Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction is the latest entry in developer Insomniac Games’ Ratchet series, released for the Playstation 3 in November of 2007. The game follows protagonist Ratchet, a space-traveling Lombax, and his robotic sidekick Clank as they try to take down the evil emperor Tachyon, who is set on eliminating Ratchet at all costs. Players control Ratchet as he travels from planet to planet, collecting clues along the way.

Tools of Destruction is rooted heavily in 3D shooter mechanics. Players collect a wide array of different weapons throughout the game, many of which are extremely ridiculous, and upgrade them into even more ridiculous weapons as the game progresses. Enemies often attack in large numbers, and it is up to the player to use the huge number of unique weapons to survive.

Educationally, Tools of Destruction strength is in problem solving. Combat is the most common problem presented, but it is by no means the only one. There are plenty of platforming segments, requiring the player to use the various jump types to reach various areas. There are a few stages that put the player in control of Rathcet’s spacecraft, as well, resulting in intense aerial firefights and battles against enormous bosses. There are plenty of hidden items throughout the game as well, and even the clever player will have trouble finding them all. In the end Tools of Destruction is sort of simple but also sort of satisfying, keeping players entertained as well as on their toes throughout the entire finely-paced experience. It is also an exceptionally attractive title, really showing off the power of the Playstation 3.

Classroom facts don’t often come into play in Tools of Destruction. The game takes place in a decidedly fictional setting, and the events of the game lean more towards being cartoony than anything else. Players are given access to a minimap during the course of the game, which will prove extremely useful in finding the various hidden areas and items strewn through the game.

By the Gamer:

Tools of Destruction is for the most part a fairly linear game. There are a number of hidden areas and items for players to discover, and players are free to revisit completed stages to explore with new abilities. Real opportunities for player creativity, though, come from combat. The number of weapons and items players have access to can eventually exceed two dozen, and that each weapon has its own level and optional enhancements only broadens the number of options available. The weapons are so varied that each player will have his own set of favorites, and players can even choose how to upgrade each weapon individually. Each weapon works in a different way, and choosing between different weapons also means choosing between different play styles. So, while Tools of Destruction is linear in the progression of its plot, the simple number of weapons and items available to the player ensures that each player will have a unique experience.

By the Developer:

Insomniac Games has been developing Ratchet games for some time now, and Tools of Destruction marks the series’ leap from the PS2 to the PS3 and it shows! Tools of Destruction is one of the best-looking titles around, featuring both the quality and style of many big-budget computer-generated movies. It also takes the storyline of the game to unusual heights, expanding on the usual "save the galaxy" theme by focusing also on Ratchet’s history. The story eventually begins to revolve around the history of the Lombax race, of which Ratchet seems to be the lone survivor, and it becomes clear before long that protagonist Percival Tachyon harbors some kind of grudge against Ratchet.

In the end, Tools of Destruction is more of the same, but that’s not a bad thing, and the new weapons, gameplay twists and storyline keep the game feeling fresh and make it a competent entry to the series.

Tools of Destruction features light use of business skills. Players buy weapons, items and armor using the in-game currency of bolts. Players also collect a second resource called raritanium. It can be brought to various vendors and spent on upgrading weapons. Each small enhancement to each weapon costs a certain amount of raritanium, and the more powerful a weapon is the more expensive each enhancement is, making the decision between improving your current weapons and saving up to enhance more powerful weapons one that challenges the player frequently.

People skills are not a factor in Tools of Destruction. There is no multiplayer, and the main game is linear and features a small number of dialogues over which the player has no control.

For the most part, problems in Tools of Destruction stem from combat. Various weapons are effective in different situations, and some enemies can’t be harmed at all by certain weapons, meaning that skilled players will switch weapons depending on the situation at hand.

Traveling throughout levels is another probably frequently presented. The are several platforming segments strewn through many levels, and occasionally levels will require players to solve some more unique puzzles. A few, for example, give players access to an item that creates gigantic blocks of gel which they can use to bounce to higher areas. There are also several levels that have players control a solo Clank. These levels tend to be short but interesting, as Clank enlists the help of small ghost-like creatures to help him cross gaps, fight off enemies or repair machines. These sections help spice things up, and frequent gameplay variations will keep players interested at all times.

Tools of Destruction is not a simulation game.

Tools of Destruction was well-received at its release, with review scores averaging just under 90%. It is generally considered one of the best Playstation 3 games released in 2007.

The game features several humorous unlockable options, including the option to play as other characters than Ratchet or the option to give enemies gigantic heads. It also features standard audio/visual options.

Tools of Destruction received an E10+ from the ESRB with descriptors for Alcohol Reference, Animated Blood,Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence andLanguage.