Ratchet: Deadlocked is the fourth game in the popular Ratchet and Clank franchise, released in 2005 exclusively on PS2. In previous Ratchet and Clank games that have been released, the games were all about moving through linear levels, running and gunning, and platforming. Deadlocked isn't quite as linear as the first three games, and there's barely any platforming involved in the game.This is also the first time Clank doesn't return as a playable character. Despite being pretty different from the rest of the games, I still found this game to be very enjoyable.
First up, we'll deal with the story. The reason we're starting with the story is because the events and plot sets up on the differences this game has. Ratchet, Clank, and Al are captured and taken prisoner and forced to participate in a TV show known as DreadZone. DreadZone is a gladiator-based show where heroes from the Ratchet and Clank universe are held prisoner and attempt to fight for their lives, for money, and for adoration of fans instead of freedom. Everyone is required to wear "DeadLock" collars, which can be detonated if a hero is uncooperative, or boring. Ratchet fights his way through enemies to try to become the number one gladiator.
Now we get into gameplay. Again, it seems really different than the rest of the Ratchet and Clank games. In the basic levels of the story mode, you are faced with many different enemies, and you kill them all. Once you've killed them all, you try to move on to the next objective, which will most likely be hack a control node, destroying something, or simply getting from point A to point B. Of course, the weapons feature that Ratchet and Clank is famous for is also available in this game. However, instead of recycling the old weapons, you get new names for the weapons that you have (i.e. Dual Vipers for Dual Lacerators). Most of the time, you will also have mechanical partners assisting you in your efforts, but none of them involve Clank. These robots can perform different tasks. If they get killed, they can be revived. They send send out an EMP blast wherever needed. They can turn bolt cranks or hack control nodes. They can also give you a grind rail to slide on. Also, they are equipped with their own guns, too. Your bots can be upgraded at anytime by visiting Al's shop. Sometimes, you will be required to use different vehicles, such as a basic tank with legs, a hoverbike, a Puma (a basic dirtbike), and a Hovership, a plane-like hovercraft. In addition to your weapons, new to the game is the Weapons Mod system, where you can add mods for function or damage (Alpha and Omega mods). Alpha mods include increasing your rate of fire, or explosion radius. Omega mods include adding napalm to every shot, or send out electricity to shock other enemies. Your weapons can be upgraded just by using them. Your health can be upgraded, too, just by killing enemies. You get gadgets which include the Swingshot and Charge boots. Currency in the game is known as "Bolts," and Bolts can be used to buy other weapons, ammo for your weapons, or Alpha and Omega mods. Deadlocked is noted to have a slightly shorter length in the campaign, and I think they may be right. I was able to beat the game within two days. Something to keep myself occupied, though, is Challenge Mode, where you start the game over with all of your guns and upgrades, and complete the campaign again, only this time the campaign gets a bit harder. A redeeming factor for diehard fans of the series is that it still has a level up system for your weapons and health. It alsol has skill points, which are like achievements in the game. Unlock enough of them, and you can unlock cheats.
The campaign can be played cooperatively, with up to two players. It plays similarly to the single player experience, except you have no combat bots. There is also the multiplayer mode, where you can square off in different modes such as standard Deathmatch, Conquest, Survival, Juggernaut, and Capture the Flag. Local multiplayer supports up to four players, whilst online (if people are still playing online) supports up to 10 players.
Graphics-wise, I'm impressed. The environments look colorful, the sound is great. The only problem graphics-wise is the frame-rate. Most of the time, the game plays smoothly. However, once you get to the point where huge explosions are as common as the cold, there is a moderate slowdown in the action. But, what would you expect from a Playstation 2 game?
All in all, I particularly enjoyed this game. The campaign was fun, humorous, and it controlled well. This game may disappoint hardcore fans of the Ratchet series, but any fan of third person shooters should definitely consider picking this game up.
The Good: great control, campaign is a good length, looks awesome, funny, amazing weapons.
The Bad: campaign still isn't as long as other Ratchet games, some framerate issues.
Score:
9.3.
The campaign can be played cooperatively, with up to two players. It plays similarly to the single player experience, except you have no combat bots. There is also the multiplayer mode, where you can square off in different modes such as standard Deathmatch, Conquest, Survival, Juggernaut, and Capture the Flag. Local multiplayer supports up to four players, whilst online (if people are still playing online) supports up to 10 players.
Graphics-wise, I'm impressed. The environments look colorful, the sound is great. The only problem graphics-wise is the frame-rate. Most of the time, the game plays smoothly. However, once you get to the point where huge explosions are as common as the cold, there is a moderate slowdown in the action. But, what would you expect from a Playstation 2 game?
All in all, I particularly enjoyed this game. The campaign was fun, humorous, and it controlled well. This game may disappoint hardcore fans of the Ratchet series, but any fan of third person shooters should definitely consider picking this game up.
The Good: great control, campaign is a good length, looks awesome, funny, amazing weapons.
The Bad: campaign still isn't as long as other Ratchet games, some framerate issues.
Score:
9.3.
