Ratchet-and-Clank-A-Crack-in-Time
Latest
Ratchet & Clank cut-away sculptures up for auction [update]
Striking a balance between cute and kinda disturbing, developer Insomniac and artist Jason Freeny have teamed up to auction off some one-of-a-kind Ratchet & Clank sculptures, with a portion of the proceeds going to charity. The set includes a 12" statue of Cpt. Qwark signed by Insomniac staff, a 6" Clank with flip-top head and brain inside, and a 10" quarter-cut sculpture of Ratchet that exposes his skeleton and digestive system. Also, if you're as perplexed (and nerdy) as we are to have noticed Clank has a brain, you'll be pleased the hear an Insomniac representative rationalizing it: "Let's call it artistic interpretation - as Clank is certainly a mechanical character in the series." Now to work on the long process of getting the visions of a skinned Ratchet, laying on some medical student's dissection table, out of our heads. Update: Insomniac framed this auction to us as a "charity auction." We spoke directly with Jason Freeny on the phone, who informed Joystiq these auctions are how he makes his living, that the charity portion was an agreement between he and the developer, but that this is not a "charity auction." We've updated our piece accordingly.
CoD: Modern Warfare, Ratchet and Clank: A Crack in Time and more added to PS3 Greatest Hits
Sony has added seven more titles to its North American "Greatest Hits" collection, each with a suggested price of $30. We knew about a couple of these already, but check out the official list after the break.
Ratchet & Clank comics coming September 8
This will be the first year since the start of the Ratchet & Clank Future series that the franchise will be quiet on the PS3. Fans of Insomniac's space-venturing duo need not fret too much, though. DC Comics' WildStorm imprint is releasing a brand new Ratchet & Clank comic series this September, written by Insomniac's TJ Fixman. The new series will follow the events of the last game, A Crack in Time, and should satiate fans' appetites for the series' continuation. The comic will be available in retail stores and on the PSP Digital Comics service.
Hardcore Ratchet fan crafts Lombax Scrabble set
An Insomniac Games forumite named Paul Grzelak recently completed the labor of love you see above -- a stainless steel Scrabble tile set using the Lombax language from the Ratchet & Clank series. The set came about as a collaboration between Grzelak and Insomniac's Paul "Pacman" Haile -- a collaboration that not only resulted in the tiles seen above, but also in the formalization of the Lombax language, for which Grzelak received an in-game credit in A Crack In Time. Neat story, right? If you were hoping to get your hands on a set of these tiles for ... some bizarre reason, you're out of luck. Grzelak only made 25 sets, one of which went to Insomniac. We'd be willing to bet the other 24 are still proudly displayed in his swingin' bachelor's pad. [Thanks, Steliosco]
Best of the Rest: Ludwig's Picks of 2009
Silent Hill: Shattered Memories I mocked this "re-imagining" of Silent Hill when it was first announced. I thought Harry Mason had become an older, life-hewn Harry Potter and considered the town's frosty makeover as nothing short of sacrilege. But an encounter with the game at E3 2009 (and with candid producer Tomm Hulett) quickly changed my mind. While the game departs significantly from the franchise's known lore, it retains and streamlines much of what made Silent Hill stand out against games like Resident Evil. Encased in the game's frigid atmosphere, you'll experience a sense of bewilderment that, if you've been playing these games for a long time, you will not have felt in years. Indeed, the best surprises prey on those of us who think we know everything about Silent Hill.
Five features you may have missed in Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time
Ratchet and Clank games usually have a little extra for true series fans who want to dig deeper, and A Crack in Time isn't looking to break that trend. Developer Insomniac wants to make sure that those who have played the game are getting out of it all that's in there, pointing out five things for fans not to miss: Space Radio Dynamo of Doom Community Profile Insomniac Museum Return to the Great Clock What does it all mean? Check out the video after the break for the full details.
Ratchet & Clank's primary audience isn't kids, but 20-somethings
It probably comes as no surprise to you -- our well-informed and educated audience -- but the Ratchet & Clank series isn't just designed for the kids. Edge spoke with Insomniac writer TJ Fixman, who expressed that the primary audience for the weapon-indulgent platformer is the "male 18-34" demographic. He notes that teens who played the first game back in 2002 are now in their twenties and stayed fans of the series.Fixman notes that males under 18 could be the "interchangeable primary-secondary market," but that the PS3 user base skews older. He compares the Ratchet style to the Shrek series, explaining that Insomniac tries to find the right blend of humor that'll appeal to a large audience. Now the question remains: When will we see Ratchet & Clank again?
