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Ratchet and Clank: Up Your Arsenal Review
Up Your Arsenal is the type of game that simply looks too odd to be any good. I mean who honestly wants to run around with some big eared dude who has a robot strapped to his back as they jump from platform to platform blasting the crap out of giant robots and green blobs? Apparently, a lot of people. Luckily for all you Ratchet and Clank fans, I whole heartedly agree. A game this odd is so great because it ends up being so much fun, which is an attribute not always found in games. Up Your Arsenal is the third entry in the Ratchet and Clank series that continues the trend of keeping things pretty much similar as far as basic gameplay is concerned, but giving you a lot more of everything else. It started out as a pretty good action platform game, but by its second iteration the series had really polished up what was so great about the original. With the third, it isn’t as big of a jump as it was from the first to second, but it still continues the “more and more” trend and thankfully doesn’t suffer from negative repetition.
The plot in the Ratchet and Clank series isn’t absolutely required to be second nature to players who simply want to go out and buy the third game (which you could do), but for those who don’t know, Ratchet and Clank met each other when they were placed in the position of saving the galaxy. It happened again in Going Commando and now once again in Up Your Arsenal, but it’s a lot more structured now. Ratchet and Clank have been recruited as soldiers in a fight against an all new evil that threatens the safety of the galaxy. Dr. Nefarious is his name and he ends up being the most balanced of the villains the characters have fought through. He has an edge of vile evil, while being unintentionally humorous at the same time. So of course now its up to Ratchet and Clank to travel to about twenty new worlds, hopping on platforms, manning turrets, leading squadrons and fighting minions all in the effort to stop this evil being. 
Ratchet and Clank could be considered the most “unique” platform series in a long time as it mixes heavy weapons and shooter influences in with the platform hopping. The result is a very entertaining genre hybrid that has future potential out of the franchise. So far though, only Ratchet and Clank has been able to keep its own genre monster in check. You control Ratchet, who can use Clank (conveniently placed on his back) to perform long jumps, hover drifts, and near death gliding saves. Ratchet also has access over the course of the game to a ton of weapons that each features three different levels of power. When attacking baddies with a wrench or weapon (the wrench is Ratchet’s basic weapon) Ratchet and Clank gain experience points for the weapon they currently use. Once a certain amount is reached, the weapon gains a “level” and transforms into a more powerful machine. This is an excellent way to prolong the game and it helps when you find an area to difficult to beat. You can simply kill some more baddies, gain a level and then take on the previously difficult challenge. Some weapons don’t actually qualify as weapons though, more as tools. The “Suck Cannon” can be used to suck up enemies and launch them around an environment or to pick up crates to collect bolts. Bolts are the game’s version of currency and they are used to purchase new weapons and ammo. Collecting bolts is one of those perfectionist things that some people will casually do only when needed, or there are the other people who do it no matter if they need it or not, simply to collect it.
While the game is essentially linear in terms of its story, the developers did go out of their way to try and allow you to take on missions at different times, in case one was too difficult on the first try. This allows for a more flexible and enjoyable experience. Most of the missions consist of going from point A to point B destroying whatever is in your path, but some are a bit more varied, often the ones that happen suddenly, like being forced to jump into a turret to deflect incoming forces. The enemies are pretty one sided on their own, but when they attack in bulk they can really put up a fight. Always keep an eye on your health as its depletion is often very swift if you jump into a situation without thinking. You can almost always get a hint of what to expect from the cutscenes that often lead on to an upcoming event. Bosses are another high point of the game. While there aren’t a million of them, boss fights often require you to combine your knowledge of maneuvering and the weapons strengths and weaknesses to take one down. Boss fights can come off as gimmicky and annoying in other games, but in Up Your Arsenal, they are a very welcome breakup of the often random action that takes place.
You will once again be able to control Clank in a few missions. The mission design for Clank is as always superb and every single mission proves again and again why a game specifically made for Clank would be just as engaging, if a bit different. Aside from controlling Clank, the game features other diversions like a set of Captain Quark side-scroller missions which hark back to the days of 2D gaming. You also get to pilot some vehicles, turrets and use disguises for certain situations. There is no lack of variety to be found here.
Ratchet and Clank: Up Your Arsenal features a beefy single player mode that will take someone anywhere from 20 to 30 hours to complete, possibly more if you intend to hunt down every Titanium Bolt and Skill Point (which unlock secrets). The multiplayer mode is where the replay value really kicks it into high gear  
The game features support for up to 8 players online in a set of modes designed to replicate the fast and furious action of the single player mode. Deathmatch, Capture the Flag and Siege modes are included. The first two are self explanatory but far more platform influenced than their first person shooter originators and Siege is a very addicting mode in which both teams attempt to overrun the other’s base. When I tried the online portion of the game, there were a lot of people online, more than I had originally expected. With a lot of potential for longevity (although no hard drive support), the multiplayer is an excellent side dish for the game that sometimes even outshines its single player mode.
Ratchet and Clank has been using a modified version of the Jak and Daxter engine since the original and it has been expanding on it excellently with each entry. The draw distance is miles out and continues to impress and bigger and flashier particle effects light up the screen. The character models and expressions are top notch and for the aging Playstation 2, it’s surprising to see something that still feels fresh and new. The textures retain their cartoonish look and there is little to no slowdown to speak up (unlike Jak 3). Voice acting remains a high point as the characters are funny, although not as memorable as you would hope. Ratchet and Clank have come into their own with this installment, as Jak has found the perfect balance between smartass and brave while Clank is filled with morality and kindness. The music and sound effects are as upbeat and inspiring as ever, which is not surprising considering the production values.
Ratchet and Clank: Up Your Arsenal is the platform game of 2004 without a doubt. Jak III is also an excellent game, but when put up against this, Jak seems to lag a bit behind in how it involves and immerses the player. Ratchet and Clank is fast, furious, funny and most of all fun, and it belongs in the collection of any gamer seeking some action that isn’t afraid of a little cuteness.
Written by Joseph Bennett. Posted year 2004.
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Released on
November 3, 2004
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