Game Zone: Where in the Ratchet Hit & Run?
Today's exploration in gaming takes us through some landmark PS2 games and some PC edutainment curiosities. I try to finish the games I play, or at least squeeze out as much as I can out of the experience, and I feel these games are interesting to talk about.
- Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando (2003)
Right off the bat, I find this game a steadier improvement over the original. In terms of how it plays, the movement is a lot smoother and there is a strafe option that makes it so much easier to shoot while moving. There's a stronger variety of weapons to try out in comparison to the first. The story is also the same level of witty and fun that the first game establishes for the franchise. I like that the masked villain in the game had a clumsy personality. Ratchet is much less of an asshole in this game for the better, but it still feels like a sudden change if you've played the first. If there's anything to complain, the bolt economy is not balanced at all, spending it more on ammo than saving for a new weapon. It probably doesn't help my issue of a lack of level environment variety carries over from the first game. Overall, I enjoyed my time more with Going Commando but it's not by much.
- Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal (2004)
Hopefully I can keep this short. Some may find this game more streamlined than the last two and therefore suffers for it, but I really enjoyed my time a lot more here. It took a lot less time to complete, but I did feel there was a healthy variety between exploring worlds, completing mini-challenges, and advancement of the story. While there is some grind involved to upgrade weapons in preparation for the final boss, it was the right amount of challenge where I felt satisfied with the effort I put into this game. I've accepted that the series as a whole may not be my cup of tea, but I can humbly admit that Up Your Arsenal was a good time and I would consider trying out another game from the franchise.
- The Simpsons: Hit & Run (2003)
While I have played this game to death as a kid, this year was first time I've sat down with this iconic licensed game as an adult. I even 100%ed the entire game to boot. In essence, this game holds up incredibly well for a watered-down Grand Theft Auto game. I loved exploring each world as each member of the Simpsons family (and Apu). Finding all the hidden gags, cards, wasps, and cars was a treat and never felt too out of my reach. It helps that I was greatly familiar where most of the collectables were hiding and how to cheat through certain missions and races. I do think the game runs a bit too long, especially when locations and collectable areas start to blend together. The final leg of the game was unfairly tight, and I don't blame anyone for giving up at the finish line. I'm overall glad to report that even behind the nostalgia lies a game with a lot of offer.
Carmen Sandiego Brøderbund Games: 1997-1998
- Great Chase Through Time (1997)
- Word Detective (1997)
- Math Detective (1998)
I'm mostly going to bundle these set of games together. They were the games I regularly played as a learning youth, after all.
Great Chase Through Time is one I can discuss separately, as it is more of a point-and-click adventure game. While the puzzles and quick-solving are a lot more basic than I remembered, the bigger highlight is the voice cast and historical figures you interact with. You really feel the padding to extend the length of the game when you have to capture the VILE agents again, but if you're a kid in the 90s you'll appreciate the longer stay at your computer.
Word Detective and Math Detective are almost one-to-one. Both games require you to solve mini-games to acquire passwords, therefore obtaining the key items that will end Carmen Sandiego's evil plans. One deals with grammar and word problems and the other has you solving basic arithmetic and quick math-solving. What helps set them apart is the different locales, the snazzy UIs that overtake your screen, and the overall moods of each game. They are nice refreshers for fundamentals but the repetition will wear your brain out.
Carmen Sandiego Learning Company Games: 1999-2001
- ThinkQuick Challenge (1999)
- Treasures of Knowledge (2001)
The Learning Company did their best to create very interesting games for this era of Carmen Sandiego, but they don't really hold much weight as the previous era.
ThinkQuick Challenge has a frustratingly flat plot for what should be more epic. The quick trivia depending on the subjects you pick are rudimentary for today's world. What holds it together is the big personalities with the robots you're trying to capture.
Treasures of Knowledge is possibly the most interesting of this era. Laying down the negatives right away, it looks like poor flash, the music isn't anything to write home about, and the puzzles feel like a list of chore. What this game really excels at is similar to Great Chase Through Time. You get to travel and learn historical and cultural trivia relevant to your gameplay through point-and-click. You get invested into the mystery through our dual protagonists, who make great small talk and sound passionate about their travels. It's a simple and great short game that doesn't overstay its welcome.