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Everyone’s favorite Lombox arrives on The Playstation 3 and he’s brought his tools of destruction.

Fans of the series know about Ratchet’s incredible armory and that hasn’t changed here. There are weapons from electric whips, rockets, and flame throwers to guns that shoot saws to bombs that release monsters. Even though there are a lot of guns and they’re all powerful, its still pretty well balanced. There really isn’t one gun you’ll be using through the entire game, certain situations call for certain weapons. The weapons go through a upgrade process. All the weapons automatically upgrade as much as you use them, which will also cause good players to switch weapons. Getting upgrades through high use unlocks new features, like higher wind and lightning for your Tornado Launcher and the same process happens uniquely with your other guns. You can also upgrade by spending the game’s currency which is Raritanium, weapon upgrades have different categories like; increasing damage, rate of fire, or even improving the frequency at which enemies drop Raritanium. When playing on your second playthrough the Omega series of weapons are unlocked, which are the same weapons as your first play through just with their qualities magnified.

The game gives you a great arsenal to use, but the AI doesn’t match it. Enemies usually run straight at you, sometimes they move side to side. If you flank the enemy they probably won’t even turn around. Which also leads to another problem in the game, it’s too easy. Combing the great arsenal, large amounts of health, and dumb enemies you get a game where death is almost nonexistent. The boss fights come down to remembering the obvious pattern their making. Most of the bosses only have l3 or 4 moves. Like shoot laser, stomp foot, and shoot rockets then wash, rinse, and repeat the same three moves. Even on the second play through on a harder difficulty the game is still too easy.

When you’re not shooting the enemies you will probably be platforming, playing as Clank, or doing mini-games. This game is very much a shooter first, then platformer. The little platforming that is in the game is really good though. Playing as Clank is a nice break from playing from Ratchet, but his segments are too simplistic. Most of the mini-games are good and varied which include things like hacking doors, flying with wings, controlling lasers, and skydiving. All of these mini-games are controlled by the Sixaxis’ motion sensor, but can be changed to analog stick. They all work quite well with the motion sensor.

No matter if your shooting, swimming, or flying this game looks great. With near Pixar quality visuals, this game looks amazing. The environments are brightly colored and detailed. This game’s visuals are a huge leap above it’s PS2 counterparts. Unfortunately the game’s story doesn’t make such a leap. The game’s dialogue is funny but the story itself isn’t very deep. The storyline with Clank and the mysterious aliens is pretty weak and it’s left unresolved, that leads to an unsatisfying ending. The only other problem is the game’s value, its about 12 hours which for some gamers might be rental territory. Unfortunately like some of the other Ratchet & Clank games this does not have any form of multiplayer. The only real reason to replay the game is to use the Omega series weapons.

Ratchet & Clank: Tools of Destruction does have a few chinks in it’s armor but it still shines. Offering an experience that you can’t find anywhere else with great graphics, weapons, dialogue, and the best use of the Sixaxis’ motion sensor so far. Every PS3 owner should give this game a try.

8.9