PixlBit

The PixlBit staff loves HD and wants to see some of their favorite franchises get the treatment.

Ratchet & Clank Collection

Ratchet & Clank is one of the premier franchises for the Sony PlayStation brand and the longest running series from Insomniac Games. Its combination of cartoon visuals, slapstick comedy, platforming, and action has appealed to those who enjoy Mario and Droopy alike. Considering that the series is still going strong, it would make a lot of sense to bring the first three games into the High Definition era. With the series fresh off of the success of the Future trilogy and the new multiplayer focused All 4 One, Ratchet & Clank, Going Commando, and Up Your Arsenal would be a great collection to release on the PS3. One of its contemporaries has already received the HD treatment and another is rumored. Since Insomniac is busy with current entries in the series, along with the Resistance franchise and the new Overstrike title, High Impact Games, who developed the two PSP games, could handle the conversion. It would be great to see the series improve through the initial installments one after another and the cartoony visuals at 60 fps would be stunning in HD. Some behind the scenes features, commentary and other extras would sweeten the deal and with added trophy support for the PlayStation 3, it would give the skill points in the game more purpose.

The first game in the series introduces us to the Lombax and his mechanical friend, as well as series favorite, Qwark. The game does lack some gameplay polish as there are many issues not present in later entries, such as the small Quick Select of weapons, the camera controls, and the straightforward life meter. However, problems aside this is still a good game. The next game in the series is really where the franchise became something great, with tweaks and fixes improving the nagging issues from the first game. This was the first entry to allow you to upgrade your various weapons and the creativity of these weapons was inspired. Although it may be a lesser experience to the original due to constant mini games and an overt focus on combat, it showed important growth for the series that culminated on the final game in the original trilogy. The third game would be the strongest entry into the collection as lessons from the past games were learned. As our review of the game states, the game just feels better. Pacing is improved and the gameplay is more balanced. However, the most interesting aspect would be the online multiplayer introduced in this entry. Optimized for the PlayStation Network, the feature would receive new life in this collection. With the release of All 4 One recently, this can be seen as a follow up of sorts and hold fans over for the next installment.

While the series does show some age and the problems are more noticeable now than before, that doesn’t mean that these aren’t great games and proof of this is in the continued success of the franchise now. Maybe if this is made an actuality and is successful, another compilation can be made of the two PSP games and Ratchet: Deadlocked. Just maybe…