Insomniac says PS3 won't be maxed for at least another two years
According to Insomniac's James Stevenson, the developer might not begin maxing out the PlayStation 3's power for at least two or three years. The senior community manager's comments (via CVG) are directed towards how efficient developers have become at using Sony's platform to develop its titles. Since it launched, the PlayStation 3 has been notoriously -- and perhaps erroneously -- described as difficult to develop for, but Stevenson applauds Sony for creating hardware with "really long life spans." "We're using all of the PS3 right now," Stevenson says. "But you can always be more efficient in the way you use it." Insomniac's latest, Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time arrives in stores Stateside today and will no doubt include some of the wackiest weaponry gamers have ever been privy to, regardless of how much of the Cell processor is needed to render 'em.
Previous Ratchet & Clank saves unlock bonuses in A Crack in Time
For dedicated Ratchet & Clank fans, playing the previous two entries in the series is going to reward your devotion with a couple of unlocked bonuses in upcoming Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time. Folks who played Tools of Destruction will receive discounts with weapons merchants and those who played Quest for Booty will be rewarded with a pirate hat, ThatVideoGame Blog reports. [Image Credit: PS Nation]A representative for Insomniac Games clarified for us that "You receive discounts on the returning weapons (Negotiator, Buzz Blades, Mag-Net Launcher, Mr. Zurkon, Groovitron Glove) for a Tools of Destruction save, and the pirate hat for Ratchet on the Community screen for the Quest for Booty save." Though neither bonus will dramatically affect time spent with A Crack in Time, it's always nice to see developers rewarding franchise loyalty.%Gallery-68684%
Metareview: Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time (PS3)
Not everyone is brave enough to venture through the cracks in time -- well, Ratchet and Clank are. The duo has found no reason to retire and have once again set out for adventure within your PS3. The latest entry in the series -- Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time -- promised to bring an epic story and non-stop chimpin' action this time around. Has it delivered? 1UP (A): "I'm a casual fan of the series and I still found myself excited to get home and play the game each night the past week. It may be a lot of more of the same, but more of the same has never been so darn addicting." IGN (90/100): "Insomniac has created a visually appealing game with enough personality to match its good looks. With so much to level-up and enjoy, there's enough to keep even hardcore Ratchet fans coming back for more -- especially with the new Clank sections that feature some enthralling puzzles. Now that the awkward space sections from Tools of Destruction have been replaced, there's almost nothing I don't like about Crack in Time. Unfortunately, as Crack in Time still relies heavily on the tried and true Ratchet Formula, gamers that were satisfied with old Ratchet games might not have enough reasons to come back." GameTrailers (89/100): "If A Crack in Time is indeed the final Ratchet & Clank game, then the series has been finished the right way-with a solid game that doesn't stray from what fans love while giving them plenty of service in the process. And in this way, it's also guilty of playing it a bit safe, but when expectations are that high, and are met, it's a sure sign of a quality game." Videogamer (80/100): "Fans of Ratchet and Clank will find A Crack in Time to be more of the same, with a few twists here and there. It's a fine end to the current storyline and packs in loads of content that will see you playing well beyond the closing credits. The lack of fresh ideas, especially during Ratchet's sections, will be seen by many as a negative, but there are so few games that nail the action platforming genre that it's easily forgivable. If you're looking for a fun, imaginative, family friendly PS3 game, A Crack in Time fits the bill perfectly." Eurogamer (70/100): "But I've been playing R&C games for years now, and I was hoping for something extra. That doesn't mean radical change - goodness knows no one wants Ratchet to "go dark" or start running round sandbox environments. I still want a meat feast pizza, I just want it to have a stuffed crust. And maybe some dips. Or in other words, a proper selection of exciting new weapons, original puzzles and a bit of innovation. It's not that A Crack in Time is all fur coat and no knickers. The problem is, it's all fur coat and the same knickers it's been wearing for seven years. Time for a change." %Gallery-68684%
Ratchet & Clank blasting into PAL territories in November
Insomniac Games noted on its official Twitter page that Ratchet and Clank will get a little help from their PALs when A Crack in Time makes its way to European territories on November 4th . It lands on British shores shortly afterward on November 6th. It also appears that the R&C demo will not be available this week in the EU -- hopefully that'll arrive soon. A Crack in Time launches next week in North America, with one of two demos available later today when the PlayStation Network updates.%Gallery-65017%
