, you dont have to agree, thats why its called an opinion..."

    But there are informed and uninformed opinions... It should be clear in which category yours falls... ;)

  • Schiraman #129 2 years ago

    Honestly it seems like a very fair review to me. I loved the first Ratchet & Clank, but after R&C2 the sequels have never done much to evolve the formula and always feel a little bit hollow to me. Yes, they're pretty, yes the gameplay is broadly fun - but ultimately we have seen it all before.

    It's true of quite a lot of sequels, yes, but it is a fair criticism nevertheless. The reviews at fault here are those that heap praise on other bland sequels - not the one review that's actually got the guts to be honest.
    Edited by 1 at 22/10/09 @ 19:11

  • Les #130 2 years ago

    "I find it surprising that any poster who attempts to "talk back" to an EG reviewer is immediately marked down by the EG masses. Is it because people think that the EG reviewers/journalists are above reproach or criticism?"

    I guess just like there are console fanboys, there are video game site fanboys.

    But that's the fate of the sceptic: Society dislikes them because they threaten social coherence but at the same time needs them to progress... ;)

  • Bonders99 #131 2 years ago

    Thank god that idiot Sailor has been removed, but I think Ellie rising to the bait, no matter how shockingly awful it was, showed a lack of maturity and professionalism on her part. Sure you see red, but in any profession where you are in contact with Joe Public you have to be careful otherwise things can reflect badly on the professional.
    Edited by 1 at 22/10/09 @ 19:29

  • captain-future #132 2 years ago

    I said that already when the last title on PS3 was released. Technically brilliant but nothing new.

  • waggy79 #133 2 years ago

    As this is Insomniac and hasnt changed teams, I think its obvious from video clips that people who were into previous games and just love a good platformer (ie me) will enjoy this regardless of a strangers score.

  • byakuya83 #134 2 years ago

    I think Kenshin001's points are very well put and demonstrate how ridiculous the final score is in comparison to the written review. However, for me all this highlights is how the score is totally unecessary. Eurogamer should set a precedent and omit scores from their reviews - make the readers 'read' the review and take note. Reading the review the game sounded fantastic but the score didn't reflect that. Just drop the scores completely!

  • Les #135 2 years ago

    "yes the gameplay is broadly fun - but ultimately we have seen it all before."

    And still people enjoy playing (as well as watching) football for over a hundred years now, without it changing on a fundamental level. Video games' obsession with 'progress' and 'innovation' is a bit pathetic. Don't get me wrong, I love innovation, like most people probably do, but demanding it is rather childish.

  • Geordiemp #136 2 years ago

    Eurogamer is always good for a laugh, always going for the most hits.

    If you want a proper score go to IGN. I would like to see ellies review of the next shooter, or maybe not, its just the hits...

  • Geordiemp #137 2 years ago

    Halo ODST got an 8 on IGN UK. R&C Crack in Time got a 9.

    Same old formulae like Ratchet, but at least new enemies, weapons, and a long campaign and updated graphics engine with 720 P graphics.

    See what I did there, Halo expansion is an 8, they are being CONSITENT. Both are cut and paste, at least one gives you a longer experience.
    Edited by 2 at 22/10/09 @ 20:50

  • Beek4257 #138 2 years ago

    @Geordiemp
    "Halo ODST got an 8 on IGN UK. R&C Crack in Time got a 9.

    Same old formulae like Ratchet, but at least new enemies, weapons, and a long campaign and updated graphics engine with 720 P graphics.

    See what I did there, Halo expansion is an 8, they are being CONSITENT. Both are cut and paste, at least one gives you a longer experience."

    I do see what you did there, but you're being a bit premature:
    IGN UK hasn't even reviewed R&C yet, while IGN gave ODST a 9.
    Edited by 3 at 22/10/09 @ 21:20

  • patchbox360 #139 2 years ago

    I still want a meat feast pizza, I just want it to have a stuffed crust. And maybe some dips. Or in other words, a proper selection of exciting new weapons, original puzzles and a bit of innovation.


    hmmm... halo odst

  • smelly #140 2 years ago

    Ive not played a R&C game before.. cant those that have played this advise me whether to get this, or the last one?

