Ratchet and Clank has been one of my favorite characters even during the Playstation 2 days. Every adventure they embark on just puts a smile on my face while every battle they engage in pumps up my adrenaline. So it gives me great pleasure to discover that the duo is back this time with a slightly different variation in gameplay. Known as Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault, this game is now available for the Playstation 3 as a retail copy as well as a downloadable title under the Playstation Store.
Captain Quark, who was also part of the character line-up under this video game franchise, has put together a team that includes Ratchet and Clank themselves in an effort to protect the planets from the evil forces. While you’ll still be fighting off enemies in a similar fashion to the previous games, there’s elements from the tower defense genre incorporated to the gameplay. So the Ratchet & Clank series have taken a little turn to something different and interesting.
Players will essentially be tasked with defending their base while they attack certain areas that consist of enemy nodes. Every time you conquer a node, an intergalactic planetary defense system will be set up in your favor. And just like any other tower defense game, you’ll get waves of enemies coming in on a regular basis as they attempt to attack your base. With every successive wave, the difficulty increases gradually. Of course, you’ll be given the tools and equipment needed to defend yourself, which includes barriers, mines, and turrets. So you’ll be doing a lot of both the offensive and defensive work during the whole gameplay, which makes Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault an everlasting enjoyable affair.
If you’re already familiar with the previous games, then you shouldn’t have any troubles getting started in this case. Just like before, the controls are quite responsive with the button laid out in a familiar fashion. You’ve got the left analog stick for movement and the right analog stick that serves to control the camera view. Additionally, the shoulder buttons control the weapons while the face buttons allow you to jump and attack. Despite the number of buttons you need to keep track of, the game is really easy to get around.
If you engage in single player, you’ll be playing through five levels across three planets. Naturally, the further you progress, the more challenging the gameplay gets on account of the increased number of enemies and nodes to conquer. There’s actually a sudden spike in difficulty which could potentially upset certain players. For one play through, it could take a matter of five hours, which is relatively short. But what will keep you motivated in playing again are the unlockable content and options that you ware rewarded with by pulling off certain achievements which then gives you skill points. By doing so, you’ll be able to access such perks as the big head mode, unlimited ammo, and additional weapons.
Where Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault really explodes in terms of leaving a lasting impression is the multiplayer experience. The ability to play with another friend either through offline or online is definitely a great feature to have. Where you’ll get the most fun out of this game is from the co-op mode. Being able to progress alongside a friend as you both take on a common enemy helps to maintain the replay value.
As for the graphics, Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault looks as stunning as its predecessors. The colors are plentiful while the character designs are well detailed. Furthermore, the background is filled with vibrant textures that accentuate the overall look of the game. And as you travel from one planet to the next, the environment differs significantly, thereby keeping the game looking fresh and original. Complementing the visuals are the crazy sounds of the weapons blasting away along with some outstanding voice acting. While the music gets buried in all the action, it still fits appropriately with the whole atmosphere.
If you’re a fan of Ratchet & Clank and you enjoy a little tower defense session, then Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault is worthy of buying. Further to that, you’ll be getting both the home console and Vita versions within the same purchase, although the Vita version will be available in the near future. For those of you open for a blasting time on their Playstation 3, it’ time to get involved with the “full frontal assault.â€
