Reviews// PS2 Platformer face-off: Jak III versus Ratchet & Clank III

Unfortunately, not all video games are made like this... boo! But Ratchet and Clank 3 is... hooray! In fact, these games are on such an equal footing it’s a shame to see them fighting, yet again, over a simultaneous launch. If these series had unfolded with six months between each, Sony could have managed an impressive cross-seasonal monopoly over the action-platformer genre – taking advantage of Nintendo’s recent reticence in this particular area. As they stand, however, they still contribute to making the PS2 a more desirable machine for platforming fans. There’s just nothing to beat these on any other current system.

Despite the fact that we were play-testing both these titles concurrently, we still can’t choose a favourite; and when we do, we’ll change our minds again a few minutes later... and then change it back again. Jak III sucks you in further, and proves to have the more engaging storyline, but then Ratchet and Clank 3 is the faster-paced in terms of how the action unravels. Jak’s definitely got the upper hand on the vehicle front: we’re big fans of the Yoshi style leaper lizards, and thrashing the various dune buggies around the undulating regions of the wasteland is a great deal of fun. Ratchet, on the other hand, has the better array of weaponry: with armour, laser-whips, vacuum-cleaner cannons and a whole host of other elaborate gadgetry. So, on a simplified level, choose Jak if you want plenty of driving and choose Ratchet for plenty of shooting.

Beyond that, there are a few other notable differences that should inform your choice of which one to purchase, or perhaps better still: which one to purchase first. Jak III is the sort of game that you won’t really want to put down until you’ve finished it. Whilst that is a definite quality, should this game be wedged alongside certain other massive PS2 titles, something will have to give. Conversely, Ratchet and Clank, which just seems to be more neatly segmented, is the better choice to dip in and out of as part of a larger Christmas gaming menu. Another of RC:UYA’s advantages is its online multi-player option, which did come as rather a pleasant surprise. These allow up to 8 players online, battling out over a variety of objective based battles. It’s a superb inclusion and paves the way for all sorts of exciting possibilities for this franchise in the future.

Indeed, it’s probably that touch that tilts the scales every so slightly in the favour of Ratchet. That, combined with the 2D Captain Qwark missions and their awesome cartoon artwork. Actually no, because Jak III has those cool arena battles and hoverboards; although coming to think of it, maybe Ratchet’s Annihilation Nation missions beat those. On reflection, we’re positive that Jak III is the better game, thanks to those superlative cut-scenes. So, we’re completely clear on that: SPOnG prefers RC:UYA. That’s entirely unambiguous.