High-Impact-Games
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Rumor: Cancelled 'Crash Team Racing 2010' screenshots surface on YouTube
If we're to believe it, that video up there contains a series of screenshots from a cancelled sequel to (or reboot of) Crash Team Racing, Naughty Dog and SCE's 1999 kart racer set in the Crash Bandicoot universe.As the story goes, Crash Team Racing 2010 was in development at High Impact Games, even getting so far as to enter its beta testing phase, until Activision shut down production for unknown reasons. The simplified UI design and somewhat minimalistic graphic style, along with High Impact's history as a mobile developer, seem to point to CTR2010 having been a PSP title, assuming it actually existed.We've reached out to High Impact for a statement on its involvement either way.[Thanks, Allen!]
Hands-on: Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier
The Jak and Daxter franchise has been dormant for quite a long time. It's been more than three years since the release of the last game of the franchise, Daxter, and over five years since Jak 3 on PS2. Considering the strong fan following of the franchise, we were surprised that SCEA had done so little to promote the existence of the next true continuation of the series: The Lost Frontier for PSP (and PS2). However, after spending some time with a preview build, we can see why Sony would stay so secretive: it's not very good.Ready at Dawn proved with Daxter that the formula can be done well on the handheld. The studio intelligently streamlined the experience for the PSP, creating level designs that constantly drove the player forward. The controls always felt natural with Daxter's bugspray pack easing platforming sections -- a necessary feature, considering the PSP's less-than-ideal analog nub. Three years after Daxter's release, High Impact Games (developers of last year's mediocre Secret Agent Clank) ignores all the small innovations made by Ready at Dawn, and The Lost Frontier suffers greatly for it.%Gallery-64981%
See Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier's high drama, hijinks
We have to be honest: If you haven't played any of the Jak and Daxter games (or it's been a while since you have) the context of the latest trailer for the series' PSP debut, The Lost Frontier, will be lost on you. Thankfully, it's brimming with airborne action, Eco pirates (with airships, no less) and, of course, plenty of comic relief provided by Daxter.Developer High Impact Games (Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters) seems to have the characters and tone of the series locked down. The verdict's still out on the gameplay's mix of action, platforming and air combat, but we'll hopefully get to spend more time with the game -- which, oddly, seems to be flying under most people's radars -- soon.
Sony announces new Jak and Daxter for PSP, PS2
Don't worry, this isn't an April Fools prank. Sony has just sent us a press release, announcing a new Jak and Daxter game for the PSP and PS2. The game, titled Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier, will be out this Fall and will pick up "from where the original Jak and Daxter trilogy left off." You'll be exploring the titular Lost Frontier as you help Kiera on her "quest to become a Sage and save the world from the threat of darkness." Emphasis is being placed on "sky-high adventure" as you take "flight in one of five different aircrafts" and "blast airborne enemies and battle skypirates with your powerful Gunstaff" -- a new transforming weapon. The game is being developed by High Impact Games -- the developers of Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters. We're glad to see Daxter's name back up there in the title. Hopefully it more resembles the colorful fantasy world of Jak and Daxter 1 than the depressing GTA-esque Jak 2.Update: Just in case you're still scared that this is an April Fools joke, here's a quote direct from Sony: "Nope -- not an April Fools." See?%Gallery-49049%
Secret Agent Clank may karate chop PS2
Some may argue that the PSP games library is filled with PS2 ports. Those people are wrong. In fact, it's the PS2 library that's filled with PSP ports! Joining games like Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror and Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters, it appears Secret Agent Clank will be receiving its very own PS2 port. GameFly currently has a listing for a PS2 version of last year's stealth-inspired platformer. Considering the developer's track record, a PS2 port seems quite inevitable.Some may dislike seeing PSP lose yet another exclusive, but we're impressed that Sony still continues to offer PS2 owners new games. Nine years into the PS2's life, and it's still chugging along quite nicely.[Via Siliconera]%Gallery-8260%
Rumor: High Impact Games working on new PSP title
High Impact Games, developers of the handheld Ratchet & Clank games, may be working on a brand new PSP game, according to a sound designer's LinkedIn page. Discovered by PlayStation LifeStyle, the resume of Haroon Piracha lists Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters, Secret Agent Clank and "UNANNOUNCED TITLE (PSP)." A next-gen listing is also on the resume.Considering the developer's history, it would be unsurprising if High Impact was working on a new Ratchet game. However, we're hoping for something new. A different PlayStation franchise we'd love to see back on the handheld: Sly Cooper, perhaps?
