It’s time once again to dive into the loony world of Ratchet and Clank. This time, though, bring your friends as it’s an all-out multiplayer fiasco, but will friends be made or lost? That’s the question, so lets give it a whirl and see in my review of Ratchet and Clank: All 4 One.
Developer: Insomniac Games
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Series: Ratchet & Clank
Platform: PlayStation 3
Release dates: NA October 18, 2011, JP October 20, 2011, AUS October 20, 2011, EU October 21, 2011
Genre: Platform
Modes: Single player, Cooperative Multiplayer (up to 4 players)
Rating: ESRB: E10+
Ratchet and Clank: All 4 One is a multiplayer Action-Adventure-Platforming game that continues the popular Ratchet & Clank franchise on PlayStation 3. The tenth game overall in the franchise, Ratchet and Clank: All 4 One is the first game in a new Ratchet & Clank game series and features a franchise first, four-player co-op functionality. This is available both locally and online. Additional features include the ability to play as Ratchet, Clank, Qwark or Dr. Nefarious, each with their own unique skills and an arsenal of co-op weapons, and a full cinematic play experience throughout the entire game.
So hold on tight and gather the family round as I review this multiplayer gem in my video review.
Key Game Features:
- Play alone or with up to three other friends cooperatively as Ratchet, Clank, Qwark or Dr. Nefarious.
- Each character brings their own unique skills and an arsenal of co-op weapons.
- Drop in and out of Ratchet and Clank: All 4 One at anytime, playing alongside friends or family as you fight together in spectacular cooperative battles.
- For the first time in the franchise, play together with friends through a sprawling, high-definition Ratchet & Clank adventure filled with humor and unforgettable moments.
Now for those scores!
Graphics: 7
The graphics in this rendition won’t be grabbing any awards but they are crisp and clean and that’s all you need for a cartoon caper like this really. The graphics neither thrill or disappoint and find themselves’ just enough bang for your buck.
Gameplay: 7
There needs to be a clear divide here between experiences with playing the game in either single player or multiplayer.
* 1 Player: Playing this game in single player is a drudge to say the least with AI having the same IQ as your average house fly and it just lacks in delivery all the time but that being said this was never made as a game to be played alone.
* 2-4 Players: To gain the full experience from All 4 One grab up to 3 friends — either online or in local co-op — and prepare for insanity to follow. Now you’ve got a first class experience and the game shows its true colors. You’ll be fighting over who’s always grabbing the goodies first and it reminds me of old school gaming fun, the way games should always be.
Sound: 7
With a full arsenal of booms, bash and clunks all the way every boing of a spring or thud is there for you to enjoy along with some great upbeat music that will have everyone in the party happy and smiling.
3D: 7
Not one of the strongest 3D titles that I’ve had the pleasure of playing lately, with a lot of slow-down happening during battles, and I wouldn’t say it ghosts… more like leaves a very thick border on all aspects of the world. Although still a major improvement over earlier 3D title’s and great fun especially with the level design.
Overall Fun-Factor: 7
On its own Ratchet and Clank is a less than exciting game, with frustrating AI and just not enough to warrant the praise of previous titles. BUT with friends it excels! This was made for multiplayer and not as a single player experience. The average of the two may be a 7, but in multiplayer with friends the fun factor can go up to a 8 or with the right company even higher!