HighImpactGames
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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.
