Blarg heli-commander

Template:Appearances

R&C (2002)
General information
Type	Helicopter
Organization	Drek Industries
Seen at	Ratchet & Clank (2002) Metropolis, Kerwan Bomb factory, Hoven Robot factory, Quartu Ratchet & Clank (2016) Aleero City, Kerwan Outpost X11, Aridia Jowai Resort, Pokitaru Gadgetron Headquarters, Kalebo III
Weapon(s)	Mounted cannon, fires bullets, lasers, or rockets

The blarg heli-commander is an enemy vehicle in Ratchet & Clank and the 2016 re-imagined game. They are blarg piloting helicopters used by Drek Industries fitted with machine guns, fought on planet Kerwan, Hoven, and Quartu.

History

Ratchet & Clank

In the original release, blarg heli-commanders were first found throughout Metropolis, Kerwan, fought during "Visit Al's Roboshack," where they appeared along the way to Al's roboshack. Later, heli-commanders with helicopters firing rockets appeared in the bomb factory on Hoven, defending the PlanetBuster Maximus during "Destroy the Planetbuster," both by attempting to kill Ratchet before reaching it, and later attempting to destroy his turret as he fired to destroy the ship. Finally, heli-commanders were fought again in the Ultra-Mech Unlimited testing facility on Quartu by Giant Clank, who destroyed them along with other Ultra-Mechs.

Re-imagining

The 2016 re-imagined game is primarily an unreliable retelling of events by Qwark.

The re-imagined game primarily describes Captain Qwark's account of events. As Qwark is an unreliable narrator, and contradictory events are in-universe fiction (though those which correspond still apply). Please see Project:Bulletin board/Canon for the wiki's coverage of canon.

In the re-imagined release, heli-commanders were fought in Downtown Aleero City, Kerwan, during the missions "Find a route to the Hall of Heroes" and "Find a train to the Hall of Heroes," and on the grav-train in "Ride the train to the Hall of Heroes." They were also fought when attacking Don Wonderstar on Aridia, during "Find Skidd's Agent." Finally, they were fought on Pokitaru during "Destroy the hydroharvesters," and on Kalebo III during "Find the Focus Lab."

Characteristics

File:Blarg heli-commander helicopter from R&C (2002) render.png

A render of the helicopter

Blarg heli-commanders pilot a medium-sized yellow helicopter where the cockpit is visible. The helicopter appears to be able to fly just above the ground. They have a mounted cannon just below where the pilot sits, which fires a rapid fire machine gun or rockets. Heli-commanders tend to appear distant from the area they are guarding until a target arrives, attempting to get a surprise attack.

In the original release, they are piloted by blarg commanders. In the re-imagined release, they are piloted by smaller blarg resembling blarg troopers, and the helicopters piloted can move much quicker, and perform many maneuvers in the air while remaining aerial.

Combat

In the original release, on Kerwan, blarg heli-commanders are deadly and fire rapid fire machine gun bullets that are difficult to dodge, but only fire in a medium range from Ratchet, and try to keep a distance from him to continue firing. Though it is possible to run past them, it is easier to first destroy them with the Blaster before getting in range. On Hoven, heli-commanders instead fire four missiles, which are easily dodged, before repositioning and firing again. These heli-commanders are best destroyed with a Devastator. While operating the turret, defeating heli-commanders that arrive to destroy it is vital to ensure the turret remains active to destroy the PlanetBuster. While piloting Giant Clank on Quartu, heli-commanders pose no threat, and are easily destroyed with a single punch or missile.

In the re-imagined release, in all locations, heli-commanders appear much more frequently, and rapidly fire lasers. The lasers deal heavy damage and must either be dodged by strafing and jumping or by hiding behind cover. They are best defeated with either the Fusion Grenade or the Combuster, as any weapons with an area of effect are unlikely to hit.

Behind the scenes

Early in development, they were completely plain silver in color.