Secret Agent Clank (PSP) review



Guess what Bond motif this imitates.

After the release of Size Matters, High Impact Games developed one more installment in the series for the PSP. This time it is based on the Secret Agent Clank concept from Up Your Arsenal, simply titled Secret Agent Clank.

Story

The story begins with Clank investigating the Boltaire Museum when he finds Ratchet stealing a priceless jewel called the “Eye of Infinity”, and gets arrested. Clank believes Ratchet to be innocent and sets out to clear his name. The game is obviously a tribute to the James Bond franchise due to the spy theme and high-tech gadgetry.

Gameplay

For the first time in the series, Clank’s gameplay is similar to Ratchet’s where he can purchase weapons and gadgets with bolts, the game’s main currency, and upgrade them with experience points from fallen enemies. Some weapons include the Tie-A-Rang, which he throws his bow-tie like a boomerang; Cufflink Bomb; and the Tanglevine Carnation, which is a plant that comes out of the ground to devour enemies.

There are also times when Clank rides vehicles in high speed chases, and I have to say they are a lot of fun to play through. To fit with the spy theme, some stealth elements are added such as sneak attacks (all done with quick-time events) and disguises, a la Sly Cooper. There are also rhythm gameplay elements during the sneaking, dancing, and poker scenes, where you have to press the right buttons. I don’t mind rhythm gameplay, but these are my least favorite parts in the game, as I remember messing up countless of times.


Ratchet's gameplay

In addition to Clank, you can also take control of the Ratchet, Qwark and the Gadgebots. Throughout the game, Clank can purchase weapons for Ratchet and send them to him. Ratchet’s gameplay is based on the arena battles in previous titles. Compared to the arena battles from other games, this one felt kind of weak and more tedious to go through. Qwark’s gameplay is more action-packed and focused on shooting. Lastly, the Gadgebots are more puzzle-based as they have to navigate through obstacles while still fighting enemies.

The Gadgebots

The Titanium Bolts and Skill points make a return, as they can still unlock Skins and Cheats, respectively.

Graphics, Level Design, and Sound

I can’t really comment much about the graphics and level design, as it pretty much looks like Size Matters, but with different settings, but the game looks good overall, and there is some detail added in, like the snow outside the Countess’s palace.

David Bergeaud returns to compose the music for the game. While the music still feels familiar with the use of orchestra, ambient, and electronic tracks, it adds a more stealthy and secret agent-like approach to fit with the spy theme. As usual, they are very catchy to listen to, but they are not as memorable. Some may comment that Qwark’s singing in one section of the game was annoying, but I found it to be quite amusing and Jim Ward (Qwark’s voice actor) has a pretty good singing voice.

Conclusion

Secret Agent Clank may not be one of the stronger titles in the Ratchet & Clank series, but it’s still just as fun as previous titles, packed with some variety and replayability and I think they nailed Clank's gameplay, even if it's identical to Ratchet's. Another worthy entry to the series.