by Kuriakose Saju
When they first appeared on the scene nearly six years ago, the duo were considered “one of the best games to be seen since consoles became polygonal.” It was the age of the PS2 and this particular shooter/ platformer deprived me of many hours of possible boredom. I remember guiding Ratchet and his robot companion Clank through world after world as they battled Captain Qwark and Chairman Drek of the Blarg race. And ultimately was rewarded with the beautiful sight of the two walking off together, as good friends should, after saving the galaxy from near destruction.
Over the past six years, the franchise became hugely successful with another seven titles being released and the eight one due to hit the stands on August 21st. And while Ratchet and Clank were busy raking in the virtual moolah, I went my own way, got a degree and got a job, keeping my way of life separate from theirs.
Of course, some jobs are better than others and at my latest job, one of the perks I get to enjoy are sampling the latest titles in the market (Jealous, ain’t ya?). Which is how I came in contact with my old friends, pleasantly surprised to find just Clank on a solo run as a secret agent. I say pleasantly surprised because I had my reservations about splitting up the duo. And after two days on my handheld, I found Secret Agent Clank to be one of the most engaging games on the PSP today! Also, given that the third P in PSP stands for “Portable”, playing while at the office becomes a whole lot easier.
Secret Agent Clank was developed exclusively for the PSP and is supposed to explain events between “Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters” (the 5th title in the series) and the original Ratchet & Clank Future title “Tools of Destruction”. Ratchet finds himself being jailed for a crime he didn’t commit (If he did, then there would be no game, would there?) and it’s up to Clank to clear his friend’s name and bust the actual perpetrators. A clear spoof on the James Bond franchise, one the main reasons I really liked this game is just that it’s BLOODY funny.
C’mon, imagine a tiny robot dressed up in a tuxedo that’s actually an arsenal of weapons; including stuff like a Tie-a-rang, Cuff-link bombs, Tanglevine carnations and a Blowtorch Briefcase. And if Clank feels his secret agent suit ain’t doing the job, then Clank will engage in a traditional martial art called Clank-Fu! The playability is quite good with really smooth graphics and easy-to-use controls.
Another plus-point, one that holds for the entire series, is the detailed plotline. Ratchet and Clank is a series that should be definitely adapted for the big screen, their plots are so detailed that the director can shoot scene by scene from the game alone. Even if this Clank’s moment in the spotlight, Ratchet and Captain Qwark are also playable characters; while the former, who is stuck in prison, has to face up to many of his old enemies, the latter needs to be guided through many of his dubious adventures so as to help compile his biography. An arch-enemy of the duo in the first two titles of the series, Captain Qwark has now provides more comic relief than anything else and he does a damn good job of it.
All in all, people, it’s a great game. Great gameplay, great graphics, great characters, great story. And it makes for the perfect curtain-raiser for the next Ratchet & Clank adventure, quaintly titled “Quest for Booty”. Which I start playing today. Did I tell you guys that I love my job?
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