Boom, Bang, Blammo!

I love the Ratchet series for the PS2. Crazy weapons, blowing things up, using nuts and bolts as currency, a catlike alien called a Lombax traversing the galaxy with a robot buddy... what more could a gaming gal want?

On a recent trip to Toys R Us, the most recent installment of the Ratchet & Clank franchise was on sale. Seeing as how much I loved the last title (Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal), I decided to give this take on a traditional FPS (First Person Shooter) a go. I looked at my husband and with my best puppy-dog eye expression, I told him we could play it together.

And that was how I walked out of the store with this title.

Gameplay

Unlike other games in the Ratchet franchise, Deadlocked places you in a shooter-style game where you must fight to survive through various missions. Similar to the other games in the franchise, you travel to different planets and must complete a series of platforming obstacles to proceed to the next area. Unlike other games, though, this one places you in command of android allies, which you issue directions in order to complete certain tasks.

For instance, in single player mode, your robot allies may be sent to detonate an EMP bomb to drop the shields of a gun, which you will then destroy with your weapons. In the co-op mode, you do not have the robot allies. Rather, you run with your friend in split-screen action and complete the same missions. In a lot of these, one of you is bait while the other takes out the hazard.

For those of you that have played the Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal title, the best comparison that I have for this game is basically a complete version of Annihilation Nation.

Sound simple? Not so much. With 4 difficulty levels (initially), you have plenty of opportunity to choose your fun... and frustration. The higher the difficulty, the more insane your tasks become. In one mission, I vaguely recall cursing proficiently as we kept dying at the outset. Yes, it can be that difficult.

Weapons in this game are varied, anything from a rocket launcher to dual pistols. You must collect money (bolts) to purchase these items from the in-game vendor. Once you acquire each weapon, you can then customize it with different "Omega" effects, such as lightning or acid mods. As with any Ratchet title, there are several different weapons (although, not as many as previous titles), and each one elicits a humorous and very satisfying display of destruction.

Story

The plot to this game is simple: you must complete a series of death courses in order to win your freedom from the nefarious game, DreadZone.

The game begins as you are kidnapped from your ship, the Phoenix. You are then placed into armor and forced to compete on the show. Failure means death. You must run, jump, grind rails, drive various vehicles, and swing across platforms to beat each obstacle course. Along the way, different robot denizens and challenges will await to bring you to your doom.

The shake things up a bit, an Exterminator will meet you after so many courses. Consider these guys "bosses". After you beat each one, you will get an upgrade to your armor, in addition to a new special item, like the Hacker Ray (used to hack orbs to open doors and the like). Also, completing missions will win you "Dread" points, which boost your ratings within the competition.

Controls and Graphics

The controls in the game are very similar to other titles, with some minor changes. In this Ratchet game, you control Ratchet using the two analog sticks on the controller. The left analog stick controls your forward and back movement, while the right controls your direction. This can take a little while to get used to, and depending upon the sensitivity of your controller, you may find yourself staring at the sky rather than running at your next destination. You will adapt, though.

In terms of platforming action, this game is spot-on, and one of the best available on the PS2. You will run and jump, grind rails, dodge bullets, and do your normal platforming fare.

Vehicle control is challenging, and sometimes, downright frustrating. With a grand total of four different vehicle types, each with different strengths, you will have to adapt to each one. Particularly aggravating is the Puma, a small off-road jeep-style hybrid. The steering is reversed, and can quickly get aggravating if you intend to go left and instead head right... off a cliff.

Controls respond quickly and accurately, and with an improved targeting system, you will hit your enemies faster and deadlier than before.

Graphics are beautiful: colorful and fully 3D. Character animations are great, and the humor true to this series is fully intact. From green globby aliens to mechanical heathens, everything is vibrant, detailed, and moves like you would expect.

The only complaint that I really have about the graphics is the framerate. When you have a lot of explosions on the screen at once (which will happen, trust me), the framerate can slow down dramatically. Not so much that you experience a death from the lag, but enough that you notice it. Darn you, PS2 engine!

Sounds and Music

Hard rock and great voiceovers. You will WANT to listen to this soundtrack 'Nuf said.

Overall

This game is fun, fast, frantic, and full of explosions. With a variety of weapons, enemies ready to pulverize you, a warped but hysterical sense of humor, and a main character that is ready to kick some alien butt, what more do you need? This is a GREAT platforming title for anyone that loves the genre. Run 'n Gun and jump... and grind... well, you get the idea.

Fun for everyone. Some strong language for the kiddies, but okay otherwise!