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Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando

2005

I'll tell you what--I don't care if people make fun of me for picking up what look like kids games, because the "Ratchet and Clank" series is good times, great variety, excellent gaming.

In "Ratchet and Clank: Going Commando", the developers at Insomniac change almost nothing but the levels to be played on and the amount of weapons that need to be mastered in order to beat the game.  Otherwise, the controls and the objectives are pretty much the same this go-round--collect bolts to buy weapons and gadgets, kill bad guys to collect bolts, explore levels to achieve goals and get coordinates to the next planet.  It's almost completely brainless...which is what makes the game so cool and addictive to play through.  The interface is great, the graphics are stunning, the music sits quietly in the background, and there isn't a bothersome story to get in the way of the good times.

"Ratchet and Clank: GC" is a bit harder than the last game, and the amount of mini-games that need to be mastered is a bit expanded, but the game can still be almost completely beaten (platinum bolt collection included) in about 25 hours.  And, even better, you might want to play it through twice just to try and pick up the remaining weapons that couldn't be bought the first time through.  This one is an excellent choice for a rainy day/weekend, and for $20, you almost can't beat the value.  Check it out!

Rating:  $40

 

Feedback?  Comments?  Hot doughnut tip?  justin@bellviewmovies.com

 

Bellview Rating System:

"Opening Weekend":  Buy this game right away, and don't ask me any questions as to why that's a good move.  A game experience that will almost guarantee repeated controller abuse, lots of ManScreaming and high resale value, you will assuredly play this bad boy for months on end. 

"$40":  Usually after games have been out for a while, they drop in price slightly, or can be bought for slightly cheaper in combination with other new games.  Usually, that's about $40.  You'll feel good getting the game for this price, since it isn't quite run-out-and-get-it-right-now good, but it has enough game in the box for a few weeks' worth of enjoyment.

"eBay":  This game is not too bad, but you'd be better off buying it used from either half.com or eBay.  You also might let a friend buy this game, let s/he beat it, and then try to buy it from them to make them feel better.  Yes, this does tend to feel like "Sloppy Seconds."

"Rental":  Like my cousin Ron, you should always rent games that you aren't sure about first, to make sure that your $50 is going towards something worthwhile.  For games in this category, this is the maximum amount of money ($5) and/or time (3-5 days) you'll need to either gain satisfaction from the game, or beat the game in its entirety.  Rental-rated games are also sometimes perfect for a weekend when you are going to be at home on your ass, with some time to kill.

"Dogshit":  Games like this should have never been released.  If you play this game for any reason, you will regret every second of the experience.  Further, if you can get this game for free, don't do it, because even for FREE, it will still be a negative experience for you!