Ratchet and Clank: Into The Nexus

Insomniac has released the new addition to their beloved Ratchet and Clank series. After several spin off games that experimented with the series (All 4 One, Full Frontal Assault), Insomniac decided to return to the roots and the formula that made the series so popular. Into the Nexus served as an epilogue to the Future trilogy by tying up loose ends with the Lombax story. However, in the end, a small action says otherwise. Anyway, no spoilers.

Into the Nexus was a full fledged R&C game, but at the cost of story length. It isn't as long as Crack in Time, but it's longer than Quest for Booty. The game has 6 planets, each with two missions and an arena for bolts and added play time. Each planet comes complete with the spooky atmosphere with a mission to match. After Vendra and Neftin Prog create a fraud Dimensionator, they are determined to bring over their kind, the Nethers, from their home dimension. After an exhilarating first mission that was completely unexpected, the story sets in to that feel that made Crack in Time so good.

Visually, the game is fantastic. It isn't as detailed as Crack in Time where Ratchet's fur was distinguishable, yet it still looks fantastic. You can still see his fur, but it isn't as detailed. Weapon designs are also incredible. From re imagined Buzz Blades, to the new and frightening RYNO 7, the game delivered its exotic design as always. Raritanium also makes its return. Each upgrade cost one, but it is very hard to find raritanium, hence it's name RARitanium.

Challenge Mode, Omega Weapons, armor, and even new gadgets are in the game. Weapons must reach level 3 in order for the Omega to be purchased in Challenge Mode. Armor is also great. The downside is that the final suit, which costs 1.5 million bolts, only blocks 50%. If you remember back in Going Commando, the Carbonox Armor (final armor suit), only cost 1 million bolts and blocked an incredible 90% of damage. However, you cant really tell the difference. A few new gadgets are also in. The Grav Tether, which creates anti gravity streams to traverse gaps, makes a debut and has plenty of usage. Your Jet Pack is also new. Even though it was in all the previous games, this one works much differently. It really is a Jet Pack. You fuel it up and fly around the map, rather than it be a copy of the Heli Pack.

Regardless of how short this one is, the story and features make up for it. Even after the depressing and sudden mission 1, you're at the edge of your seat itching to know what happens next. The new style of animation and new models are also an oddly nice touch. Some gamers were made that the Crack in Time model wasn't used, but this one is still very well done. The new guns, gadgets, and planets also make up for the short time. And also challenge mode keeps you playing until you master all the Skill Points, Weapons upgrades, armor upgrades, Nether puzzles, and omega weapons.

Insomniac did good with this one.

4.5 / 5

Though it was fun to play over and over again. It was still incredibly short with few weapons and levels.