The Ratchet & Clank Topic - Rift Apart - RELEASE DATE: June 11th 2021

[CrashRatchetFan]

On March 9, 2016 at 3:27 PM, SonicWind said:

Polygon has an 80-minute video of gameplay. Get your fill!

I just watched most of the Aridia footage and I'm surprised by how faithful this is to the original game. It's got just enough of the original set pieces and layouts to feel familiar, but the new gameplay and graphics really make a difference.

I'm kinda disappointed that the dialog is still represented through stiff cookie-cutter animations. I mean, certainly not as stiff as they were a few months ago, but you can still tell the characters are just loading generic animations every time they talk. I also think the Pyrocitor could be better animated - the flames always go in a straight line when you're moving, and they instantly disappear as soon as you let go of the button (the original game actually got the flame animation better).

These are minor nitpicks, though. I still think this is one of the best-looking games I've ever seen, and it finally looks like they're making a good Ratchet & Clank adventure again.

[Enesephus]

8 minutes ago, CrashRatchetFan said:

I just watched most of the Aridia footage and I'm surprised by how faithful this is to the original game. It's got just enough of the original set pieces and layouts to feel familiar, but the new gameplay and graphics really make a difference.

I'm kinda disappointed that the dialog is still represented through stiff cookie-cutter animations. I mean, certainly not as stiff as they were a few months ago, but you can still tell the characters are just loading generic animations every time they talk. I also think the Pyrocitor could be better animated - the flames always go in a straight line when you're moving, and they instantly disappear as soon as you let go of the button (the original game actually got the flame animation better).

These are minor nitpicks, though. I still think this is one of the best-looking games I've ever seen, and it finally looks like they're making a good Ratchet & Clank adventure again.

I personally think the last Ratchet game, Into the Nexus, was fantastic. Its only crime was that it was too short.

[CrashRatchetFan]

6 minutes ago, Hyper Enesephus said:

I personally think the last Ratchet game, Into the Nexus, was fantastic. Its only crime was that it was too short.

I just played through Into the Nexus a few months ago and was blown away by just how mediocre it still ended up being. Terrible frame rate, boring levels, and a plot that feels nothing like Ratchet & Clank. In fact, the game adds nothing to the franchise or the overall story besides the fact that Cronk and Zephyr get killed in the very first level, because WHY NOT. So... Why was this game necessary to end the Future saga again...?
 

[Enesephus]

2 minutes ago, CrashRatchetFan said:

I just played through Into the Nexus a few months ago and was blown away by just how mediocre it still ended up being. Terrible frame rate, boring levels, and a plot that feels nothing like Ratchet & Clank. In fact, the game adds nothing to the franchise or the overall story besides the fact that Cronk and Zephyr get killed in the very first level, because WHY NOT. So... Why was this game necessary to end the Future saga again...?
 

Huh, to each their own, then. Personally, I didn't mind the framerate, I loved the levels, and I really liked the moore dramatic story. I wouldn't want too many more like it, but I thought the darker story was interesting, and the Prog twins were great characters.

[Chooch]

1 hour ago, CrashRatchetFan said:

I just played through Into the Nexus a few months ago and was blown away by just how mediocre it still ended up being. Terrible frame rate, boring levels, and a plot that feels nothing like Ratchet & Clank.
 

I think Into the Nexus is top 3 in the entire series easily. The framerate is about the only real noticeable issue I have with the whole thing outside of its length (and it was marketed as a budget title from the beginning). It has one of the best and most fun weapon rosters in the entire series, the characterization is great, the jetpack addition is great, etc. It's like we didn't even play the same game.

What you just described sounds more like Deadlocked than any other Ratchet game, in my opinion.

[CrashRatchetFan]

26 minutes ago, Chooch said:

I think Into the Nexus is top 3 in the entire series easily. The framerate is about the only real noticeable issue I have with the whole thing outside of its length (and it was marketed as a budget title from the beginning). It has one of the best and most fun weapon rosters in the entire series, the characterization is great, the jetpack addition is great, etc. It's like we didn't even play the same game.

What you just described sounds more like Deadlocked than any other Ratchet game, in my opinion.

I just thought that the gameplay was a step down from A Crack in Time. Sub-par platforming and the weapons, while interesting, just felt lackluster. 

And hey... It really bothers me that Ratchet decides that the Prog twins should go to jail for killing his friends. I understand the desire for revenge, but when has Ratchet ever been about justice? He's kills people all the time. I know it ultimately ends up being for the greater good, but why does he get away scott free, and the villains absolutely must go to jail for killing a couple of old war bots?

