Publisher: Insomniac Games
System: Sony PlayStation 3
Cost: $60
Review rating: 4 stars
Grab your intergalactic firearm license and hide your hair gel because virtual superstars Ratchet and Clank have finally hit the next generation. While the idea of a dynamic duo consisting of a fuzzy fighter and a robotic intellectual may seem unusual, their combined efforts help to make "Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction" one of the most humorous and enjoyable action platform games to date.
Once again the universe is in danger, and only Ratchet can save it. But this time, the potential potentate has a personal grudge against our hairy hero. As a result, Ratchet and his metallic sidekick have to locate the ancient Lombax weapon and stop Emperor Tachyon, all while enduring the dastardly despot's mind-numbing soliloquies.
Fortunately, Ratchet has more than enough high-tech weaponry, devices, and gadgets to obliterate any enemy he encounters, long-winded or not. Some of my favorites are the Tornado Launcher, which lets players steer a mini-tornado using the six-axis controller, and the Negotiator, a devastating missile launcher that can lock onto foes. I like how all weapons automatically become more powerful with use, but the player can also manually boost their potency.
Throughout their adventure, Ratchet and Clank will visit several planets, and even engage in interstellar space combat. Every planet they visit offers a unique and different experience, but they all have one thing in common, they're downright gorgeous. In fact, this is one of the most visually appealing games to ever grace a console.
Game: "Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron"
Publisher: LucasArts
System: Sony PSP
Cost: $40
ESRB rating: T
Review rating: 3 stars
With no next-gen Star Wars games released this year, fans of the Battlefront series will have to settle for the PSP-exclusive title, "Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron." This action-packed game sports a completely new story line and cool customization options, but the frustrating control scheme may turn you to the dark side.
During each match, you have access to an untold amount of customization options, from the weapons loadout to explosives to personal attributes. One hundred credits are available to spend on available equipment, which makes balancing weapons with advantages like proximity mines, recon druids, extra firepower or stamina a difficult decision. In addition, the ability to change equipment at bases is a very welcome addition. Now you can adapt to varying situations as they occur.
Up to 16 players can duke it out online in various modes like Capture the Flag, Conquest, and Space Assault. This is where the game really shines, since the AI can be extremely ineffective at times. Plus, there's just no substitute for fighting alongside and against human-controlled characters.
The Battlefront series used to be presented in a first person view with appropriate dual analog controls, but this title is now a third-person shooter with a single analog control scheme. Why, oh why Sony, is there no second analog stick on your hand-held powerhouse?
Still, "Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron" provides a universe of fun-filled action in the palm of your hand.
4 stars - Must have
3 stars - Pretty good
2 stars - So-so
1 star - Don't waste your time
Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)
E: Everyone
T: Teen (13 and older)
E10-plus: (Everyone 10 and older)
M: Mature (17 and older)
