The interstellar duo is set to make their PSP debut in Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters, but they're a winning team that has already survived several adventures together...
Created by Insomniac Studios, the unlikely pairing of Ratchet & Clank - a Lombax mechanic and the little robot that crash-lands on his planet at the start of the first game - has gone on to become a PlayStation institution. Combining exploration of fantastic planets with one of the gaming world's most memorable arsenals and a big fat dollop of knowing humour, this is a team that works.
For those new to the series, here's a whistle-stop tour of Ratchet & Clank's adventures so far...
Ratchet & Clank
The game that introduced the stars of the show - and the hapless Captain Qwark - Ratchet & Clank went down a storm upon its arrival at the end of 2002. Using a tweaked version of the technology behind that other massive PlayStation 2 platform game, Jak and Daxter, R&C focussed on slick combat and outlandish weaponry to create a distinctive adventure that delivered as many laughs as it did explosions.
Ratchet & Clank 2: Locked & Loaded
After the success of the first game, a sequel was assured - and Locked & Loaded delivered everything a good follow-up should. Even funnier than the first game, R&C2 showed the inventive streak that runs through the whole series, introducing several levels set upon planets so small that they appeared as spheres.
Ratchet & Clank 3
A mix of modern-day ambition and good ol' nostalgia for the gameplay of earlier games marked out Ratchet & Clank 3. Online play was supported for the first time, while the single-player mode featured several side-scrolling 2D sections, starring Captain Qwark. Oh, and let's not forget that Ratchet and Clank's exploits were as compelling as ever.
Ratchet: Gladiator
A darker, moodier look gave the fourth Ratchet game a decidedly different feel to its predecessors. The game found Ratchet forced to take part in a galactic TV show where competitors fight to the death, leading to an emphasis on combat rather than exploration. The arena-based action leant itself to beefed-up multiplayer modes, too.
Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters
After four successful outings on PS2, Ratchet and Clank have made the transition to PSP (PlayStation Portable) for their first portable adventure. Returning to the series' roots after the combat-focussed Gladiator, Size Matters features a wealth of new planets to visit, an arsenal that features a mix of old favourites and new technology, and wireless multiplayer modes.
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