I never gave Ratchet's killing sprees any thought because you're not supposed to think about it, but it's very hard to look at it the same way when the game goes out of its way to let you know that killing is terrible, but only when the villains do it. These are some dumbass double standards. It seems like TJ Fixman just cobbled together bits and pieces of other ideas for the games and just said "fuck it". 

[Enesephus]

19 minutes ago, CrashRatchetFan said:

I just thought that the gameplay was a step down from A Crack in Time. Sub-par platforming and the weapons, while interesting, just felt lackluster. 

And hey... It really bothers me that Ratchet decides that the Prog twins should go to jail for killing his friends. I understand the desire for revenge, but when has Ratchet ever been about justice? He's kills people all the time. I know it ultimately ends up being for the greater good, but why does he get away scott free, and the villains absolutely must go to jail for killing a couple of old war bots?

I never gave Ratchet's killing sprees any thought because you're not supposed to think about it, but it's very hard to look at it the same way when the game goes out of its way to let you know that killing is terrible, but only when the villains do it. These are some dumbass double standards. It seems like TJ Fixman just cobbled together bits and pieces of other ideas for the games and just said "fuck it". 

Ratchet only kills bad guys because they attack him first. What Vendra and Neftin did was murder, on top of the other crimes they were committing/attempting to commit, while Ratchet just retaliates in self defense.

[Chooch]

The Progs were already going to jail for endangering the galaxy. The game literally starts with Ratchet transporting Vendra after she's already been arrested. She's an escaped convict. Revenge has nothing to do with it. Neftin even insists that the both of them turn themselves in at the end of the game. This isn't the original game where Ratchet is the petty immature asshole. I'm not sure where you inferred any of that from.

[Enesephus]

Ratchet and Clank behind the scenes (in French), with new footage! Check it out:

I find the bit with Qwark and the Ranger Troopers particularly interesting.

Spoiler

Does he get arressted in the movie, too?

 

[Ryannumber1gamer]

10 hours ago, Hyper Enesephus said:

Ratchet and Clank behind the scenes (in French), with new footage! Check it out:

I find the bit with Qwark and the Ranger Troopers particularly interesting.

  Hide contents

Does he get arressted in the movie, too?

 

Not sure about the movie but

The game's opening reveals that Qwark is in prison and since it takes place after the movie, it's highly likely he attempted to backstab Ratchet and was working with Drek.

[Enesephus]

1 hour ago, Ryannumber1gamer said:

Not sure about the movie but

 

Hidden Content

 

Well, I already knew about that, hence my original post.

[CrashRatchetFan]

So I went with a couple of friends from art school to an AMC in New York City and saw the trailer before Zootopia, which according to box office numbers was a good idea for what movie to put the trailer in front of. Got chills. Was surreal to see, 14 years after playing the original.

[Enesephus]

BEHOLD, at long last, the Story Trailer (and the final trailer) for Ratchet and Clank for the PS4! Now, be warned, there are MAJOR spoilers in this thing. If you don't like spoilers, don't even watch it. For those who either don't mind spoilers (or crave them, like me), enjoy:

 

[Ryannumber1gamer]

Wait, April 12th? I thought it released around the 20th?

[Enesephus]

1 minute ago, Ryannumber1gamer said:

Wait, April 12th? I thought it released around the 20th?

That's the European release. It's out on the 12th in America.

[Ryannumber1gamer]

*facepalm*

Sony, I really fucking hate when you do that shit.

[Enesephus]

Check out these two brand new TV spots for the movie!

 

[Polkadi~☆]

I'm loving every second of everything this new game and movie has to offer, and am really tempted to get a PS4 for the game.

But... It comes out April 12th in Australia, yet the movie comes out in June...?

what the fucking fuck, sony, it doesnt work like that

[Enesephus]

Here's two brand new Ratchet and Clank movie clips!

Okay, the "Meet Clank" clip is not brand new, per se, as we did see most of it used as a cutscene in the PSX Veldin gameplay footage, but the above clip is the unedited version, so go ahead and watch it anyway.

I'll be back with two more clips when they're posted online!

[Ryannumber1gamer]

The game's gone gold

 Trophy Details are going to be published by Insomniac soon as well.

[Ryannumber1gamer]

WE'VE GOT THE TROPHY LIST FINALLY!

Quote

PLATINUM (1):

The Hero of Heroes
Collect every trophy in Ratchet & Clank

GOLD (2):

Super Trader
Complete Every Holocard set

HIDDEN TROPHY

SILVER (14):

Challenging
Complete the Game on Challenge Mode

Ultimate Explorer
Collect every gold bolt.

