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How Metascores Are Calculated
69
1942: Joint Strike
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
After saving countless planets from dreadful doom and earning intergalactic mega-celebrity status in the process, Ratchet and Clank have taken some well-deserved RandR -- again. Yet, Ratchet remains restless. An orphan of the universe, he has never known anything of his past, his family, or his Lombax origins. And no one, not even Clank, can fill that void. Unfortunately for Ratchet, someone else is equally interested in Ratchet's origins: Emperor Percival Tachyon. In his thirst for revenge, the vile tyrant of an ancient race of foul insect-like monsters called Cragmites has festered an age-old grudge and is bent on wiping the last-known Lombax off the universe. As Tachyon's forces ambush Ratchet and Clank in their home galaxy, our heroes realize they need to escape quickly to prevent its destruction. In a move of desperate irony, Ratchet and Clank steal Tachyon's imperial warship and embark upon an adventure bigger than any they've experienced- one that will not only unravel the mystery of the Lombaxes, but also test the very limits of their friendship. [SCEA]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 100
GamePro
An amazing PS 3 game that fully leverages the power of the console. It sets the bar high for not only the series but for all PS3 games to come. It is, without a doubt, reason enough to buy the system.
 100
GameTap
It's rare that a game critic feels the way I do about this game, but in all honesty, I find it really difficult to find something that's not to like. The controls feel great. The graphics look great. The score sounds great. The weapon selection alone make me want to play the game over and over again, just to test out all the cool offered.
100
Cheat Code Central
Its pacing, polish, and through-the-roof production values make Tools of Destruction an outstanding effort. So many series suffer from sequilitis, offering second, third or fourth entries that reek of phoned-in, uninspired development. But Insomniac has done the complete opposite, creating an experience that's clearly a labor of love for Ratchet and Clank's keepers.
100
Play Magazine
About as close to true perfection as games are gonna get right now.
100
G4 TV
Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction is a top developer at the top of their game. The fact that a game this polished and expansive comes merely a year after the release of Insomniac’s "Resistance: Fall of Man" (the other great PS3 game) is nothing short of awe inspiring.
100
AceGamez
Quite simply, it's as perfect as a game can be - state of the art in every respect, from graphics and animation to sound, music and voice acting, to story and script, to level design and environment themes, to puzzles and action, to weapons and gadgets, to hidden items and lifespan-prolonging side missions and collectibles. Truly this is a game that has it all, and the definitive PlayStation 3 title so far.
100
TheSixthAxis
It's actually pretty damned impossible to fault Tools of Destruction on any level: this is the epitome of platforming excellence.
97
Game Chronicles
If variety is the spice of life then Insomniac has created a next-gen spice rack and filled it perfect visuals, awesome sound and music, creative weapons and gadgets, great gameplay, and tied it all together with an amazing story that will leave you on the edge of your seat as the final credits start to roll.
96
PGNx Media
Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction isn’t a groundbreaking sequel by any means. But thanks to super-refined gameplay, unbelievable graphics, and a generally fun atmosphere, you’re looking at one of the PS3’s best games.
96
netjak
Tools of Destruction gives Sony something it desperately needs, a solid reason to actually own a PS3.
95
Game Over Online
TOD is a gorgeous, compelling and exciting title that seems to do everything right and does so with the style and grace seen very rarely these days.
95
Worth Playing
Future is a great game in its own right, despite its positioning to show off the power of its publisher's platform, despite the fact it does very well show off the PS3's capabilities.
95
Kombo
Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction is like asking for a pony for your birthday only, when you open your present, it turns out to be a unicorn.
95
TotalPlayStation
The single best game you can find on the PlayStation 3 right now, and at the end of the day, it's the best in the series. If you own a PS3, you need this game in your library. It is the absolutely definition of a must-have title, and right now is the front-runner as game of the year, hands down.
95
PSM Magazine
Combines absolutely jaw-dropping graphics with familiar platforming/shooting mechanics and genuinely funny humor to make one of the PS3's few true masterpieces. [Dec 2007, p.66]
95
GamerNode
In Tools of Destruction, Insomniac is back doing what they do best, and they do it better than ever. This is the best Ratchet & Clank adventure to date, and at this point the best game the PS3 has to offer.
94
IGN
Not only has it supplanted Going Commando as the best title in the franchise, it's also the best game of any series on the PlayStation 3 thus far -- and that's saying a lot when you're up against Oblivion, Ninja Gaiden, Warhawk and Insomniac's very own previous effort, Resistance: Fall of Man.
94
Gamers' Temple
ToD is every bit a Ratchet & Clank game, well, except for the missing multiplayer game, and a great start for the series on the PS3. This one should be in every PS3 owners collection.
93
PSM3 Magazine UK
Intense, beautiful and accessible. A return to the series' roots and a stellar game indeed. [Nov 2007, p.22]
93
Game Informer
It succeeds simply by delivering gameplay that’s perfectly executed along with a story that lovingly advances the saga of characters I’ve known and loved for years. Could it have done more to push the envelope? Sure, but that’s not what I’ll think of when I remember playing this game. I’m just going to remember all the fun I had – and that’s the point, isn’t it?
