Originally available as a download for the PS3 on the PSN this follow on from Tools of Destruction is now available to buy for those people whose PS3 is not connected to the internet.

The game starts after the disappearance of Clank at the end of T.O.D. and is meant as a link to the next game which I believe is due sometime next year. Set on Hoolefar Island, it expands the excellent storyline from that previous title and includes some of the best puzzles yet seen in the series and some interesting new gameplay elements and a weapon upgrade which will delight the fans of the series. It also retains the humour associated with the series, even though it is a much smaller game than we are used too.

The weapon upgrade previously mentioned is a Kinetic Tether which has been added to the wrench that Ratchet carries. Basically this is a laser which can be used to activate spring jumps or pull out bridges or manipulate platforms which help to solve several of the problems that Ratchet has to face.

Other weapons also make a comeback including the Tornado Launcher, the Fusion Grenades, Lighting Ravager and the Predator Launcher. All of which are a joy to use and produce spectacular effects in places.

One thing the diehard Ratchet fan might find to complain about is the lack of variety of the bad guys within the game. Being a shorter title this has been kept to just Robot Pirates and Ghost Pirates to a grand large degree with a different creature here and there and the occasional boss.

Graphically the level design is as good as we have come to accept from the developers with bright colourful graphics (when you are not in the caves) that are detailed and comes with excellent visual effects. The wind-swept ocean background is only one of the graphical treats that this has in store for the player. Even the cave levels which are naturally dark and dingy are still superior to lots of other games graphically.

Sound wise a lot is carried on from the last game including the soundtrack. The vocal acting is still brilliant however as are the sound effects.

Overall this is a four hour shortened Ratchet and Clank game which is a lot of fun and as usual with this series carries some of the most spectacular graphics ever seen on a Playstation machine. It is short, there is no denying this and to be honest the scale that we are used to in their games dosent work in a shorter game however, for a game that was originally a download and as a game to satisfy fans of the series until the next ‘real’ game it works well. In a sense it is to the R&C series what Grand Turismo Prologue is to that driving series.

It was probably the best thing you could download on the PSN network and at the budget price it has been released at it is well worth the money for the couple of nights of gaming pleasure that this will provide.

Is the Ratchet and Clank series the best 3d Platforming series on any console? I don’t know but it certainly would take something mighty special to beat it.