{"id":1551,"date":"2013-11-11T15:00:23","date_gmt":"2013-11-11T14:00:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.senses.se\/en\/review-ratchet-clank-nexus-ps3\/"},"modified":"2025-05-09T14:32:57","modified_gmt":"2025-05-09T12:32:57","slug":"review-ratchet-clank-nexus-ps3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.senses.se\/en\/review-ratchet-clank-nexus-ps3\/","title":{"rendered":"Review \u2013 Ratchet & Clank: Nexus (PS3)"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Guess<\/a><\/p>\n

This is the seventh entry<\/strong> in the series following the Lombax Ratchet and his robotic companion, Clank. For newcomers, the R&C games are 3D platformers<\/strong> characterized by a free-moving camera<\/strong> and a diverse arsenal of weapons<\/strong> designed for extensive destruction. In Nexus (or Into the Nexus, as it’s known in North America)<\/em>, 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.<\/p>\n

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

\"Instead<\/a><\/p>\n

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

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

\"The<\/a><\/p>\n

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

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

\"Come<\/a><\/p>\n

Despite control and originality concerns<\/strong>, Ratchet & Clank<\/em><\/strong> remains an enjoyable title and a welcome addition to the Playstation 3 library. It serves as a fitting conclusion<\/strong> to the series on this console.<\/p>\n

We anticipate a Playstation 4 installment in the future.<\/strong><\/p>\n