93
GameZone
Tools of Destruction feels a bit short at times, but that is only when you are just driving through the game, going from point A to point B in the shortest route possible. When you take time to explore, you realize how expansive this game is, and how wonderfully designed.
93
Gamer 2.0
All in all, Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction is a return to form for the Ratchet & Clank series and it shows that not every graphical showcase has to feature stunning realism.
93
Pelit (Finland)
Combines hectic, but fluid action with extravagant audiovisual fiesta. The only thing to complain about is the lack of truly new ideas. [Nov 2007]
92
IGN AU
There’s just so much to collect, so much explosive firepower to wield, and so much charm to the environments and characters that you’d be crazy to let this game pass you by.
91
Console Monster
There’s just something about this title that makes me want to go and play it again and again. Maybe it’s the superb weapon selection, the humorous story and characters, or the intuitive game play elements; I can’t quite put my finger on it. Whatever it is, Ratchet & Clank is a great 3D platform title, with plenty to do for all ages.
91
GamingTrend
A solid platformer with laugh out loud humor and stunning graphics.
91
Gaming Age
It has the beautiful next-gen visuals, new weapons and gadgets and even some well-implemented motion controlled segments, though overall it does nothing out of the ordinary or unexpected. It's an enjoyable, beautiful ride that just seems kind of familiar in the end.
90
VideoGamer
Whether you're a platformer fan or fancy some frenetic blasting action, Tools of Destruction fits the bill. Combine the enjoyable gameplay (that's fun for all ages) with some of the best visuals the PS3 has seen and you have a game that every PS3 owner should own.
90
GameTrailers
The size and scale of these environments are incredible, with so much little detail going on in the background and no loading time once you've entered a level. It's definitely the best-looking PS3 game on the market.
90
Games Radar
Ratchet & Clank Future isn't a revolution, but it is a marvelously kickass game that'll keep you entertained for hours as you plumb the depths of its huge levels, find creative ways to blow up its monsters and try to ferret out all its dozens of cleverly hidden items.
90
GameDaily
The whole thing comes off like something Pixar would produce if it chose to add game development to their filmaking. The lack of an online multiplayer/co-op option keeps it from being perfect, but that shouldn't stop you from enjoying this undeniable thrill ride.
90
Game Almighty
The outstanding combination of tight gameplay and a first-rate presentation make it a great game.
90
PSX Extreme
This is visually one of the best looking games on the market. And with an engine that's gunning it at 60 frames per second, and capable of 1080i upscaled, R&C Future is also running on one of the best engines, as well. The gameplay is precisely what we've all come to love, except louder, more heated, more energetic, more fun, and with all new gameplay mechanics added to the mix.
90
Extreme Gamer
Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction is the future of the Ratchet and Clank series. 100% fun and addictive, anyone who jumps into the adventure will be hooked.
90
Electronic Gaming Monthly
Not only is Future a great game, it's the best yet on PS3, arguably the best-looking game ever, and an absolute pinnacle of fun. [Dec 2007, p.112]
90
Boomtown
Brings the previous generation’s top gameplay, injects it with a few Sixaxis treats and pumps up the presentation to a top standard for a package that few will want to miss.
90
Yahoo! Games
Online play is an easy oversight to overlook, though. The single-player game is as tight as any platformer around, and the presentation is so far beyond what we've seen before that you simply can't afford to pass it up. The future is bright, indeed.
90
DarkStation
Although some will be disappointed with the lack of multiplayer gameplay, to me the gorgeous visuals built around one of the best platforming experiences makes for an all around great experience.
90
Maxi Consolas (Portugal)
It’s not a revolution, but everything it does, it does really well. Once again, a brilliant product of Insomniac’s imagination. [Nov 2007]
90
Jolt Online Gaming UK
A classic title, but in some respects only just.
90
Playstation Official Magazine UK
Odds on, you'll finish the ride exhilarated. [Dec 2007, p.92]
90
The New York Times
Tools is, very simply, the best game to come out for the PlayStation 3 since it was introduced last year.
90
WHAM! Gaming
Although it stays true to the Ratchet & Clank formula and doesn't try to get too creative, this is easily one of the best PS3 games so far.
90
Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK
Ratchet & Clank may be going through the same routine, but it's impossible not to love them. [Dec 2007, p.118]
89
GamingExcellence
All of a sudden, the PS3 has got game, and Ratchet and Clank are leading the way.
89
Da Gameboyz
Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction is a solid debut of the franchise on the PS3. Although the story is kind of weak and the difficulty is not as hard as it could be, the game manages to rely on other strengths to make this a great ride.
89
Games Master UK
A sparkly, hi-def retread of established ideas. It's a new battle, but not a new war. [Dec 2007, p.68]
86
DailyGame
One of the best games in the series, but the return to platforming introduces a bit more linearity. The creativity and humor, though, can't be topped.
