Ratchet & Clank 2: Hi-Res Screens

The sequel to Insomniac's wonderful platformer revealed in several fantastically sharp screenshots.

Scheduled for release this November, Ratchet & Clank 2 looks like it's shaping up quite nicely. With clearly improved visuals, the development team at Insomniac is again proving their strength, having barely finished the first Ratchet and Clank before unleashing the sequel.

Created by Insomniac Games, the developer of last year's Ratchet & Clank and Spyro the Dragon Ratchet & Clank II incorporates many of Insomniac's signature gameplay elements, including fun-filled action, inventive character designs and an imaginative storyline - plus tons of new explosive additions!

Incorporating challenging new elements of gameplay such as a new experience-based character growth system, upgradeable weapons and armor, a more dynamic economic system and truly unique gameplay modes such as gladiatorial arenas, space combat and "spherical worlds," Ratchet and Clank takes gamers on a hilarious adventure to save a brand new galaxy. Twenty of the coolest new weapons and hi-tech gadgets ever imagined have unique upgrade capabilities that are unlocked as players gain skill and experience, offering gamers more ways to blow things up. There are also "maxigames" available throughout the adventure that can be played over and over again to earn experience, money and prizes, giving gamers the chance to test their skills in gladiatorial arenas, unique spherical worlds and fast-paced space combat.

Ratchet & Clank is set in a unique vibrant galaxy featuring 20 all-new innovative planets and filled with all-new character designs, magnificent graphics and a compelling storyline. This invigorating sci-fi, action-adventure also delivers beautiful diverse environments approximately one and a half times larger than those in the first Ratchet & Clank.

All-new character designs, a compelling plot, and a unique arsenal of more of the coolest weapons and high-tech gadgets ever created enable players to blow up anything and everything standing in their way. With the new character growth system, players can also enjoy building Ratchet's and his weapons' power as they progress through the game. Furthermore, Ratchet begins the game in a new commando suit and throughout the adventure can accumulate up to five levels of armor.

Delving into RPG territory, the new character growth system allows players to earn more nanotech (hit points) by defeating enemies. By gaining experience, Ratchet can increase his nanotech units from four to 80 by the end of the game. Enemies, grow in strength, (like Ratchet) and by the end of the game can take up to 120 hit points of damage, forcing players to strategically manage their powerful artillery.

With the enhanced weapons system, gamers can upgrade each of their weapons to provide more variety, more power and added enjoyment. Featuring 20 brand-new weapons with unique unlockable upgrades as gamers gain skill and experience, more than 50 weapons and gadgets are available by the end of Ratchet and Clank's journey.

Having defeated Chairman Drek in their last intergalactic adventure, Ratchet and Clank find themselves returning to a more sedate lifestyle - until they are kidnapped and taken far away to the Bogon Galaxy. Upon their arrival, they are propositioned by Abercrombie Fizzwidget, the quirky CEO of the largest (and only) corporation in the Bogon Galaxy, to investigate the whereabouts of one of Megacorp's most promising experimental products, which has been stolen by a mysterious masked figure.

Mr. Fizzwidget extends an offer that Ratchet cannot refuse; the promise of adventure that he's been longing for, a fully paid health plan, access to new weapon technology, a penthouse suite in Megapolis, and the chance to receive training to become a certified commando. Meanwhile, since Clank is hesitant to reunite with Ratchet on another set of adventures, Mr. Fizzwidget lures Clank to stay by offering him a cushy accounting job at Megacorp.

It's not before long that Ratchet and Clank find themselves entangled in action and mayhem. Along the way, the duo encounters many dangerous foes, but with a plethora of the coolest and most inventive weapons and gadgets ever, Ratchet and Clank set out to destroy anything and anyone who stand in their way of discovering the secrets that lie behind "The Experiment."

Expect to find out a lot more at E3 next month, and enjoy these screens.

John Gold
Scratch it and w... oh nevermind.