While earlier Ratchet and Clank games felt like trailblazing inventions, this game is the first of many in the series to feel like a slight iteration on what came before. It comes short in presentation apparently due to troubles with getting online multiplayer done within the same release schedule as the previous game. I definitely feel for the devs and think they still released something good, but I don't think I'll be coming back to this game like the first two.
The core gameplay is solid as always, mostly comperable to R&C2. Weapons feel good to use and have some interesting effects, but definitely don't feel particularly inventive. The biggest change from 2 is a shift from a large arsenal of weapons with one upgrade each to a slim roster with five levels per weapon. Effectively you get more time with each weapon, though by the end of the game you'll have cycled in some new weapons to replace early game ones, much like R&C1. Though many of the late game weapons are recycled weapons from 2, which feel a lot more unique in comparison to such inventive weapons as a plain sniper rifle again, "light cannon" shotgun again, throw bombs for the third game in a row, et cetera.
Where this game really falls flat is level design. Nearly the entire game is structured around shooting gallery levels like Notak (Canal City), Joba (Megacorp Games), and Todano (Megacorp Armory). None ever feel as bold or memorable as Boldan or scenic like R&C1 planets. In fact Kerwan (Metropolis) and Aridia (Outpost X11) from that game return in short and ugly form. Variety in general is low with the least amount of Clank stages, unique level gimmicks, and a lack of space flight stages. Though this game does have the most robust coliseum mode thus far, which is fun.
Music takes a pretty big hit as well, with the series for the first time feeling cliche. Same goes for the story, no longer as dry or funny as the series is known for. Some jokes land but not the same as it used to be, and the general plot is much less engaging. I sill give credit in that this game has the best bosses in the series so far, especially with a final boss on par with the first game's to make up for the limp one in R&C2.
The core gameplay is solid as always, mostly comperable to R&C2. Weapons feel good to use and have some interesting effects, but definitely don't feel particularly inventive. The biggest change from 2 is a shift from a large arsenal of weapons with one upgrade each to a slim roster with five levels per weapon. Effectively you get more time with each weapon, though by the end of the game you'll have cycled in some new weapons to replace early game ones, much like R&C1. Though many of the late game weapons are recycled weapons from 2, which feel a lot more unique in comparison to such inventive weapons as a plain sniper rifle again, "light cannon" shotgun again, throw bombs for the third game in a row, et cetera.
Where this game really falls flat is level design. Nearly the entire game is structured around shooting gallery levels like Notak (Canal City), Joba (Megacorp Games), and Todano (Megacorp Armory). None ever feel as bold or memorable as Boldan or scenic like R&C1 planets. In fact Kerwan (Metropolis) and Aridia (Outpost X11) from that game return in short and ugly form. Variety in general is low with the least amount of Clank stages, unique level gimmicks, and a lack of space flight stages. Though this game does have the most robust coliseum mode thus far, which is fun.
Music takes a pretty big hit as well, with the series for the first time feeling cliche. Same goes for the story, no longer as dry or funny as the series is known for. Some jokes land but not the same as it used to be, and the general plot is much less engaging. I sill give credit in that this game has the best bosses in the series so far, especially with a final boss on par with the first game's to make up for the limp one in R&C2.