Ratchet and Clank: A Crack in Time

RATCHET AND CLANK: A CRACK IN TIME
Rating: * * *
PS3

The long-running Ratchet and Clank series has been a goldmine for Sony, and with good reason. A decent combination of 3D platform fun and cartoony humour drives the ninth instalment - A Crack In Time.

The dynamic duo have been split up, with Clank kidnapped by the Zoni and locked up by arch enemy Doctor Nefarious. Ratchet sets out to rescue him, hooking up with Lombax General Azimuth along the way.

Players bounce between controlling each of them as time is wound back to set up a sizzling victory. Puzzles aren't exactly difficult, but the game has a nice flow and the occasional challenge that gets the blood boiling.

Humour is, as usual, at the forefront, with classic characters like Captain Qwark on hand for comic relief. Graphics and sound are up to high standard, and the levels are expansive with squillions of bolts to collect and enemies to dispatch.

Those expecting anything ground-breaking and fresh will be disappointed - it follows basically the same formula .

Verdict: A bit samey, but why fix something that isn't particularly broke?