The Heli-Pack, occasionally known as the Helipack, is a recurring gadget in the Ratchet & Clank series. It is a robot upgrade manufactured by Gadgetron,[1] but installed by RoboShack dealers.[2] The sound effect associated with the Heli-Pack has sometimes changed throughout the series.
History[]
Big Al installed the upgrade on Clank after Ratchet purchased it from him. The Heli-Pack grants Clank helicopter-like propellers in his hands and antenna, allowing Ratchet to use him to glide, boost jump, stretch jump, and reach otherwise inaccessible areas. It became a mainstay after it was first acquired. Gadgetron provided no warranty for the device.[3]
Thereafter, Clank made use of the Heli-Pack on all of Ratchet's adventures. During All 4 One and Full Frontal Assault, he also used it as a melee and throwing weapon.
Gameplay[]
Obtained[]
The Heli-Pack becomes available in Metropolis, Kerwan when reaching Al's RoboShack, and can be purchased from Big Al for 1,000 bolts. After this, it is permanently installed as an upgrade for Clank and used to assist Ratchet's jumps, alongside the later-acquired Thruster-Pack.
In subsequent appearances, it is available on Clank from the beginning, only absent when Clank is not with Ratchet.
Mechanics[]
The Heli-Pack allows Ratchet to perform three moves: boost jump, stretch jump, and glide. Ratchet can perform a boost jump with Clank by crouching before jumping, and perform a stretch jump by pressing both the crouch and jump buttons while running. Ratchet can glide in the air by holding down in mid-air.
The Heli-Pack also allows Clank to glide when on his own by holding after a jump. In A Crack in Time, the Heli-Pack can also grant Clank a mid-air boost while jumping, performed by pressing up to three times more after a jump.
In All 4 One and Full Frontal Assault, Clank can throw the Heli-Pack and return it to his hand after, similarly to Ratchet's OmniWrench. In Before the Nexus, Ratchet can perform a longer jump by holding it down.