PlayStation 2
Ratchet: Deadlocked
| Graphics: Sound: Gameplay: Overall: |
7.97 8.07 8.59 8.27 |
| Votes: | 86 |
| Reviews: | 2 |
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| Reviewer: RetroAtmosphere | Date: Jul 4, 2023 |
| The labeled black sheep of the PS2 lineage of Ratchet & Clank games, Ratchet Deadlocked. Controversial for its tonal change from the previous games, being far more dark than prior games, and edge at its peak, as well as its more combat focused gameplay, even relegating Clank to being a side character, hence why it's just called *Ratchet* Deadlocked. Despite the controversy surrounding this game that's still there to this day, I love this game to death for what it does. To me, it's probably the most fun game in the series just for its gameplay alone, let alone the other aspects of the game that I love almost the same. For starters...
Graphics: 8 While still not quite reaching the graphical peaks of the first game, which even 2 and 3 don't do, the game still looks great in its own right. You can tell that this was Insomniac's last PS2 Ratchet game, whether it's the colors that fit with the gameplay, the vast levels that are perfect for the multiple challenges this game has for each, great level design, or the brilliant VFX work, this game never ceases to surprise me with how good it looks at times. It's the second best looking Ratchet game on the PS2, and that's quite the achievement. Sound: 9 I love this game's sound design and soundtrack. Everything down to the hit sound effects, the firing of the guns, the death sounds of the enemies, just has that right "feel" to it. Everything that you shoot out sounds like it hurts the enemy like hell, and I can't express enough just how much more addicting the Scorpion Flail is to use in conjunction with its sounds. The soundtrack to this game fits so well with what is going on on the screen, and are just bangers to listen to on their own as well. The OST does a great job at showcasing that this is Ratchet's most dangerous adventure yet, and that the stakes are higher than ever before. David Bergeaud never disappoints. Gameplay: 10 I can't fully describe just how addicting this game can be without encouraging you to play it for yourself to see what I mean, but I will try my best to explain. Much like the previous 2 games, there's a level up system for your guns, but unlike those games, guns can go all the way up to V10 on your first playthrough, and, mentally prepare yourself for this one, V99 in challenge mode! You heard me! V99! To compensate for so many levels, your guns level up pretty quickly, which makes it so that in every level, you just keep getting stronger and stronger, which just gets your brain pumping with dopamine. You get a lot of bolts too, which further makes you want to keep playing. Unlike the previous games where you had a lot of guns that did a lot of wonky stuff, this game and its weapon selection are a lot more traditional, and feel more like the loadout of an arena shooter. You have your standard automatic rifle, shotgun, sniper rifle, bomb gun, turret gun, and melee weapon, and despite how standard they are, they are *really* fun to use. It makes the whole game feel like an arena shooter with Ratchet's moveset, even down to the manual aim mode, which has improved dramatically since its addition in 3. In this game, there is a add on system that hasn't been in any game before or after it, that lets you customize your gun to be better at certain things, such as a mod that gives you more ammo, and a mod that even gives you more bolts from enemies and crates if you destroy them with the weapon, as well as mods that help with damage output, such as the shock mod and the ice mod. They're awesome ways to compensate for the admittedly small selection of guns in this game, and it's fun to experiment with all the mods. Due to the game's more action focused gameplay, gone is Clank and his sections, which is a shame but also good because I always hated the Clank sections in the previous games. Instead, you are given two combat bots who go by Green and Merc. They're kind of like Mr. Zurkon, but actually good and actually funny, and you have two of them. They help you fight by adding to your DPS with their own guns, and can even do things you had to do manually before, like cranking bolts to open a bridge or take down a shield. You can upgrade them with your bolts to increase their health and damage, and give them more tools and even "ultimates". They're a great addition to the game, and make me not really miss Clank. Overall: 9 This game is just plain, unadulterated fun, and I can't believe it has such a negative reception amongst the community. If you've played the first 3 games and not this, then you own it to yourself to try this out and just have a blast. I assure you that if you like the Ratchet games, then you will like this too. |
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| Reviewer: kino bambino | Date: Sep 14, 2022 |
| I don't think I can quite describe how much I enjoy this game in words, but I can sure as hell try. There may be a dose of nostalgia involved, as is the case with many PS2 games for me, but this game in particular is just a joy to play.
Graphics: 7 While not exactly perfect outside a CRT screen, it still looks decent on widescreen and the choice of colors are rather pleasant, with character and gun models being detailed and a large assortment of particle effects. Art direction is a treasure that the Ratchet & Clank series in general is great at doing. Sound: 8 While I don't believe the sound effects are that much to write home about, the music score of this series is exceptional. The Electronic/Synth/Industrial music is perfect to complement the gameplay and aesthetic choices, as well as immersing you in the world. Gameplay: 10 I... can't quite describe it. There may be an unhealthy tint of rose on my eyes and hands, but the gameplay of this game is something no other game of the genre can quite replicate for me. The frenetic battles, wild weapons and platforming challenges while often under time constraints are exhilarating, the vehicle controls aren't quite as exceptional, but are always fun diversions from the main gameplay and the customization options for the weapons makes it so you have a ton of replayability as you swap things around. Overall: 9 This is easily my favorite PS2 game, and one of my best of all time games. There is so much fun to be had here, and with the expansive levels, many unlockables, ranging from skins/armors to weapon upgrades and bonus difficulties, there is so much fun to be had in this game that I can't help but smile whenever I remember it. Note that there are also cooperative and multiplayer modes (including, of course, local split-screen) and it only furthers the already excellent value of this great game. I wish we had more games like this these days, I feel a tad depressed thinking about it. |
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