Ratchet & Clank - Easy Allies Review

Ratchet & Clank make their debut on PlayStation 4. Does it live up to their legacy?

Closed Captions available in English and German.

Our ratings: 5 Stars - Masterful, 4 Stars - Excellent, 3 Stars - Recommended, 2 Stars - Lacking, 1 Star - Poor

Written by Michael Huber
Available on PlayStation 4

[jakez]

For all the people complaining about the people disagreeing with the score and not focusing on the content of the review, literally the only criticism in the review was about the lack of new guns. The rest was exposition. There wasn't much critical content to respond to.

[rashbandicoot]

This my first Ratchet & Clank game. Needless to say it blew me away. The price is also a steal.

[IamLaTerry]

I've never played much of this franchise so your biggest criticism doesn't apply to me. Definitely checking this out.

[SeanLumly]

I find Ratchet & Clank to be *DELIGHTFUL* and arguably PS4's strongest exclusive. PSN users have rated it an average of 5-stars (perfect) with over 2000 independent ratings -- that is practically _unheard_ of, implying that it has been received exceptionally well, and better than most other large releases. It also is acclaimed by the gaming media and has an impressively high meta-critic rating of 86 and user rating of 8.8.

While I can appreciate that the reviewer was turned off by the lack of differentiation compared to the original, the review result seems strikingly out-of-touch with the preferences of the consumers who would purchase this game, as the reception has not just been positive but exemplary.

[MegamanNG]

The game is awesome! But it's good to hear your voice again Brandon Jones.

[ZzBlu]

tl;dr : Take out the star system and replace it with the personal recommendations (or not) of the reviewers.

To be honest I think it would be best to just ditch the rating system entirely. It's a waste to write up a thoughtful and well spoken review when most people will only pay attention to the rating at the end and will be influenced based on how much that rating means to them personally. The scores need to be ditched and they should be replaced with the reviewer's recommendation.

I can see that you guys added meanings to each star rating in the description. Why not just ditch the stars and put those in at the end instead? Instead of people debating on how good a 3.5 is, why don't you just tell them that Huber recommends it? I think the scoring system just kind of puts the reviewer's hard work to waste when all people pay attention to at the end is the score. Why did Huber bother taking the time to write up all the pros and cons of the game if people will just get hung up on the score instead of reflecting on his words? I know that mentality doesn't apply to everyone, but I just think that a summary of the reviewers opinion and their clear personal thoughts and recommendations are more valuable to everyone watching.

[TheGreatBusta]

Your reviews live up the GT legacy. Wish i could say the same about the rest of the Easy Allies shows. The presentation was something that definitely elevated GT, and i hope you will be able to get back to that quality soon.

[LazilyDiligent]

Jones' voice was made for this! So glad the reviews are up and going again so quickly!

[ZengekuZGK]

Pretty fair review. I am having a blast with it, but I can't say it doesn't have some notable shortcomings, most of which are outlined in this review. However, it being so rare that you get 3D action platformers like this nowadays combined with a rush of nostalgia and the really beautiful graphics and the low price, I'm pleased with the package.

[oscmag]

Why is everyone trying to justify slack on the basis that it's "a remake"? Mortal Kombat 9 was a reboot of the MK series, they went back to their 2D fighter roots but modernized the game greatly. They didn't just upgrade the graphics and add a few new fatalities.

I think it is completely fair to mark some points off this game due to the fact that all they really did was upgrade the graphics and add a single new gun. There isn't really much of anything new here and that is what is being criticized. Simply being "a remake" or a reboot doesn't magically guard you from all criticism.

[Brandon-a]

I have never disagreed with a review form you guys more, but i understand not everyone will feel the same way. For me it was one of the best games in the series. I would have gave it 9/10.

[KingofMilktea]

People clearly don't read lol. 3.5 is a good solid score in this rating system. Just look under the information and they clearly state 3 stars as excellent!! Don't treat a 3.5 as if its a 7.0 out of a 10 point system =P

[astarothsediles]

Complaining about old stuff when this is a remake not a new game, I don't get it.

