Ratchet: Deadlocked Preview

You know what I love about the Ratchet & Clank series? It's not afraid to be out there. It's not afraid to hang free, go commando. Simply put, the game's got balls. Deadly balls that kill enemies (what else would I have been talking about?).

This fall the dynamic super-animal will go on his last (or second to last – we'll know in about eight months) PlayStation 2 journey, sans robot partner Clank. Titled Ratchet: Deadlocked, the game focuses on high-octane, hunt-and-attack gameplay that moves the series further into third-person shooter territory.

Clank’s absence might’ve left a small void had the developers not included allied robots. The two hovering bots follow Ratchet wherever he travels. They’ll open fire on enemy robots (which there are hundreds of), and protect Ratchet with a bullet-proof shield when he’s unable to defend himself. Solving a door puzzle, for example, requires Ratchet to tighten several screws. He can’t tighten them and fight at the same time, making him vulnerable to attack. The bots step in and protect his hairy body. He’s also protected by a metallic suit. It didn’t appear to have a physical effect at this stage in the game, but it makes him look cooler and tougher. Chances are that was the goal.

Ratchet’s inhuman helpers are perishable but may be revived. Revival times seemed to be unlimited, though that may change by the time the game is complete.

It might seem like a loss now, but you won’t be able to remember Clank’s name by the time you get your hands on one of the three new vehicles. The Land Stalker is a powerful, all-terrain, four-legged robot that’s reminiscent of the mech featured in Heavy Duty. It can’t climb up walls or mountains (not in the demo at least), but it has many of the same features. The controls are perfectly balanced. Obliterate enemies in any direction by swinging the head with the right analog stick. Meanwhile the Land Stalker can continue moving in the opposite direction since its leg movement is independent from its head.

Something I don’t remember seeing anywhere else, not even in Heavy Duty, is the ability to jump while controlling the Land Stalker. Like Ratchet the vehicle can jump over and away from enemies and their gunfire. The R2 and L2 buttons activate a quick strafe that lunges the vehicle left or right; tapping the X button performs a standard jump that can be guided in any direction by moving the left analog stick.

Aiming is easy, and taking out the trash (enemy robots – scrap metal if you ask me) is a breeze with the laser cannon and the laser rockets that the Land Stalker offers. Tap the laser rocket button (L1) to fire one rocket, or hold it down for a few seconds to charge it up. Once charged, this laser will unleash not one, not two, but four large beams that chase any locked-on target.

Deadlocked is instantly familiar and instantly enjoyable. Whereas the Jak series is branching out and exploring new possibilities (Jak X is the series' answer to Crash Team Racing; Daxter is an action/adventure exclusive to PSP), Deadlocked sticks with its unbeatable formula. Not that Jak was foolish to make the move – the aforementioned games are excellent. But not every series can take a risk, or at least they shouldn't do so at the same time.

This is the most action-packed Ratchet game yet. Laser beams are everywhere. Few hiding places exist. Stop moving for a second and you’ll be bombarded with enemy fire. It’s not pretty, but it is a lot of fun.

Whether you need to be told or not, let me confirm: the controls are some of the best you'll find in a PS2 action/adventure. They're an original blend of Jak-style movement plus third-person shooter strafing, targeting, attacking, etc. Jumping is an integral component; double jump for extra height, and flip backwards and sideways to evade your opponent’s cunning attacks.

The series has evolved a lot since it started, making the transition from an action/adventure with shooter elements to a gun-toting shooter with action/adventure elements. Online play, split-screen multiplayer, and cooperative multiplayer mean you’ll never have to play alone, and will likely never want to. Weapons have been re-worked for a customization system that allows for near limitless combinations.

Excited? You should be. Ratchet: Deadlocked is coming this October. Be Deadlocked …or be dead!