  • rooksgambit #141 2 years ago

    YES! A a game sequel can be the same and still be fun!

    What's the matter with you people? When was the last time someone complained that the new Indiana Jones wasn't a romantic comedy? or that Pirates of the Carribean 3 wasn't a drama?

    Why are games held to a different standard? In a movie you have a new plot, some new characters and new settings. Same with a game sequel.....this tired old refraim from reviewers about more of the same is simply misplaced angst about the lack of new IPs (a truely legitimate arguement) but should not be made on the backs of good game sequels.

  • Les #142 2 years ago

    "Why are games held to a different standard?"

    Because they are different, they're in their infancy and everybody in the industry suffers from an inferiority complex.

    Hence you'll constantly hear game publishers announce the 'biggest entertainment launch' in history for their next big name sequel which is of course complete bullshit: from a revenue perspective they are right but they're just milking a tiny population of 'geeks' for as much as they possibly can... Which is still quite an achievement, don't get me wrong.

  • Geordiemp #143 2 years ago

    @ Lord and Beek.

    Agree, many USA sites are affected by advertising level and m$. Was talking about IGN UK (Halo ODST 8.6). Also like the ozzie IGN reviews, they affected by nobody and shoot from the hip, and really slated Halo ODST. Note I will snap it up when it reduces in price (as I need 2 for LAN games with my son). A shorter Halo 3 aint worth Ģ 60 yet.

    All games and sequels are repetative and samey, heck we are onto COD 6 soon, when some journalist tries to mark one down for being so, well its just funny that they choose one to get some hits.

    P.S I cant be bothered to check my spelling, anyone who picks it out is sad (I aint no fan boy have all consoles and have 2 degrees). My son will love R&C probably and I will also, its a nice change from grey / brown FPS.
    Edited by 1 at 23/10/09 @ 08:18

  • Geordiemp #144 2 years ago

    Actually Ulov, I agree with the Eurogamer lets be different for hits approach. I expected them to give UC2 and 10/10 as it would get hits (eurogamer givinbg a perfect to a Ps3 game ?).

    R&C latest getting lots of 9's, so what do you think EG will do ? MMM, I could never guess.

  • Les #145 2 years ago

    "I live in hope that they will realise this one day, and that they wake up to the fact that you don't have to blindly support exclusives, you are allowed to say 'actually, this isn't that good'. But until that day comes, it's just hope."

    I hope that one day people will understand that preferences can differ and that there's no absolute truth...

    Oh, and I would also love it if one day people stopped looking at the past through rose-tinted glasses or stopped using the word "linear" as a negative adjective...

    That, and world peace of course.

    But for now, all I can do is hope...

  • Goodfella #146 2 years ago

    @ milkyjoe

    And you told me to grow up?

  • Geordiemp #147 2 years ago

    R&C tools was linear first couple of levels, when you get onto the the large open areas such as the one with the dinosaurs or the pirate levels you can fly around in a huge open world, certainly no GTAIV but similar in size to many Halo 3 maps.

    Have people actually played the first game or just poked at the first 10 minutes. Its more of a third person shooter than a platformer, with 30 or so guns and some strategy if you play it on hard 9after first play through). Its also quite long in almost 12 hours, so somepeoples Idea of short - compared to a COD or halo its single player is huge...

  • Les #148 2 years ago

    "I'm sure some people out there would rather eat some diseased, rancid meat rather than a tender fillet steak, which of course would be somewhat akin to praising R&C against other, better platformers..."

    No, it wouldn't. What's up with EG visitors and their terrible (and logically flawed) analogies?!

  • jp535 #149 2 years ago

    what a stupid score 7/10 !
    please Ellie Gibson, do not play and do not review a Ratchet & Clank game anymore !
    i agree that the game looks a lot like the previous game, published 2 long years ago...
    but a good game is a good game, a good pizza is a good pizza, always welcome...
    give it a 8 if you find it is more of the same, but not a 7 !
    i'm offended and will take the scoring policy of eurogamer not serious any more, bye...

