Ratchet and Clank: Future Tools Of Destruction ( 8.5 out of 10 ) ...
June 4 , 2008 ... Review by Chad
Ratchet and Clank is a series that in my personal opinion has more or less run its course. When this one first hit shelves for the PS3, I didn’t think much of it because I was already playing Mario Galaxy, which in my opinion is THE platformer to beat right now. Although Tools of Destructions doesn’t best it in a lot of ways, it certainly does when it comes to visual presentation.
The visuals in this game are absolutely breathtaking. When you first start out, Ratchet and Clank are arguing with each other, and other than appreciating the great voice acting, you’re more than likely going to be transfixed on the visuals, because they’re the best on any platformer to date.
Along with great visuals and voice acting, the game controls like a dream, as long as you shut off the forced-feeling six-axis controls. There’s really no reason for them to be in the game save for the one weapon in the game that can’t be controlled any other way. It’s a pretty powerful weapon, so it’s disappointing to see that when you try to use it while surrounded by enemies, you need to change the camera’s perspective, which leads to your six-axis aim just being shoddy overall. I think they should have mapped the controls for this certain weapon to the controller itself, but it’s a minor gripe considering you have 25+ gadgets at your disposal.
Speaking of, one of the coolest things about this game is that you can upgrade all of your weapons. I can’t stress enough how cool it is once you hit level five with each weapon and it gains its ultimate attribute. A good example of this comes with the rockets that you use later on in the game. Once they hit level five, you shoot three at a time instead of one. Moreover, it only costs you one rocket per firing. Each weapon in the 
game has a feature like this, and it’s always fun to boost up your weapon not only by using raritanium (one of the currencies in the game), but leveling the weapon up simply by wiping out enemies with it.
The main plot of the game revolves around Ratchet finding out his origin, and where his people came from. It’s not incredibly involving, but platformers are rarely exalted for their great stories. Comparing this to rescuing the princess though, it’s definitely a nice change.
I bought the game used at first figuring that it wouldn’t be much more than a game that I’d play through real quickly and then trade-in and get most of my money back. However, the game turned out to be so good, that once I beat it, I immediately started running through its Challenge Mode, where you can collect multiples more bolts and raritanium by running through the entire game again (whilst keeping all of your previous weapons), and not getting hit. Each time you get hit your multiplier starts over again from one. The more enemies you mow down, the higher your bolt multiplier soars. It’s a really cool game mechanic, and it makes you choose your weapons wisely and really try not to get hit.
Overall, I can’t say enough good things about this game. Because the PS3 is basically starving for good disc-based titles (it has quite a few good downloadables), this is one 
that stand out even more. Instead of being a rental like Heavenly Sword was, this is a game that’s going to remain in my collection, and I’ll certainly play it through a couple more times. If you own a PS3, definitely give this one a rental at least. I personally want to hold onto this one, but that’s me. I really loved running though it the first time, and now I’m enjoying it the second time around just as much, if not more. The game is simply the pinnacle of the series, and more fun than just about anything else on the PS3.
Completion Time – This one takes about 10-12 hours to complete the first time. Then a challenge mode opens up that lets you keep all of your weapons (upgrade them even more) and even get new ones.
Achievement Information – The game doesn’t have achievements per-se, but doing certain things can unlock different cheats in the game. A very cool addition.
Ratchet and Clanck: FTD At A Glance |
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8.5 |
The Good |
Best-looking platformer to date. Tons of weaponry. Just plain fun. Six-axis controls can be turned off |
The Bad |
Very plain stage design when compared to Super Mario Galaxy. The parts with Clank feel like a chore. Some weapons are utterly useless. |
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Great |
The Verdict |
The game is simply the pinnacle of the series, and more fun than just about anything else on the PS3. |
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