Pre-order Secret Agent Clank, get bonus figurine
Secret Agent Clank won't be out until three weeks from now -- specifically on June 17 -- but SCEA wants to make sure you've already put down a fiver for the new adventure. What are they doing that will make you want to part with precious money before actually getting the game? Well, you'll be getting a nice Clank figurine all decked out in his secret agent robo-tuxedo. So if you're planning on picking this title up, then pre-order from Gamestop (and Gamestop only apparently) and you can grab this free bonus item for yourself.
Watch this Secret Agent Clank video interview
So Ratchet is in prison, Quark is taking on bosses, and Clank is wearing the nice James Bond threads. Looks like High Impact Games is having some good old fun with the characters in this one. So what exactly is going on in Secret Agent Clank? If you haven't been clued in yet or have forgotten the info from our countless interviews and hands-on from the past, then watch this Gamespot video interview with design director Lesley Mathieson. Included in the video, you'll see an interesting scene involving Ratchet, some shots of Quark in battle, and of course more Clank and his gadgetry. Make sure you hit those back links, too; there's a lot to read up on this game. Secret Agent Clank is expected to hit retailers by June 17.
Secret Agent Clank: brand new screenshots
Click for full-resolution image. If a picture can tell a thousand words, then we have 13,000 new words to say about Secret Agent Clank. This upcoming PSP-exclusive adventure has players returning to the world of Ratchet & Clank. Be amazed at Clank's surprising arsenal of ninja moves in these explosive screenshots. While it might not feature the same sheen as other PSP titles like God of War, we're confident that the team at High Impact can squeeze some more, er, impact, out of the PSP before its release.%Gallery-8260%
PSP Fanboy interview: Secret Agent Clank's Lesley Mathieson
Way back at GDC weeks ago, we had a chance to chat with Lesley Mathieson from High Impact Games. They're currently working on their second PSP outing, Secret Agent Clank. Read on as we chat about this upcoming PSP exclusive action game.This is the second PSP game. What has High Impact Games learned from Size Matters?Well, we learned a lot of things. Obviously, the PSP is a very different platform than the PS2. We learned a lot of things about adapting the game to that platform, making sure the controls work, etc.Is PSP a platform the team would like to continue with?The PlayStation Portable is a great platform. We love working with it. At the same time, we're excited about the next generation of hardware as well. We'd be happy to work in any direction, so long as its an exciting and interesting project.%Gallery-8260%
PSP Fanboy mega-interview: Secret Agent Clank
Little is known about the upcoming PSP exclusive Secret Agent Clank, briefly seen at an invite-only pre-Tokyo Game Show cocktail party. With the incredible mystery surrounding this new title, we asked our readers to come up with questions for the High Impact Games team. We're proud to present this PSP Fanboy mega-interview, which reveals the game's story, connectivity with the previous Ratchet games, and plans for a demo. Read on.How are you going to improve on Size Matters? Are there any improvements on your previous engine or are you building a new one?Dave Goodrich, Lead Designer: High Impact Games has taken advantage of the Size Matters engine to give us a strong base to work from for this exciting new adventure. Secret Agent Clank has a different style than Size Matters and has expanded into new game types such as timing and stealth. Along with new gameplay modes, there is an assortment of playable characters, each with their own unique levels.What kind of multiplayer support will there be? Will it work through Infrastructure?Dave Goodrich, Lead Designer: Secret Agent Clank is a very story intensive game with lots of unique gameplay elements. We have decided to focus our efforts on the single player game to make a really engrossing experience for the player. There is no multiplayer planned for this installment of the game.
