Ratchet & Clank

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Ratchet & Clank generally lean towards the positive side. Many critics appreciate the reimagining of the original game's narrative, with added depth and new elements that enhance the overall storytelling experience. Critics like Arcade Sushi and Gaming Age commend the expanded scenes and meta-commentary that provide a fresh perspective on the origin story of Ratchet and Clank. The incorporation of new characters and subtle differences in the plot, as mentioned by GameGrin and Worth Playing, add layers to the familiar tale, making it engaging for both new and nostalgic players. On the downside, some critics express concerns about the story feeling disjointed or lacking originality. Areajugones and DarkZero point out that the tie-in with the movie adaptation may have influenced the storytelling, leading to awkward moments and a less smooth integration between the game and the film. Additionally, NZGamer highlights detrimental changes to certain characters, such as Chairman Drek, which could impact the overall coherence of the narrative for fans of the original game. Overall, while there are mixed opinions on certain aspects of the story, the consensus among the critics is that Ratchet & Clank delivers an enjoyable and entertaining narrative experience. The humor, self-awareness, and charming character interactions are highlighted as strengths by various critics like Digitally Downloaded and ZTGD. Despite some reservations about character development and originality, the majority of reviewers appreciate the game's nostalgic appeal, engaging storytelling, and the way it expands on the beloved universe of Ratchet and Clank. The blend of whimsical storytelling, humor, and visual quality seems to have resonated positively with most critics, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of the series and newcomers alike.

The majority of critics had overwhelmingly positive opinions about the gameplay of Ratchet & Clank, highlighting various aspects that contributed to its success. Guardian praised the variety of weapons and tools, while Game Informer found the combat challenging and fun, with a wide array of weapons and upgrade paths. God is a Geek commended the fluidity and enjoyment of the gameplay, transitioning seamlessly between platforming and shooting sections. Additionally, NZGamer appreciated the responsive controls, diverse arsenal of weapons, and rewarding upgrade system that added a gripping sense of momentum to the gameplay. On the downside, some critics pointed out certain issues with the gameplay of Ratchet & Clank. Impulsegamer mentioned glitchy gadgets and challenging combat, along with awkward, childish humor in the dialogue and cut scenes. Wccftech noted inconveniences with weapon selection and ammo scarcity, while Game Informer found some diversionary gameplay elements like flight sequences and hoverboard races to be less exciting. These criticisms indicate that while the majority of critics found the gameplay to be very good, there were still some areas that could be improved upon to enhance the overall experience for players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the gameplay of Ratchet & Clank is a standout feature of the game, with its mix of platforming, shooting, puzzles, and diverse gameplay elements earning praise from multiple reviewers. Easy Allies highlighted the satisfying combat with wildly eccentric weaponry, while Worth Playing appreciated the combination of old-school 3-D platformer and third-person shooter elements. The game's ability to balance challenge and accessibility, offer a wide selection of entertaining weapons and upgrades, and provide a fun and engaging experience for players of all ages was a common theme throughout the reviews. Despite some minor criticisms, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority of critics lauding the gameplay of Ratchet & Clank as a key strength of the game.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Ratchet & Clank, considering it a masterpiece in the realm of video game aesthetics. Critics like ActionTrip, Arcade Sushi, and Areajugones highlighted the gorgeous visuals, detailed character models, and vibrant environments that bring the game to life. The game's ability to take advantage of the power of the PlayStation 4 was commended by reviewers such as Atomix and Brash Games, with comparisons to the visual quality of animated films like those from Pixar. The attention to detail, seamless transitions between gameplay and cutscenes, and the addition of new weapons and gadgets like the Pixelator were also noted as positives by critics such as Areajugones and Hobby Consolas. While the overwhelming sentiment towards the Graphics and Visual Design of Ratchet & Clank was positive, some critics did point out a few minor drawbacks. CGMagazine mentioned motion blur during camera panning that could be overwhelming at first, and Worth Playing noted inconsistencies in the cutscenes. GameSpot and VideoGamer highlighted occasional frame rate hiccups during busy scenes, impacting the overall visual experience. Despite these minor issues, the general consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the game's stunning visuals, vibrant colors, and impressive animations outweighing any minor technical shortcomings. Overall, the critics' opinions collectively paint a picture of Ratchet & Clank as a visually stunning and masterfully designed game that pushes the boundaries of what the PlayStation 4 can deliver in terms of graphics and visual fidelity. The game was consistently praised for its exceptional attention to detail, vibrant and diverse environments, and character designs that rival animated films. Critics like Guardian and Gameplanet lauded the improved graphics and extraordinary color palette, while others like Game Informer and GameSpew highlighted the impressive visuals and detailed character models. The consensus among the critics is clear: Ratchet & Clank stands out as a visual masterpiece that captivates players with its Pixar-level graphics and immersive world-building, making it a must-play title for fans of visually stunning games.

