It is a very charming game and the first half is a delight, but chores rhyme with bores and time is precious, reader.
If you've ever played a 3D mascot platforming game, you know all about the manually controlled camera and the jump from one platform to the next mechanics. Those basic design elements are found in this game, but it is the new ingredients that really make the game interesting.
Ratchet (the main character) has the ability to melee enemies with an oversized wrench as well as jump, of course. In the course of the game, you can also buy all kinds of cool gadgets and neo-futuristic weapons. Those gadgets and such are really what make this game compelling. The sheer variety in fancy equipment is one of two things that drive this game forward, for the player. The second is the story. Now, the story is nothing spectacular, but the manner in which it is delivered is absolutely charming and really gives the game momentum. The story is presented through many amusing cut-scenes and boasts a great cast of voice actors and a solid script full of clever humour. It is sure to please just about anyone.
One of the things Ratchet and Clank is often praised for is the tossing away of the collect-a-thon design. Most of the 3D platformers on the N64 would force the player to constantly find and collect all kinds of doodads and thingamajigs. This type of design got on many gamers nerves pretty fast, so in a sense Ratchet and Clank is pretty well designed for that reason alone. However, what is lacking is consistently intelligent level design. The game's many levels are all quite different, but there really isn't anything in there that stands out as being an impressively designed level. It is all very basic, really.
The good news is that the game is a blast to play. The first five hours of the game are absolutely amazing. You're constantly given new weapons and gadgets to use in combat and while platforming. You'll get to use grappling hooks to swing across death pits, as well as motorised propellers to help you glide far and high. You'll have the opportunity to use just about every weapon you can think of and it's all great fun. It really is. Yet, the later portions of the game are brought down by the effects of all too complex gameplay and a steep difficulty curve. You see, switching around your weapons can be a pretty awkward task, especially in the midst of combat! There are just too many weapons and gadgets to manage. It is overkill, man. When the game starts becoming too demanding and the flaws of the weapon management system begin to surface, the game stops being fun, and officially becomes a chore. Now, I'm very sensitive to this kind of thing. I don't like it when games become chores. A game turning into a chore is a clear indication of poor game design. Of lazy game design, maybe.
It is a real pity too. I really enjoy the presentation of the game, as well as the plot. It is a very charming game and the first half is a delight, but chores rhyme with bores and time is precious, reader.