Full Gun Rack
Acquire every weapon in the game

Master of War
Upgrade every weapon to maximum level

These Go to Eleven
Unlock every modification for every weapon

Mr. Fancypants
Upgrade Ratchet’s health to maximum level

Techhead
Acquire every gadget

Abby Normal
Collect every Telepathopus brain

Go Speed Ratchet, Go!
Win the Gold Cup on both Rilgar and Kalebo

Safecracker
Complete every Trespasser puzzle without using Autohack

Maximizing Potential
Upgrade one weapon to maximum level.

Faster Than a Speeding Ameoboid
Complete the hoverboard Gold Cup on Riglar in under 1:35

Kalebo Thunder
Complete the hoverboard Gold Cup on Kalebo in under 2:05

Kerwan Gladiator
Complete the Fitness Course on Kerwan in under 70 seconds

BRONZE (30):

Death by Disco
Use the Groovitron on every type of enemy

Trader in Training
Complete your first holocard set

Modder
Complete your first raritanium mod

Cha-Ching
Reach the maximum bolt multiplier in challenge mode

Trade-up
Trade in a set of duplicate holocards for a new one

25 Hidden Bronze Trophies (and nope, they aren’t all story related!)

 

[Enesephus]

Okay, so, for fun, I've been working on my speculated level map for this game for quite some time now, using the order the characters visit areas in the movie (based on my having read the novel), the original order of levels from the first  game, clues provided in gameplay videos we've gotten over the months, the speculated number of areas for this game (13, which is two more than the amount in A Crack in Time, which is the game I believe this will be closest in length to), and the (I think) confirmed amount of new locations (3) for the game (I think the term used was "planets," but, for the purposes of this level map, I'm going to assume not all the new locations will actually be planets) to put it together. 

Now, I realise this may be considered spoilery for some people, so I will hide the map so you don't have to see it unless you decide to click on it. I just wanted to post this because it's fun to speculate, and even more fun to share your speculations. Plus, if I turn out to be right about anything, I can say I "called it." =P Anyway, areas in the middle will be areas the characters actually visit in the movie at the same point in the story they do in the game, areas on the right are areas that, while they don't appear in the movie, I still consider to be somewhat important since they're either unlocked via a movie planet, or unlock a new movie planet themselves, and areas on the left are areas I believe to basically be "filler," places where you go to find a new gadget you'll need later or something along those lines, but don't really contribute to the movie plot in any way. Stars indicate areas with boss battles, with the battles listed below the level map.
                                                    

Spoiler

 

                                                                                    Veldin (Quartu-Clank)
                                                                                                                                Novalis (unlocks Aridia and Kerwan)
                       Aridia (unlocks Rilgar)
                                                                                  *Kerwan* (unlocks BTS)
                                   Rilgar
                                                                                                                        *Blarg Station* (unlocks Pokitaru and Gaspar?)
                  Pokitaru (unlocks Hovalia?)
                                                                                                                                        Gaspar (unlocks Quartu?)
                                                                           Quartu (unlocks Novalis Orbit?)

                                  Hovalia                                                                             
                                                                       Novalis Orbit (*Starship Phoenix*-Clank)
                                                                              Veldin (unlocks Deplanetizer?)
                                                                                                                                                     Kalebo III
                                                                                           *Deplanetizer*

Kerwan:          Blarg Warship
BTS:               Blargian Snagglebeast
Phoenix:         Victor Von Ion (Clank)
Deplanetizer:  Captain Qwark, Dr. Nefarious

And there may be one more new planet in there, possibly a dedicated arena planet. For the purposes of this level map, I'm assuming "Hovalia" is actually a "new" planet (with a new name and everything) that just takes aspects of Batalia and Hoven, and counts alongside the Deplanetizer as one of the three new locations. I don't know whether the Novalis Orbit/Starship Phoenix would count.

 

So, what do y'all think?

[TheOcelot]

Right, so I've now played and beaten both Tools of Destruction and A Crack in Time on normal and challenge playthroughs. I played the original trilogy last year via the PS3 Collection and Into The Nexus via PS Now. So I'm up to speed.

ToD is pretty much what you expect from a standard R&C game. Loads of planets to explore. Some well hidden gold bolts and holo-plans. Didn't blow my mind, certainly not fussed about the story. The Clank mini-stages (especially the first one) suck because it's easy to die and if you do die you have to go all the way back to the beginning. There are also some occasions in the normal gameplay which felt unfair due to lack of checkpoints which is fixed in ACiT. The final boss is okay, nothing amazing. Those enemies near the end which appear, disappear and then move to a different area are a pain the ass. I needed youtube to find some of the holo-plans. The space shooting scenes felt kind of generic-been done before, but some of the locations in space look great, like when you fly into the black hole or when you fly really close to that sun. To it's credit it's got plenty of weapons to chose from.