The majority of critics praised the sound design and music of Ratchet & Clank for enhancing the overall gaming experience. Positive comments highlighted the high-quality voice acting, engaging banter between characters, and well-written humor. Critics like COGconnected and GameGrin specifically commended the impeccably acted characters and top-notch voice acting, with Paul Giamatti's portrayal of Chairman Drek standing out. The use of sound effects, such as the jingles when collecting bolts or defeating enemies, was also appreciated, as mentioned by Easy Allies. Additionally, the incorporation of music to complement gameplay, as noted by Digitally Downloaded and VideoGamer, was seen as a positive aspect, with the upbeat score and orchestral themes adding depth to the game. On the flip side, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks in the sound design and music of Ratchet & Clank. Softpedia mentioned that combat can be noisy, potentially affecting the overall audio experience. LaPS4 highlighted forgettable music as a weak point, although the essential sound effects were well done. These criticisms suggest that while the game excelled in certain aspects of sound design and music, there were areas where improvements could have been made to create a more balanced auditory experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the sound design and music of Ratchet & Clank. The engaging voice acting, well-written humor, and immersive sound effects were widely praised, contributing to a rich audio experience that enhanced gameplay. The blend of classic sound design with modern elements, as mentioned by DarkZero, and the incorporation of memorable music tracks, as noted by TheSixthAxis, created a cohesive and enjoyable auditory backdrop for the game. While there were some minor criticisms, such as noise during combat and forgettable music, the overall sentiment leans towards a highly positive reception of the sound design and music in Ratchet & Clank, making it a standout feature of the game according to critics.

The voice acting in Ratchet & Clank has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the critics. Many reviewers praised the voice actors for bringing the characters to life with precision and talent. Critics like COGconnected and DarkZero highlighted the exceptional performances that helped immerse players in the world of Ratchet & Clank. Additionally, the inclusion of Hollywood stars like Paul Giamatti, John Goodman, Rosario Dawson, and Sylvester Stallone in the voice cast, as noted by Softpedia, added a layer of quality to the overall experience. The humor and comedic timing in the dialogue were also commended by Cheat Code Central and TheSixthAxis, with the script being described as funny and well-written. On the flip side, some critics pointed out minor issues with the voice acting in Ratchet & Clank. Worth Playing mentioned that while the voice acting is generally solid, some actors sounded stiff at times, which could have potentially affected the overall immersion in the game. Destructoid also noted that while the voice acting was generally good, the narration technique and jokes may not have been as impressive as other aspects of the game. These criticisms suggest that there were occasional inconsistencies in the performances that detracted slightly from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the voice acting in Ratchet & Clank. The majority of reviewers appreciated the well-acted and humorous script, with standout performances from primary voice actors like Jim Ward as Captain Quark, as highlighted by Worth Playing. The diverse and entertaining cast of characters, as mentioned by Examiner, combined with the effective voice acting, contributed to a memorable and engaging gameplay experience. Despite some minor issues pointed out by a few critics, the overall sentiment is that the voice acting in Ratchet & Clank played a significant role in enhancing the storytelling and enjoyment of the game, making it a standout feature in the franchise.

In terms of technical performance on the PS4, the majority of critics praised Ratchet & Clank for its stable frame rate and impressive graphics. Critics like LaPS4 and PlaySense highlighted the game's stable framerate and high level of visual quality, making it one of the best platformers on the PlayStation 4. Additionally, IGN Denmark mentioned that the game runs smoothly without any hiccups, even during intense gameplay moments. TheSixthAxis also commended the game for maintaining a rock-solid frame rate even during intense battles with numerous enemies on screen, showcasing improved enemy AI and controls. On the downside, some critics did mention minor technical issues on the PS4 version of Ratchet & Clank. DarkZero noted minor frame drops, while GamingTrend and VideoGamer pointed out occasional frame rate hiccups during busy on-screen action. GamingTrend also highlighted issues with aiming weapons and controlling vehicles, which affected the overall gameplay experience for some reviewers. Softpedia mentioned occasional camera issues that detracted from an otherwise smooth experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the technical performance of Ratchet & Clank across all gaming platforms. The game was praised for its stable frame rate, impressive graphics, and responsive gameplay experience by critics like Areajugones, Gameplanet, and Slant Magazine. While some minor technical issues were mentioned by a few critics on the PS4 version, the general sentiment is that Ratchet & Clank delivers a technically polished and visually stunning experience for players.

The critics generally agree that Ratchet & Clank on PS4 offers a significant amount of replay value through various gameplay elements and collectibles. ActionTrip highlights the appeal of gathering gold bolts and collector cards, while COGconnected praises the Holocards collection system for completionists. Additionally, Cheat Code Central mentions the diverse modes of play, including Clank missions and mini-games, adding depth and variety to the experience. The inclusion of Challenge Mode, New Game+, and unlockable upgrades, as noted by Easy Allies and Giant Bomb, further enhances the replayability of the game. On the downside, some critics express concerns about the lack of freshness for returning players. DarkZero mentions that while the gameplay is fun, it may not offer much novelty upon replay. GamingTrend criticizes the levels for lacking incentive for exploration and replay, citing limited branching paths and short completion time as drawbacks. Impulsegamer also notes that collecting holocards can become tedious and demotivating, potentially impacting the replay value for some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Ratchet & Clank on PS4 provides a solid amount of replay value due to its diverse gameplay elements, collectibles, and unlockable features. Critics like GameGrin and Push Square appreciate the hidden secrets, addictive nature, and well-designed levels that make replaying the game an enjoyable experience. While some critics point out minor issues such as repetitive gameplay elements and quick leveling processes, the majority agree that the game's variety, polish, and additional content contribute to its overall replayability, making it a worthwhile addition to any player's library.