85
Deeko
With updated graphics, new weapons that are easily upgraded and a wonderful sense of humor throughout, you'd be stupid not to play this game.
85
NZGamer
Although it offers nothing new, it refines the series with crisper visuals, improved flight controls and the addition of Clank’s solo missions. If you weren’t a fan of the series before this won’t change your mind, but fans will enjoy it.
85
Destructoid
The game feels remarkably similar to previous Ratchet titles, but that's not a problem...for now. Insomniac has perfected this style of game, with a slick and addictive balance between platformer and shooter. But because it's so easy to fall in love with the characters and the universe, it's painful to think that unless Insomniac can revamp the series in a way to make it feel fresh, it might be time to retire the duo.
85
PTGamers
The return of Ratchet & Clank couldn’t have arrived at a better time. Right now, we stand before one of the best PS3 games for the end of the year.
85
PALGN
Not only one of the best looking PlayStation 3 games, it's incredibly enjoyable, with some excellent weapons and some brilliant action set pieces.
85
1UP
An uninspired story, a glitchy weapon, and a sometimes-unwieldy camera don't damage Ratchet beyond repair. The irresistibly addictive jumping-shooting-collecting-upgrading gameplay is as powerful here as it's ever been, and the optional collectibles, side-missions, and unlockable Challenge mode offer a really satisfying amount of play time.
83
The Onion (A.V. Club)
The game's sprawling, detailed, lively alien worlds are full of secrets and rewarding to explore. The entire affair is dazzling in high definition...(but t)he game's nonstop barrage of quips and one-liners is a bit fatiguing.
82
Console Gameworld
A strong title. Kids will love the game and demand to play more while adults may be content with just a single run through.
82
Ferrago
The whole experience certainly delivers on expectations from the previous games, although without ever really breaking the mould. This is a new Ratchet and Clank, but it is thoroughly the tried and tested action that we are experiencing, be it dressed in some impressive new garb.
80
GameSpy
Sadly, Ratchet & Clank Future has no multiplayer component to speak of, which bothers us both because we love multiplayer and because the series had a bit of a multiplayer groove for a while.
80
EuroGamer
In some senses, Insomniac does need a clip 'round the ear for doing very little to innovate the gameplay in any meaningful sense, but if you're happy to play through a wonderful high definition version of an old classic, put your money down - you won't be remotely disappointed.
80
NTSC-uk
All at once it feels very familiar and yet fresh. Indeed the visual clarity really does help propel the game to new levels of artistry but on the other hand, it feels like a game played many times before. Regardless it never stops being anything less than great fun to play and hugely engaging.
80
Gamestyle
Tools of Destruction has finally given the PS3 something to be proud of, and is pure nerdvana from start to finish.
80
Video Game Talk
All in all, for the slight faults the game has and the sometimes repetitive nature the game employs, you cannot deny that this is a stellar title and will do much to propel the series to future titles.
80
Thunderbolt
There are no truly wrong instances in this game that jump out, and many of the problems are just minor enough that they can be easily forgotten about after you actually get into the game and begin to enjoy it.
80
Total Video Games
Given the series orientation towards multiplayer in the final chapters on the PS2, it's quite surprising to find Tools of Destruction a solely single-player experience. With a handful of mini-games Tools of Destruction can be rushed through over a weekend, with the only real replay value stemming from Insomniac's traditional selection of Skill Point challenges to achieve on every level.
80
Edge Magazine
That Insomniac has so confidently found its feet makes the prospect of Ratchet’s annual return an exciting, rather than obligatory, one. [Dec 2007, p.86]
75
GameSpot
The game just can't decide what it wants to be. The story tries to be epic in its scope and appeal to an older audience, but the game is extremely easy and the story's premise is thin and the ending disappointing. The core gameplay of shooting and platforming is as solid as ever, but it's diluted by too many uninteresting minigames and unnecessary gameplay mechanics.
75
Game Revolution
The only glaring criticism I have for the game is its lack of multiplayer, online or otherwise. Whereas the last console Rachet and Clank, “Deadlocked,” introduced a promising multiplayer component for the PS2, the PS3 version beats a hasty retreat. It doesn’t affect the final product much, but for those still unsold on the PS3’s online network, it raises an eyebrow.
72
Play UK
For one level, Tools of Destruction is the exciting, Pixar-esque platform brilliance that we anticipated from those early screens. After that, though, it's the same PS2 title as ever, and the tired mechanics of this franchise are dead to us. [Issue#160, p.66]
70
GameCritics
The action here will completely satisfy anyone looking for the kind of lighthearted, kinetic run-and-gun that was mastered several iterations ago, and my grievances with it are more of the intellectual variety than anything else.
60
games(TM)
While games like "Twilight Princess" entice players with familiar settings and gameplay elements, Tools Of Destruction force feeds them. [Dec 2007, p.104]
Ian R. gave it a9: Ahmed A. gave it an8: Warren C. gave it a10: Mas J. gave it a9: Sakari S. gave it a10: Steven C. gave it a10: John H. gave it a9: |
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