Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus
- November 6, 2013
- Insomniac Games
After playing Ratchet and Clank games for a decade, Nexus made me question whether this is a fitting end to Insomniac’s PlayStation legacy. Almost everything about this game is uninspiring. For fans of the franchise, this is indeed a time for much worry and sadness.
Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus is the final installment in the 'Future' series, known for its unique locations and over-the-top gadgets. This 2013 platform game follows the traditional Ratchet & Clank experience, featuring exotic planets and an array of weapons for players to explore. The dynamic duo, Ratchet and Clank, face new challenges and enemies in this thrilling adventure.
Reviews
- The game features excellent gameplay with a variety of unique weapons and humorous elements that appeal to a wide audience.
- It serves as a nostalgic return to the classic Ratchet and Clank formula, with familiar characters and engaging combat mechanics.
- Despite its short length, the game offers high replay value through challenge modes and enjoyable mini-games.
- The game is notably short, with many players completing it in just a few days, leading to feelings of disappointment regarding its length.
- The story feels rushed and lacks depth, with new villains introduced without sufficient backstory or development.
- Technical issues such as lower framerate and awkward controls detract from the overall experience compared to previous titles in the series.
- story20 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The story of "Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus" is a brief yet well-told narrative that introduces two new villains and maintains the franchise's signature humor and charm. While it serves as a satisfying conclusion to the "future" saga, some players feel it lacks depth and openness compared to previous titles, resulting in a somewhat generic plot that ends abruptly. Overall, the game is appreciated for its lighthearted fun, but its short runtime and simplistic story leave some wanting more.
“The story is on the short side but is as well told as always and has cameos from virtually all the main side characters from the series.”
“It kicks off with a surprisingly epic intro and it soon reveals two very interesting villains in terms of backstory and motives.”
“I also dug the kinda 'spookier' tone, it fits very well and it creates a suitable vision for the story and world of this last chapter of the future saga.”
“The story of the previous two games just seems to be dropped and instead introduced to two new villains which are portrayed at the start of the game as the most evil thing ever!”
“Excellent gameplay marred by a subpar story and short runtime.”
“While it is a solid budget platformer, Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus feels like a story that didn't really need to be told.”
- graphics8 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are widely praised for being visually stunning, particularly on the PS3, with improvements noted in both visuals and AI. Players appreciate the gorgeous visuals that complement the solid gameplay and engaging combat, although some feel the story lacks depth. Overall, the graphics contribute significantly to the game's appeal, enhancing the action and experience.
“In terms of visuals, the game is visually stunning on the PS3, and the voiceover work was good.”
“Excellent gameplay as usual, gorgeous visuals, and easy and familiar controls with loads of weapon goodness and baddies to dispatch.”
“Graphics are fantastic, and new controls will test the best of us. Happy gaming!”
“The graphics have improved, but they still feel outdated compared to other modern games.”
“While the visuals have some striking moments, overall they lack the polish expected from a current-gen title.”
“The graphics are a mixed bag; some areas look great, but others feel bland and uninspired.”
- humor6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is consistently praised, with players enjoying the witty dialogue, amusing references, and the quirky character interactions that are hallmarks of the franchise. While some critiques mention a lack of depth in certain areas, the overall comedic tone remains a highlight, contributing to a fun and engaging experience. The game's humor is described as varied and well-integrated, making it a joyful addition to the series.
“Another thing that this series always hits right is the humor, and this is no exception. I found myself laughing out loud at some dialogue lines and references, and it never overdoes it—much like its gameplay, varied and just plain fun.”
“A fine conclusion to the Ratchet and Clank series on PS3, with a fun humorous plot, wacky characters, and really cool weaponry.”
“Think more 'Quest for Booty' than anything else; Nexus is incredibly funny and a joy to play.”
- gameplay6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The gameplay is consistently praised for its humor, variety, and fun mechanics, featuring solid platforming and shooting elements. Players enjoy the upgrade system for weapons and the engaging challenges, although some criticize the short runtime and generic story. Overall, the gameplay experience is enjoyable and visually appealing, making it a worthwhile experience despite some shortcomings.
“Another thing that this series always hits right is the humor, and this is no exception. I found myself laughing out loud at some dialogue lines or references, and it never overdoes it, much like its gameplay—varied and just plain fun.”
“Excellent gameplay as usual, gorgeous visuals, and easy and familiar controls with loads of weapon goodness and baddies to dispatch.”
“All weapons are upgradable in two ways: a) purchased upgrades, b) how much you use it. Challenging puzzles and well-constructed gameplay make this an excellent gift.”
“The core experience is very short; the story is generic; platforming mechanics are uninspiring; the new villain cast is boring.”
“The platforming and shooting gameplay is as solid as ever, but the visual appeal continues to please.”
“Maxing out a weapon's upgrades and the ensuing carnage never gets old.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Despite being shorter than typical entries in the series, the game offers significant replayability through its challenge mode and high difficulty options, allowing players to revisit the experience with enhanced skills and strategies.
“The game is a bit shorter than usual, but it has a high replay value, as is always the case in Ratchet & Clank games.”
“The only real complaint I can think of for this game is that it is a bit on the short side, but it offers replay value with its challenge mode, which lets you replay the game with everything you had from the first time through, and the high difficulty option.”
“The only real complaint I can think of for this game is that it is a bit on the short side, but it does offer replay value with its challenge mode, which lets you replay the game with everything you had the first time through, and the high difficulty option.”
“Once you finish the game, there isn't much incentive to go back. The story doesn't change, and the side quests feel repetitive.”
“While the game has a few different endings, they don't significantly alter the experience, making it hard to justify multiple playthroughs.”
- music1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in Ratchet and Clank is highly praised, contributing significantly to the game's overall appeal alongside its action, graphics, and narrative. Players appreciate the soundtrack as an integral part of the series' charm.
“Ratchet and Clank remains one of my top game series for its action, graphics, soundtrack, script, and of course, weapons.”
Critic Reviews
Ratchet & Clank: Nexus Review
After playing Ratchet and Clank games for a decade, Nexus made me question whether this is a fitting end to Insomniac’s PlayStation legacy. Almost everything about this game is uninspiring. For fans of the franchise, this is indeed a time for much worry and sadness.
50%Drown your sorrows in interdimensional hopscotch- Ratchet & Clank: Into The Nexus
While it is a solid budget platformer, Ratchet & Clank: Into The Nexus feels like a story that didn't really need to be told. As an epilogue to the Future series, it comes off unnecessarily morose and doesn't add much to the overall narrative. As a game in its own right, it feels short-changed and recycled for the most part - Fans of the series will likely bask in the familiarity of it, but ultimately Nexus is a hollow offering.
70%Ratchet and Clank: Into the Nexus review
70%