— So? Known as Ratchet and Clank: Going Commando, or just Ratchet and Clank 2 [in other countries], the hit sequel to [you guessed it] Ratchet and Clank from Insomniac Games has many, many, many action packed hours of enjoyment for any gamer. Blasting its way through the charts, it has earned itself awards such as:

• Seven Awards for Best Action/Platform Game
• Six awards for PS2 Game of the Year
• Stamp of approval from me [what? That isn't and award?]

     You now ask... "Hey Dave, what is this game about?" Well it starts off at Ratchet and Clank's home galaxy where the two heroes being interviewed about how 'busy' they have been since being heroes from the last quest. Being the "Hey! We're good." sort of person Ratchet [the guy holding the gun to the right] is, he tries making it sound like life is as busy as ever, when, as you find out from Clank [the 'lil robot] that they haven't had real work in months. Seeing this broadcast, Abercombie Fitzwidget, who is in dire need of some 'heroes' for his secret project immediately teleports them from their broadcast, galaxies away, to hire them for their new job.

     There is no way that using pure strength and intelligence could get Ratchet and/or Clank to be the heroes they are. No... they need fire power... and lots off it. Luckily throughout the game you can gain up to 35 massive, exploding, bouncing, terrorizing, and most off all... sheepinizing weapons. Of course, that isn't all... 18 of those weapons are brand spanking new and most can even upgrade into harder, better, faster, and stronger weapons. A personal favourite of mine happens to be the Sheepinator. With this handy baby you can shoot most enemies and turn them [with a small amount of time] into sheep! Best of all, when you upgrade it... it turns into the Black Sheepinator which turns the enemies into Black, decoying, explosive sheep! Other weapons [such as the blitz gun: shown below] are intense weapons designed purely to kick some... and on another point, you can even upgrade Ratchet himself! Just by playing Ratchet will slowly increase in health at just the right rate so that the game is always a challenge, but never too difficult. When you think you just can't beat a section... give it one more try and you will always be able to beat it.

     Of course, on another note I know there are people out there who like some good graphics to be in their games. Those people will NOT be disappointed. With very smooth animations and great special effects... even if this wasn't a game, an artist could appreciate most of the amazing details crammed in each surrounding. Of course, anybody who has played the first R&C knows that smooth Hip-Hop style that is in the background. Well, it hasn't gone away, but they have much improved since then. It is actually quite catchy.

     If I was to have any real issue with anything in this game, it would be a weapon called the "Zodiac". Of course, to not ruin it for those who haven't played, I won't talk about that here. All I will say is... You will be much better off getting the Ryno 2. Trust me.

     As for a final rating, I'd give this game a 10/10. My personal favourite out of any game for PS2. With a great storyline, plenty of extras, great graphics, great game play, and a great sense of humor on the creators part... it is no wonder why it is one of those games almost everyone is talking about. Ratchet and Clank: Going Commando Gets my stamp of approval. If you don't have it, either rent it or buy it. You will see what I mean.

All material copyright © 2004

-