ACiT IMO is a fantastic game. I love everything about it. The graphics are superb, as is the presentation. ACiT has the best story. It's very interesting in that Ratchet is separated from Clank for most of the game and yet it doesn't hurt the gameplay. I like how creative they became to compensate. Ratchet gets the hover boots and the speed ramps etc. Ratchet having a little bit of combat and those clever time-shift puzzles.

The games structure is very good. I love how it starts; Ratchet and Qwark running around a planet whilst listening to Qwark's self commentary is hilarious. It also introduces the theme that the planet (I forget it's name) has been affect by time. Qwark's nurse outfit is also really funny. The game or course first starts in the Great Clock. Having to fly through space from planet to planet - without the need for a cutscene and those generic space shooting stages (like in Tools of Destruction) - makes the game feel  more immersive, more connected to the story. I also like the design of the mini-planets (which I believe first feature in Going Commando - sort of), where you collect Zoni and Gold bolts, and how you can zoom out and look round the planet to see where you need to go. They feature good platforming challenges. No too complicated or too long that they overstay their welcome. The other space missions okay. The change up in gameplay more than makes up for the less big planets to explore.

I like how the story progresses. The return of Dr. Nefarious from Up the Arsenal, Flint Vorselon (including the optional confrontation with him at the end) and of course General Alister Azimuth who makes for an interesting character, who much like Ratchet just wants to see his race again and I think he was a good choice to make him the final boss fight instead of Nefarious. It brings the story to a satisfying conclusion.

The weapons are good, although I think ToD has more variety? I found the Ryno V to be slightly better-more accurate than the IV. ACIT does a better job in explaining how to use weapons and gadgets than ToD.

I didn't bother getting all gold bolts in ToD, and I needed youtube to find some of the holo-plans, whereas I had no trouble in getting the holo-plans in ACiT and managed to get all the gold bolts without resulting to youtube and or cheating by bypassing the puzzles for the gold bolts in Clank's time shift puzzles which are fucking hard. Took me a while to beat them, but it's fun re-recording the different coloured Clank's as you work out how to beat the puzzle, and boy how tight on time the gold bolt puzzle ones are! Best Clank gameplay in the series. The Great Clock is an interesting design. I like how they don't over-use the theme of time travel. There are only two planets where Ratchet has to travel back in time to change history ,and it was very touching near the end in how Clank travels back in time by six minutes in order to save Ratchet.

I've got every PSN trophy for ACiT with the exception of the Trophy for beating the game on hard (I beat it on medium, then on challenge mode). If I set the difficulty to hard (or hardcore) and then replay the game again on challenge mode and beat it, will this unlock the hard mode trophy or will I have start a brand new game and beat it on hard? I hope it's the former because you can blast through Challenge mode in like 3 to 4 hours.

The other PSN trophies are pretty straightforward. Athough, the "Samaritan (all space missions completed)" trophy didn't unlock until I randomly killed an enemy on one of the small planets (I had already done all missions). The "My Blaster Runs Really, Really Hot" trophy was stupidly hard. Whilst the arcade shooter is a nice mini-game, the 10,000 point tally to unlock is extremely unfair. In the end I had to change the difficulty setting to hard in order to get the required points unlock the trophy

A Crack in Time is a lot of fun and a game I will definitely come back to. Perhaps that's why I also prefer Going Commando over the R&C 1&3 because it changes up the gameplay better.

I've just bought a second-hand copy of Nexus. Gonna replay it as I've forgotten a lot about Nexus. If I recall correctly it's a slightly shorter game, more similar to ToD in terms of gameplay. I remember the platforming sequences in space (especially near the start) which are really cool.

Edit: Nexus came with the option to download Quest for Booty for free. Nice! I've never played that game.

[Ryannumber1gamer]

Who wants to see the merchandise? Because you can now own a Groovitron.

http://www.polygon.com/2016/4/6/11378274/ratchet-and-clank-collection-iam8bit

[CrashRatchetFan]

7 hours ago, Ryannumber1gamer said:

Who wants to see the merchandise? Because you can now own a Groovitron.

http://www.polygon.com/2016/4/6/11378274/ratchet-and-clank-collection-iam8bit

UGH, I want that soundtrack but it's vinyl and I don't have a record player. WHY?

I wish there was an artbook for sale. I'd love to see some storyboards, character designs and color keys from the film and game.