Computer Games

Illawarra Mercury

Thursday February 7, 2008

with CHRIS DYSON

RATCHET AND CLANK:

TOOLS OF DESTRUCTION

No of players: 1

RRP: $109.95

Rated: PG

The Ratchet and Clank series is about as good as gaming gets: fun, finely-crafted adventures put together with the attention to detail and level of care that is so often lacking in the rush to get a new title onto shop shelves. Its story is surprisingly engaging, and told with a degree of genuine humour that is also a rarity in the gaming world. The graphics are spectacular, with the amount of things happening all at once on screen mid-firefight almost overwhelming. All in all, this is one of the best games so far produced for the PS3 and carries on the fine work of the Ratchet and Clank designers. As fans would know, one area in which the designers display particular dedication is weaponry, as they try and outdo each title with the craziest firepower conceivable. Tools of Destruction doesn't disappoint, with highlights being a device to transform enemies into penguins (which are easier to squash, of course) and the Groovitron, a disco ball device that disables your enemies by entrancing them with dance. The PS3's SIXAXIS control even gets a work-out with the tilt function used for movement in a number of sections and also to control a weapon called the Tornado Launcher. Wisely, unlike in the ill-conceived Lair, there is also the option to turn off the SIXAXIS if you're sick of it.

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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