Ratchet & Clank 2: Locked & Loaded (PlayStation 2 )

Reviewed by JON MINIFIE

Herald rating: * * * *

Naughty Dogs' (Jak II Renegade) collaboration with Insomniac made the original Ratchet & Clank one of the best-looking graphics engines on the PlayStation 2. The sequel begins with our heroes trying to enjoy some much-deserved R&R after the demanding events of the original. The holiday is cut short when Ratchet and his robo-sidekick are forced to recover top-secret technology that was stolen from Abercrombie Fizzwidget, CEO of MegaCorp.

Ratchet has a spiffy new commando outfit for this new adventure and a whole new mindset. He seems more relaxed for the sequel. Beyond the change of clothes and attitude, though, much is the same. The easy-to-use control system is unchanged, though this time players can now strafe their fire, which can really make battling multiple opponents easier.

The graphics engine once again is jaw-droppingly good. Because of the co-development work done with Naughty Dog, they have embraced the concept of not drawing non-visible polygons, so more of the engine's resources can be used to improve the look of the detail onscreen.

Twenty weapons are promised for the final game, each of which can be upgraded to much more lethal models. The Gravity Bomb is as cute as a child's toy, but when it grows up into a Mini-Nuke, you'll really rock the party.

* $119.95

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