[duffyside]

An easy suggestion to the Easy Allies -- you guys have built your recent reputation on positivity, optimism, hype and joy about games, rather than the forced-anger, negativity, and pessimism that plagues the rest of the press. Thus, I think the stars graphic you use at the top of this video should move forward from 0 stars to 5 stars. I think that would suit you guys better, in a way saying to the audience "oh my gosh, how rad might this game be? Could it be a FIVE STAR GAME? Keep watching to find out."

As is, it comes off instead as "heh heh, we're gonna cut this game down to size in every way we possibly can because we're game critics and-" just blech. I'm not saying change your style, I'm saying change this one graphic so it better fits your style. You guys are excited about games, and want every game to be great, and want to praise them when they deserve it. I think this would be a better fit.

Additionally, at the end of the video, it should also build from zero, but then stop at whatever the score of that game is, if that's possible.

[colonel_fox]

I disagree with score, 4 at least. I know it may seem disappointing that there is only one new weapon, but with all the other additions I don't mind, especially the graphics. Following what you say the stars mean, I would say it deserves a 4, because the game is excellent. I also think that for many people this will be their first Ratchet and Clank game.

[MrEvol]

People crying about the score.. seriously?
I would've given it the same score or half a star lower but for other reasons.

1. The framerate is 30fps, the predecessors were 60fps. This makes the gameplay feel slower paced and less responsive in comparison. You may talk about graphics all day long, but the fact of the matter is: Framerate effect the gameplay, graphics do not. This game should have a lower resolution 60fps option available in my opinion. (ex. profile 1: 900p 60fps. Profile 2: 1080p 30fps)

2. Lack of humor for adults. The original R&C had a much better jokes and dialogue. This new Ratchet has zero personality compared with the Ratchet we grew up to love from the PS2 games.

3. Milked Franchise. The magic will never come back.

4. Some major and unnecessary changes in the story.

5. The boss fights feel lackluster and easy compared with boss fights from earlier installments.


Despite all this, it is still a great game and if they reboot the continuation of the franchise I am very interested to see how going commando and up your arsenal turn out. But at the same time, I have no doubt in my mind that they will not top the originals. So I'm very happy that I got my R&C HD colletcion!

This new R&C gets a 7/10 from me.

[congelatore]

Oofta, the drama.
This is a solid 9.2/10 or 4.5/5.
To each their own, everyone has different expectations and opinions.

[Kratosever]

Pretty harsh review, already makes me miss the good old Gametrailer reviews.

Ratchet & Clanks on PS4 deserves better than this. Its a fantastic re-imagining, nearly perfectly balancing fresh and nostalgic elements for both established fans and newbies. You guys kinda failed to realize how well Insomiac put this game together.

14 years since the series very beginning, this looks and plays like a 2016 game. Plus the story is more fleshed out. You downplay Insomniac Game's efforts by stating "they played it safe". To satisfy long time fans, while also introduce new fans to the series, without screwing one camp over, is everything but easy to do.

Also: "Star Fox Zero is a wonderful re-imagining of one of the most beloved
games in the series, blending elements from its early history in a
tasteful manner." 4/5 stars.

You guys honestly think that Star Fox Zero is a better re-imagining than Ratchet & Clank?! This is so crazy. I dont know what else to say.

[gregcadman]

Seems like you're the only person who shares my thoughts on the weapons Huber. I'm seeing people praising the creativity but as a fan of the series since day one I just think 'this again?' when I see Mr. Zurkon and the Groovitron. If they were going to bring back oldies they should've had the weapons from the actual first game and not the same things we've been using in every game since Tools of Destruction.

[The_Jastrom]

I've never played a Rachet and Clank game before so I'll bump the score up to 4 1/2. This game looks gorgeous and I'm going to definitely buy it! Great review, Easy Allies!