  • Geordiemp #150 2 years ago

    By that reasoning which 3 rd person shooters are not linear ? Most have objectives in certain order...

    You could clear a map and maybe 5 or 6 objectives in a large area in any order you wanted, did not say it was a sandbox, but was not totally linear.

  • Les #151 2 years ago

    @smelly

    I'd get the first one. It's cheaper so less risk if you're not sure you'll like it. And the story probably sort of continues in ACiT.

    I liked the first PS3 outing a lot. It had much improved over the first PS2 game (the only one of the series I'd played before as I liked Jak & Daxter better). And in these times of boring brown and grey games by merely being the same the sequel would be more than different enough... ;)

  • cianchristopher #152 2 years ago

    This is an example of a game that got caught up in the "system wars" - where exclusive titles are blindly defended due to a perception that a criticism of them is really a criticism of their host platform!

    It's a decent series, but nowhere near the summit in terms of its platforming credentials.

    And let's put this Naughty Dog/Insomniac "collaboration" business to rest, shall we? I've searched high-and-low and found nothing more than a few throwaway comments to suggest that the two companies "know each other, are based in the same general area, and bump into one another occasionally where they informally talk shop"! That's not what I would call "collaboration".

    Some people suggest that Insomniac are at the same level as Naughty Dog, which couldn't be further from the truth! The truth is - they've spent the last decade playing catch-up to Naughty Dog, aping the Jak & Daxter series with this one but never reaching it in quality!

    Then, as Naughty Dog make giant leaps this generation, moving into greatness with the release of Uncharted and its sequel, certain fans feel compelled to lump Insomniac in with them (Resistance is not greatness, and neither is R&C). That's unfair, and it undermines the incredible growth of Naughty Dog as a company.

    Insomniac are not an AAA developer, that much is obvious! Due to the relative lack of outstanding titles on PS3 to date (especially compared to PS2) they've unfairly been catapulted to the forefront of the "system wars" and held high as a shining example of the PS3's "power and quality". I wish it wasn't so, because the PS3 is better than that! It's capable of so much more than what this crowd is offering!
    Edited by 3 at 25/10/09 @ 10:53

  • iwin86 #153 2 years ago

    It's pathetic! In her last preview Ellie was giving the developers a lot of praises that Ratchet & Clank hasn't change that much on the (very good and fun) formula:

    [link url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/rat chet-and-clank-a-crack-in-time-preview
    ]http://ww w.eurogamer.net/articles/ratche...[/link]

    When ACiT it a 7/10 there is no way the 3 hour long Ratchet: Quest for Booty is also a 7/10

    Don't fool yourselve Eurogamer ! If it's not broken - don't fix it!
    And even Uncharted (10/10) hasn't so much changes, except multiplayer.
    Edited by 2 at 25/10/09 @ 19:40

  • man.the.king #154 2 years ago

    Apparently other review sites happen to think that, while previous R&C had elements that were not-so-new, this game has a lot of "new". See Kotaku's review regarding what it says about new things in the game. I think Ellie was just rationalizing her score when she waffled on about not-so-new things in the game. Sure, a review can be just an opinion, but in this case I think her opinion is misguided, especially when this same reviewer tends to go overboard with her praise for some "samey" Nintendo games reviews.

    I disagree with others saying that Ellie is entitled to her opinion. She is not just another gamer spouting praise or criticism to fellow gamers. She is entitled to her opinion, but only as far as said opinion is kept to herself, and not search for a professional game review as an outlet. When you are a professional, then you should be making every effort to keep your "opinions" aside and to judge fairly and not based upon prejudice. It's a job, not a pastime.
    Edited by 3 at 25/10/09 @ 20:40

  • man.the.king #155 2 years ago

    @notmyrealname

    "man.the.king stfu and go to kotaku and take your own opinion with you "

    Well, your comment helped me understand just how mature and literate you are. Thanks for your enlightening opinion.

