When Ratchet &
Clank hit the PlayStation 2, it meant to change the way gamers look at platform
games and it did just that. There were more hits than misses in the series and
when the PSP was introduced there was no surprise that the series would make its
way into our favorite handheld. Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters was not only a
great portable game but it was also a game that did right by the franchise. Now
Ratchet’s robotic partner Clank is taking the spotlight in Secret Agent Clank
for the PSP. This adventure, unfortunately, falls flat on a number of levels
that mark this as a blemish on an otherwise impressive track record.
Secret Agent
Clank somehow finds the charming little sidekick with a slick paintjob that
resembles a tuxedo as he is recruited by a spy agency run by robots. You see,
Clank finds himself on his own after his furry partner Ratchet is arrested for
stealing a gem known as the Eye of Infinity in a museum. Clank doesn’t believe
his friend is capable of stealing so he sets out to uncover the truth and set
the record straight. Of course, this won’t be easy but Clank always wanted to be
a spy and he does his best James Bond impersonation including sweeping the
ladies – or lady bots – off their mechanical feet.
Unlike most
Ratchet & Clank games, Secret Agent Clank pushes stealth rather than simply
blasting and bashing your way out of a situation. You can run into a room
slamming enemies with your powerful fists or use your weaponry but this will not
get you very far in this game. Using stealth will not only get you through some
rough spots but you are also rewarded for your efforts. Clank’s use of stealth
has him tip-toeing his way past enemies or use environmental objects to hide
yourself. There’s just something hilarious about a little robot grabbing leaves
from a potted plant and make like a plant or stand on a pedestal and act like an
exhibit in the museum level.
Clank can even
perform stealth takedowns by sneaking up behind an enemy and pressing the square
button and then a sequence of buttons that appear on the screen. Time it just
right and Clank is able to knock out enemies bigger than him. Of course, our
little robot friend packs a mean punch but – like Ratchet – also uses weapons.
The Agency that feeds Clank Intel also sends agents that offer our hero weapons
used to dispose the enemy as well as solve puzzles in each level. The
Tie-A-Rang, for instance, can be used to destroy enemies from long distances
while also cutting wires that are hard to reach. The Cuff-Link Bombs allow you
to drop a few gem-shaped bombs enemies find intriguing.
What’s a spy
without gadgets, right? Well, Clank gets his share of them whether they’re Jet
Boots to jump higher or a Blackout Pen that shoots a glob of black ink to take
out laser sensors. Knowing when to use each weapon or gadget isn’t hard to
figure out so you’ll know when to disrupt a laser or fool enemies with the Holo-Monocle
(used to make holographic clones of enemies). Telephone booths are used as
fronts so Clank can purchase extra weapons or learn skills such as Clank-Fu.
The levels offer
much variety whether you sneaking into areas or performing Parappa the
Rapper-styled timed challenges. While Clank takes center stage in this game, he
necessarily isn’t the only character you get to play. In a level you get to play
as Ratchet but also as two original quirky characters Captain Qwark and Gadgebot.
Each character’s level is good and gives us a breather from Clank’s humorous
twist as a spy that gets to do everything from gamble in a high-stakes card
game, dance with a female bot, and go snowboarding in a ski resort.
All of this
sounds good but there are a number of problems that hold this game back. For one
thing, the camera is horrendous and will lead to frustration. If you die a lot
in this game it’s not because the enemy AI is intelligent but rather because you
couldn’t see where you were going or where you enemy is attacking. Worst yet is
the targeting system the will lead you to hit nothing and this is sad seeing as
Ratchet’s level consists of a battle arena. The camera also makes taking control
of vehicles a bit difficult. Clank’s part in the game can also get a wee bit
repetitive at times but thankfully the game picks up the pace in the later
levels.
Visually, Secret
Agent Clank retains the look of most Ratchet & Clank games and Clank himself
looks good in action as well as in cut scenes. Speaking of cut scenes, they look
as good as the console games but I’m afraid the backgrounds are the weakest part
of the graphics. The environments are inconsistent even in the same level so
you’ll get to see some interesting backgrounds in the first half of the level
and then plain, dull backgrounds in the next. The soundtrack is not very strong
either, although the music gets better during Clank’s big dance. At least the
voice acting is good and sometimes even funny while the sound effects are just
decent.
Somewhat of a
disappointment, Secret Agent Clank for the PSP does manage to have its fun
moments that fans of the Ratchet & Clank brand will appreciate. As a longtime
fan of the franchise, I thoroughly enjoyed Size Matters and loved the idea of a
lone Clank game but there are just too many gameplay flaws that keep me from
enjoying this appealing platformer that could have been yet another portable
gaming gem. If you’re a fan all things Ratchet & Clank then you might want to
consider a purchase but if you’re new to the series then I highly suggest you
pick up Size Matters instead.
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Gameplay: 6.9
Clank channels
his inner James Bond and comes off more like Austin Powers … which is a good
thing, actually since there are a few funny moments in the game. Sadly, the weak
camera and fighting mechanics just don’t work as well as Size Matters. There are
some level variety and secrets aplenty.
Graphics: 7.0
At times the
game looks as close to the console Ratchet & Clank games but in other levels the
backgrounds are considerably bland and low on detail. At least Clank looks good
as do most of the characters in the game.
Sound: 7.2
There’s very
little in terms of musical variety when the soundtrack is concerned although
what is there is not bad at all. The voice acting is the game’s true strength
and the voice actors do justice to all the interesting characters.
Difficulty:
Medium/Hard
The game is
challenging but the challenge comes from wrestling with the camera and lock-on
feature. I can’t count how many times I was taken to the last checkpoint for
dying from not seeing my attacker. Oh, the timed mini-games will have you
restarting from the checkpoint as well.
Concept: 7.0
Much like our
furry friend Daxter, it’s great to see a likeable sidekick character get his own
adventure. The spy theme means spy jokes and Secret Agent Clank has a few good
ones seeing as Clank is a mechanical version of Austin and Maxwell Smart. There
are unlockable extras but most of them aren’t worth it … unless you find Clank
wearing an afro downright hilarious.
Overall: 6.9
Secret Agent
Clank is a charming and, at times, very fun platform-action game but Clank’s
solo adventure runs into a number of problems that hold it back. This is not to
say that it’s a bad game since there are fun moments throughout, but its flaws
are way too noticeable to ignore and oftentimes it leads to some frustrating
trail-and-error gameplay. Sorry, Clank, it was a nice try, though.