Dual demo details: Ratchet follows Clank into A Crack in Time
Sony's Playstation Blog announced today that the two expected Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time demos will hit the PSN over the next couple weeks. The first one, releasing this Thursday, is the Clank demo (he's the robot). Players will take the bucket of bolts with a destiny through the Great Clock, as he learns some "time-based abilities" for puzzle solving.Next week will be Ratchet's turn to shake his money maker so you'll buy the game. Although the details are scarce as to what players will do in the demo, if we know anything about that lombax -- and after seven games, we certainly know plenty -- it'll involve blowing stuff up with crazy weaponry. %Gallery-65017%
Insomniac hints at end of Ratchet and Clank
Ratchet and Clank Future: A Crack in Time may be the titular duo's last adventure -- at least, for a while. Speaking with CNN, Insomniac's creative director for the game, Brian Allgeier, stated, "Never say never, but people need that closure. ... We hope to be wrapping things up with a bow."It seems unclear, from the comments Allgeier gave to CNN, whether he's referring to the franchise or just the storyline started in the Ratchet and Clank Future series. With 16 million copies of R&C games sold across seven installments since 2002, sales obviously have a lot to say when it comes to sequels. If A Crack in Time does well, we wouldn't be surprised to see the Lombax and his metal companion return within a couple years -- well rested and with some fresh ideas.%Gallery-68684%
Australia to receive several 250GB PS3 bundles
Aussie reader, if you've been salivating over the prospect of owning a 250GB PS3 Slim, know your day is coming. SCE Australia has confirmed the console is headed down under and will be bundled with one of the following titles: Uncharted 2: Among Thieves Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time Singstar Motown EyePet The bundles will go on sale starting October 15 and retail for $599.95RRP, coinciding with the release date of Uncharted 2. Perfect timing! You're going to need every last one of those gigglebytes to store the countless Machinima fan fictions you've already concocted in your head.[Thanks, Adrian]
Ratchet and Clank Future: A Crack in Time arrives no later than Oct. 27
The mechanically savvy Lombax and his just-plain-mechanical companion -- the duo known as Ratchet and Clank -- begin their latest adventure, A Crack in Time, on October 27. The Ratchet and Clank series continues its familiar (yet enjoyable) gameplay in the latest incarnation: exploring strange new worlds, solving some puzzles and blasting everything that moves with an array of kooky weaponry. There's still time to get in on the various pre-order bonuses available from retailers -- it's just all about picking the one that's right for you. %Gallery-70397%
'Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time' pre-order bonuses vary per retailer
The pre-order incentives for Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time are now ready for perusal on the PlayStation Blog. The bonuses reportedly start today at Amazon.com, Best Buy, Game Crazy, GameStop and other participating retailers. Each retailer has its own thing going, so explore before you plunk down the pre-order cash. Check out the four different programs after the break.
Hands-on: Ratchet & Clank: A Crack In Time
I've always admired Ratchet & Clank from a distance. While none of the games have clicked with me, I do recognize -- and would recommend -- the series as a reputable, go-to option for anyone interested in family-friendly, action titles. (Having spent more time playing Insomniac's Resistance games than its Ratchet & Clanks, I'd still cite the latter as the studio's best work.) My initial impression of Ratchet & Clank: A Crack In Time is that the fifth sequel is on par with its predecessors, if not outdoing them through technical and visual improvements.%Gallery-65017%
Rumor: GTTV taping reveals Uncharted 2 beta deets, other E3 tidbits
According to Kotaku, a recent live taping of a GameTrailers TV E3 special revealed a veritable bounty of E3 information. First and foremost, a spokesmen reportedly confirmed that the upcoming Uncharted 2 multiplayer beta will begin on the first day of E3. For all the Nathan Drake fans out there, that would be June 2, so mark your calendars.The special is also rumored to reveal new details about Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time, specifically that the game will include time travel as well as new hover boots for Ratchet. Throw in some Modern Warfare 2 footage, a new title from Bethesda and news about loads of games including Mass Effect 2, Madden, Need For Speed: Shift, Dante's Inferno, Lost Planet 2 and Aliens vs Predator, and you've got quite a show.Granted, some of this could easily be revealed prior to the episode's May 28 premier (11:00pm ET/PT), but given the program's penchant for WORLD EXCLUSIVE reveals, it's probably worth checking out.[Via @geoffkeighley]