    "I only worked for a company that produced AAA content ... "

    Did you deliver pizza there?
    Edited by 1 at 26/10/09 @ 01:15

  • Beek4257 #156 2 years ago

    @man.the.king
    Ellie's not alone in her assesment that R&C isn't all that different. Check the IGN review for instance:
    "Honestly, my one real complaint (aside from the occasionally repetitious side-missions) is the fact that Crack in Time is so much like the previous Ratchet games. This won't bother hardcore fans who have been in love since the beginning, but gamers that felt satisfied with Tools of Destruction -- or even one of the earlier PS2 games -- probably won't find what they're looking for here. Even with the inclusion of splendid, time-based gameplay, the Ratchet formula is still very much intact. Love it or hate it, you've played most of this game before."
    and
    "Unfortunately, as Crack in Time still relies heavily on the tried and true Ratchet Formula, gamers that were satisfied with old Ratchet games might not have enough reasons to come back.
    "    .
    IGN awarded it with a 9.0 by the way.
    So both inform the potential buyer that R&C is a bit samey. They clearly have different opinions on how this should affect the score, yet both reviews are equally informative for the consumer. Which IMHO is a job well done.
    Edited by 1 at 26/10/09 @ 10:11

  • OllyJ #157 2 years ago

    I'm sure it's been said 201 times before but, seriously, marking a fun game down for not offering something new? That's sequels for you, I'd argue that adding new stuff nearly always waters down the core gameplay experience, just look at Tony Hawk.

    We want R&C gameplay, new levels, new weapons, and lots to blow up and collect, that's enough for most people, if I really want something new i'll buy a different game, if I want what I know I like i'll buy R&C.

  • OllyJ #158 2 years ago

    I'll also add i'm gutted this might be the last, what will fill the gap?

    Just like Def Jam Fight For New York, nothing has filled that gap. Shame.

  • 3william56 #159 2 years ago

    Smelly - head yourself over to the US PSN. There's a Clank demo waiting for you. Also, look in the back catalogue of the normal PSN and there's a pretty extensive demo of Tools of Destruction (though it's the first level, so not one of the best). You'll know soon enough if it's your cup of tea.

    Or, take Mario 64, add a dash of the Jetsons, season with more comedy weapons than Q could dream up on acid and get it made by Pixar, and you're about there. Not the best game evah, for sure, but quality and fun that most games would die for.

  • CunningLinguist #160 2 years ago

    Anyone remember Ellie's Pixel Junk Eden review? You know, the one in which she had to run and meet her mom. On a lighter note her reviews resemble sitcom episodes, with equally ridiculous titles. "The one where she had to run and meet her mom", "The one with nothing new except for all the new stuff"... Oh, good times!

  • man.the.king #161 2 years ago

    @Beek4257

    I understand that Beek, but the fact is that Ellie is supposed to be reviewing this game for everyone, not just for "gamers that were satisfied with old Ratchet games" and "might not have enough reasons to come back". From that perspective, I would say that she is allowing her displeasure in not finding much new to seep through into the review score, and thus, is not entirely the sign of a professional.
    Edited by 1 at 29/10/09 @ 02:25

  • menage #162 2 years ago

    Well, I just played the demo. There was enough new stuff in there for me to go for it. It felt way more interesting than the last one.

  • SchumiF1 #163 2 years ago

    I don't get it. Why do PS3 games always get lower scores compared to 360 games?

  • mizcicz #164 2 years ago

    i mustīve missed this review. and i canīt believe it. a 7 because the reviewer played games of the franchise for years and got bored with it? because HE is bored? then let someone fresh do the review. this game is awesome. from a gameplay perspective, the fun and feel of the weapons is still unmatched. also this is a dying genre. there should be so much more games like this. i really canīt understand why a superfun game like this, which is a blast to play through, even for a second or third time which is still a lot of fun after all these years gets a 7. thats not just weird. itīs a crime.
    Edited by 1 at 27/02/10 @ 10:22

  • Aery #165 2 years ago

    I miss this review.
    Terrible.
    Just another terrible review.
    Please, stop this amateurish review, stop with "this is my though" review. Please learn how to judge a game, or simply change work (but I don't think this is your real work, I hope).
    Artist and creator deserve more respect.
    Thanks.