Real Talk By: KJ

Ratchet and Clank: All 4 One
Developer: Insomniac Games
Publisher: SCEA

All 4 one is a title that marks the first time Ratchet and Clank go coop on PS3. Teamed with Dr. Nefarious and President Qwark, The team looks to annihilate a major threat on a distant planet. Insomniac is going for the New Mario brothers crown with this one. Does the new Ratchet work, or should his adventures remain solo? Note that you can play online or off. Either way you’re in for a strong campaign.

While the overall humor doesn’t seem quite as mature as previous entries, you’ll still get a lot of laughs out of this title (The Water cooler scene). Each character brings their unique qualities to the table. Every person along the way can unlock specific weapons that only they can use. Sadly since your weapons pile up, it gets harder to navigate through them all. I think insomniac could have made this a little easier, considering there’s always so much going on the screen in this title. Of course equipment can be upgraded via smashing of crates and bolt collecting. Finding screws in each stage, can get you unlockable costumes.

All of the levels are designed with coop in mind. Though you can play solo as ratchet, with clank being your A.I. partner, you really need to play this with friends. Its clear in the design of each level, this is the only way they wanted it. While clank is quite capable in battle and puzzle solving challenges, nothing beats playing the game with your friends. Sadly, Sony threw up an unnecessary roadblock in the online pass. Yes even ratchet and clank has this stupid thing. At the very least, EA offers a trial, but here there’s no trial here. Sorry used gamers again. Of course several puzzles require everyone to team up. The triangle button will be your best friend in this game. Miss your jump, but the other characters are still on solid ground? Press that button and launch yourself right at them escaping death in the process. There’s several techniques flowing through the game that can really save your behind.

While the Graphics are incredibly colorful and remain sharp throughout, there’s certain stages that had me doing a double take. I could imagine this game being not quite as fun if you don’t have amigo’s, but those that do, this is going a really solid 4 player adventure. I can see people playing through twice considering its hard difficulty is present. Been reading a lot of reviews for this one and I don’t understand what all the hate is about. It’s a fun 4 player platformer nothing more nothing less.

Ratchet and Clank: All 4 One Gets MF MF MF MF out of five

What’s Legit?

+The 4 player design feels natural

+Sharp (Super Colorful) graphics

+Solid humor throughout

What’s Perpetrating?

-While Single player isn’t quite as fun, A.I. clank is a true champion

-Inventory system feels clunky.

-That Obnoxious online pass with no trial period in sight