Once in a while, a title comes along that creates something on a completely different level to everything else. Insomniac Studios, the developer of Spyro the Dragon, has done just that with Ratchet & Clank 3: Up Your Arsenal.
The story begins with Clank playing the part of a secret agent hero (of sorts) on a hit television programme, with Ratchet being his chauffeur. From this, everyone in the game believes that Clank is the real hero while Ratchet is his handy helper.
As the game progresses, the president enlists you to fight the Tyhrrannoids and once more put an end to the plans of the sinister Dr Nefarious. The only way this can be done is with the leadership of the courageous and daring hero of heroes, Captain Qwark!
There is just one problem - he thinks he is a monkey.
Levels in Up Your Arsenal are bigger, varied and more outstanding than any of the previous titles. There are no loading times, as levels load behind animated cut scenes of either the star ship zooming past, Ratchet freefalling, or a drop ship soaring through the clouds.
Each world is distinctive and explodes with originality. Of course, there are a variety of enemies that include the Tyhrrannoids, native wildlife and fearsome robotic foes. There are many weapons to choose from, all of which can be upgraded to five times the level of enhancement.
With names such as the Suck Cannon, Plasma Whip, N-60 Storm and Shock Blaster, you cannot help but have fun.
Another great feature is that you can import some of the older weapons if you have a Ratchet & Clank 2 save file. You will even get a discount of 10% on most weapons if you have a save file from the first game.
Missions get increasingly bigger and tougher as the game progresses, giving you the perfect opportunity to use your upgraded weapons.
Later in the game, there is a level where you play as Clank. He will use his trusty gadgetbots and banana gun to send Qwark`s pet one-eyed monkey to stand on switches, open force fields and activate bridges.
Ratchet is disguised as a Tyhrrannoid and must communicate with other Tyhrrannoids to get them to lower force fields and open bridges. Players do this by pressing the controller buttons in time with the symbols appearing on screen. If you press the wrong sequence you will end up insulting other Tyhrrannoids with hilarious comments.
Graphics run smoothly and do not slow down even when there are masses of enemies and weapon fire. Music and sound effects are excellent, with every weapon sounding like there is a war happening on your screen.
Up Your Arsenal is a must-have and is undoubtedly the best game in the series to date.
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