E3 '08: Ratchet and Clank: Quest for Booty Preview

by Adam Byrne - 2008/07/17 7:56am

Developer Insomniac have been sort of a reliable safe haven for PlayStation 3 gamers this generation. Thanks to them we’ve enjoyed two of the best games in the past two years, Resistance: Fall of Man and Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction - however, they’re not finished yet; and with the announcement of the PSN and Blu-Ray disc Ratchet and Clank: Quest for Booty, we’re hyped up with anticipation once again.

The games kicks off where its predecessor left off with our hero Ratchet searching for his loveable sidekick Clank. Since this is a 3/4 hour game it’s to be naturally presumed that the main emphasis will be a lot more gameplay and action-orientated as opposed to a full-story driven adventure. The fundamental goal of this bite-sized installment is to tide people over until the major Blu-Ray release of the other inevitable additions, and all for a measly $15.

As well as a new wrench mechanic that can be used to pull and push objects - there’s tons of new additions to the gameplay that’ll keep the game fresh for those who could think that this is a half-thought add-on to Tools of Destruction. One of the main new aspects of the gameplay this time around is ''light and dark'', which allowed Ratchet to illuminate dark areas and ''use his wits to survive'' as said by a Sony Rep - so it’s basically like a torch we presume. Within the adventure there are four locations to travel to on Planet Merdegraw; Pirate Fleet, Hoolefar Island, Morrow Caverns and Darkwater Cove. Another aspect of the aforementioned ''light and dark'' gameplay is the ability to manipulate shadows, to find you find all the booty you need (unintentional pun).

Since this is a swash-buckling affair, rest assure you’ll be facing many pirate-inspired enemies, including - Skull Walkers, Hot Heads, Giant Vipers (Pythors) and Undead Robotic Pirates , all of which taking the biscuit for best gaggle of baddies in any game, ever. Included in the main areas there’s a small town where you can interact with all the inhabitants to possibly find clues as to where Captain Darkwater’s treasure is being held.

All in all, this seems like a fun, quality over quantity affair which seems like it’ll delight fans of the series and newcomers alike; and hopefully tide us over until the next major installment.