Review – Ratchet & Clank: Nexus (PS3)

While potentially the definitive title in the acclaimed platform game series, its final installment on Playstation 3 presents both strengths and weaknesses, including some control issues.

This is the seventh entry in the series following the Lombax Ratchet and his robotic companion, Clank. For newcomers, the R&C games are 3D platformers characterized by a free-moving camera and a diverse arsenal of weapons designed for extensive destruction. In Nexus (or Into the Nexus, as it’s known in North America), the narrative begins aboard a freighter, where our heroes are transporting the infamous space villain Vendra Prog to a high-security galactic prison. Predictably, her brother, Neftin, arrives with a Thugs-4-Less army, disrupting the transport operation.

Players are immediately introduced to one of Nexus’s new mechanics: gravity shifting. Ratchet can traverse environments by magnetically leaping between designated surfaces. He can also activate portals (bidirectionally) to navigate otherwise inaccessible areas. This also presents intellectual challenges through complex portal systems, requiring quick thinking to activate them effectively.

Clank’s levels draw significant inspiration from the indie title Limbo. Players control the robot in an alternative “shadow world” (“The Netherverse”), where they can manipulate gravity in four directions, presenting engaging and challenging level design.

The core gameplay revolves around action and shooting, exploration, hover-boot gliding, and Ratchet’s new jetpack, which facilitates smooth traversal in designated areas. The weapons selection is largely familiar; returning favorites include Mr. Zurkon, who at level 2 is accompanied by Zurkon Jr., and eventually the entire Zurkon Family. Fusion Bomb and Disc Blades are also effective choices and are recommended for early purchase to maximize their level progression. New additions include The Winterizer, which transforms enemies into snowmen, and the Nightmare Box, a demonic jack-in-the-box variant. However, these weapons represent iterations of tools from previous installments. Weapon vendors now offer raritanium-based upgrades that provide additional enhancements, such as increased bolt acquisition, capacity, and range.

Ratchet & Clank: Nexus exhibits the highest graphical fidelity in the series. However, this visual upgrade appears to have slightly impacted the game’s flow and frame rate. Furthermore, alterations to the character control scheme are not necessarily improvements. Despite extensive experience with previous R&C titles, I encountered occasional camera control difficulties in Nexus, and the removal of the O-button shooting function is a questionable design choice.

Certain elements define the R&C experience: the single-player campaign, a diverse weapon selection including Blade Discs and Fusion Bomb, and repeatable challenges such as the Arena for experience and rewards. These core components are present, maintaining the series’ identity. However, the core game loop feels somewhat dated, lacking significant innovation. A complete reinvention, akin to Mario Galaxy, is needed; retaining the essence of the original while introducing novel gameplay mechanics.

Despite control and originality concerns, Ratchet & Clank remains an enjoyable title and a welcome addition to the Playstation 3 library. It serves as a fitting conclusion to the series on this console.

We anticipate a Playstation 4 installment in the future.