Ratchet: Deadlocked Critic Reviews

I might get chastised for giving such a high score on the first game I’ve reviewed since coming back to Next Level Gaming, but this is one that everyone simply must play.

If you've ever bought a Ratchet & Clank game, (and anyone who's a PS2 owner would be remiss to not have at least one) this one's a no-brainer.

One of the five best shooters to ever hit the PlayStation 2. Now, that may not be saying much due to a giant lack of good shooters on the PS2, but in retaliation, Deadlocked is possibly one of the five best shooters on any console!

Ratchet: Deadlocked has a lock on exciting, over-the-top gaming fun.

It's every bit as enjoyable as you would hope, too. Of course, if you are into deathmatching, Ratchet's online presence once again packs a wallop.

The graphics are beautiful, the sound effects forceful, and the between-challenge sports anchor schtick light and amusing, but the way these elements mesh forges a rich consistency greater than the sum of its parts.

The excellent presentation and remarkable gameplay make this one of the best experiences on the PS2.

Insomniac didn't really stray too much from the formula they've built up over the years, and it works to the game's benefit. Sure, you can really explore, but the objectives are varied, the challenge nice and the RPG elements nicely assembled. Good stuff.

A very good game and should be satisfying for fans of the series as well as people looking to satiate their need for online deathmatch action. Insomniac still needs to find the perfect balance for Ratchet, but there are sure signs that they're getting there.

It's technically impressive but more than anything it's a lot of fun.

Deadlocked makes it easy to see why the series' third-person gameplay is the best in the business. Buy.

The real jewel in the crown is the assortment of multiplayer modes. The biggest surprise is an excellent co-op mode, where you and another player (taking the role of Clank in a robotic gladiator suit) can work through the whole game as a team.

Our favorite hero still controls just as well as the series’ second outing and now there’s robotic backup you can issue orders to when the going gets rough.

Insomniac's hilarious storytelling doesn't miss a beat even when presented in this year's more limited form either, and the awesome combat sequences are marred only by occasional (but very noticeable) battle slowdown and infrequent camera issues experienced during rail grinding.

While it doesn’t have the length of the previous titles, the decision to focus solely upon Ratchet this time around makes the gameplay somewhat innovative because you have to adjust your tactics to reflect the loss of Clank.

Heavy weaponry is still the name of the game, but the absence of Clank takes away a little of the magic.

More of a shooter than a platformer, which is a little surprising. The new weapons are not as hilarious as before, but everything rolls on smoothly. A great game with good variety in multiplayer options.

Very much a Ratchet & Clank game, just tweaked, refined and in some cases streamlined.

Still one of the best platformers you can find, with a clever story, unique and interesting weapons, and compelling multiplayer options.

I really only consider Ratchet: Deadlocked as a bonus game in the series, but it's a great bonus game with a heavy combat emphasis and the same style of televised humor that the franchise is known for.