Rumor: "Secret Agent Clank" game in development
Could High Impact Games be working on a new Ratchet game for PSP? Quite possibly. David Bergeaud, composer of the Ratchet series' soundtrack, supposedly added a game called Secret Agent Clank for PSP to his online resume. However, the website appears to have changed, no longer listing the potential title. Could it be a hoax?Reader zellhazard has pointed to a screen capture of the site, with the title in question on display. Sony's E3 conference is only a few hours away ... maybe we'll see more then?
Hands-on: Ratchet & Clank's online multiplayer
I competed against various members of SCEA, High Impact Games, and other members of the press today in Rachet & Clank: Size Matters' Infrastructure multiplayer mode. Having become comfortable with the controls in single-player certainly helped the experience quite a bit, as I was raking up the kills, quickly becoming number one in the leaderboard (that position was unfortunately lost over time). The online interface is easy enough, and seems unchanged from the multiplayer beta that I participated in months ago. However, there were a few glitches in the process: some games were simply impossible to join, unless it was through the game's Quick Game option. Also, typing messages in the chat room is quite a troublesome burden, simply because of the game's reliance on the PSP's default on-screen keyboard. I found it quite easy to accidentally disconnect from a room while chatting, so I opted out altogether.The actual online gameplay was smooth, and surprisingly responsive. There wasn't any noticeable lag, and the graphics were on par with the impressive single-player graphics. The weapons are varied, as they are in the story mode, and can be upgraded through secret power-ups scattered throughout the level. However, the variety in weapons reveals that the game might not be too well-balanced, as certain weapons easily outclass others. One game ended in quite a bit of frustration, due to a camping sniper. While these kind of problems are common with online multiplayer games, it was surprising, and somewhat distressing to see.Also, each game is limited to four players. After an hour of play time, I have to admit that this simply isn't enough to enjoy the multiplayer potential. Levels seem slightly too large for only four players, especially in objective-based modes, where you will only have one partner. Personally, I found the objectives of Iron Lombax mode to be unclear. It would've been helpful to have more guidance to the next objective, a la Unreal Tournament.Ratchet & Clank's online multiplayer is not going to redefine online gaming. However, it is still an impressive effort, especially for a portable system. It's nice to see the developers include such a solid, but imperfect, experience ... and have it playable worldwide via Infrastructure. You'll be able to log-in and fight when the game ships next week. Expect a complete PSP Fanboy review soon. And don't forget to read past the cut to see all the multiplayer modes available in the game.
Ratchet & Clank heads to gold; developers ruminate
High Impact Games, developers of the upcoming Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters, has started their own blog at Club IGN. Obviously, it's filled with tons of PR-talk that hype up the game. However, considering the impressive footage of the game we've seen so far, I think it's safe to give the team the benefit of the doubt, and assume the game's at least pretty decent. With the game's release now only a few weeks away, the game is quickly approaching gold status. A few random tidbits of note from their blog: On control: "I find myself switching between analog stick and D-pad moment to moment, depending on whether I'm platforming or annihilating angry robots with upgraded Lacerator." On graphics: "[Ratchet]'s been cut down to half his normal polys, but the furry little guy looks almost indistinguishable from his PS2 counterpart!" On mini-games: "It's a real joy to see Clank hold his own in the demolition derby game. Is that a gleam of anger I see in his tiny green eyes? Malice?" High Impact promises more updates to their blog soon, so those of you interested in the game may want to bookmark their Club IGN page. We'll have a full review closer to its February 13th launch date.
Ratchet & Clank interview showcases PSP's best graphics
Gamespot recently interviewed Leslie Mathieson from High Impact Games, developer of the upcoming PSP-exclusive platform-shooter Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters. Leslie talks about how the team wanted to stay true to the series' storytelling blah blah blah blah. I'm sorry, I couldn't pay attention to what she was saying because I was so mesmerized by the graphics of the game. The incredible detail, and fantastic animation, make it easily one of the best looking titles on our handheld. The still screenshots don't seem to do the game any justice. Do yourself a favor and watch the video now.
