Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time (known as Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time in Europe and Australia) is the third installment in the Future trilogy of the Ratchet & Clank series, developed by Insomniac Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. It was released in October 2009 for the PlayStation 3 and was later added to the PlayStation Now streaming service library.
The game follows Quest for Booty, with Ratchet searching the Breegus System in the Polaris Galaxy for Clank, with assistance from Captain Qwark. Clank, meanwhile, is being held in the Great Clock, where Dr. Nefarious has ostensibly been helping the Zoni repair Clank, but secretly seeks to manipulate the Great Clock for his own nefarious purposes. Ratchet and Clank must reunite to thwart Nefarious's plot to control time, uncovering more about their respective pasts in the process.
A Crack in Time is a third-person action-adventure game incorporating elements of shooting, role-playing, platforming, puzzle-solving, and open-space exploration. Ratchet can explore various space sectors with his ship, the Aphelion, completing side missions on moons and traveling to planets. He wields several new weapons, including customizable Constructo weapons, while some devices from Tools of Destruction return as upgradable weapons. Clank's gameplay is entirely new, revolving around his time-manipulation abilities, using temporal recordings for puzzles and the Chronoscepter for combat, a departure from his previous role of commanding units.
Gameplay[]
Overview[]
Ratchet utilizing the Hoverboots for enhanced traversal.
A Crack in Time is a third-person 3D action game featuring platforming, shooting, role-playing, puzzle-solving, and open exploration elements. The player primarily controls Ratchet, a lombax equipped with an arsenal of weapons and gadgets, who pilots the sentient starship Aphelion. The player also controls Clank, a robot undergoing training to become a Caretaker at the Great Clock, who can manipulate time with his Chronoscepter. Ratchet retains his core moveset and the OmniWrench Millennium 12's object manipulation ability, with the notable addition of hoverboots for rapid environment traversal. Clank's Chronoscepter and temporal recording abilities create a distinct puzzle-solving gameplay experience compared to previous titles.
Piloting the Aphelion during a space combat challenge.
Gameplay alternates between Ratchet and Clank. Ratchet explores open segments of the Breegus System using the Aphelion, landing on planets and moons to complete main and side objectives. These typically involve linear platforming sections or combat encounters. Between planetary locations, Ratchet pilots the Aphelion in space combat, interacts with new characters for objectives, and can compete in the Agorian Battleplex arena. Completing main objectives advances the story, while side objectives yield rewards such as bolts (currency for new weapons and armor), Zoni (for upgrading the Aphelion), constructo mods (for modifying Constructo weapons), gold bolts (for unlocking extras like A Crack in Time Extras menu#skins), or holo-plans for the RYNO V.
Clank repairing a temporal anomaly using the Chronoscepter.
Control frequently shifts to Clank, who is training to become the Senior Caretaker of the Great Clock. Clank tackles puzzle-solving objectives using temporal recordings to create paths forward. He also uses the Chronoscepter in planet rooms to repair temporal anomalies on various planets. These activities are crucial for both main story progression and optional objectives that unlock new areas and hidden items for both characters.
Upon completing the game, players can either warp back to a point before the final boss or start a new game in challenge mode. This mode allows Ratchet to retain all weapons, collectibles, most gadgets, and Aphelion upgrades, while facing more powerful enemies. In challenge mode, Omega versions of weapons can be purchased, allowing further upgrades. These are more expensive, but challenge mode features a bolt multiplier that increases as enemies are defeated without Ratchet taking damage.
New to the series, players can record their in-game statistics and showcase their customized Constructo weapons via the PlayStation Network.
Ratchet equipment[]
Ratchet begins with ten units of nanotech, representing his health. This can be increased to a maximum of 199 by earning experience points from defeating enemies. Ratchet can also purchase armors from a GrummelNet armor vendor to reduce damage taken.
The Sonic Eruptor weapon in action.
A Crack in Time features 18 weapons: 12 new (including iterations like the RYNO V and Rift Inducer 5000, based on the RYNO and Rift Inducer respectively) and 6 returning from Tools of Destruction and Quest for Booty. All weapons can be upgraded to Level 5; purchasing their Omega upgrade allows five additional levels of upgrades. This includes the Groovitron and Mr. Zurkon, previously available in Tools of Destruction as combat devices that could not be upgraded. The primary additions to the arsenal are three Constructo weapons: the Constructo Pistol, Constructo Bomb, and Constructo Shotgun. These can be modified in both appearance and functionality using collected constructo mods. Players with a Tools of Destruction save file receive a discount from GrummelNet on returning weapons.
Ratchet using the OmniSoaker on tetramites.
Seven gadgets are featured, four of which can be equipped via the directional pad: the Swingshot, the OmniSoaker, the hoverboots, and the Time Bomb. The returning Gravity Boots, Grind Boots, and Heli-Pack are automatically equipped when needed. The Swingshot, Gravity Boots, and Grind Boots are available initially, while other gadgets are unlocked through story progression. The Hoverboots are a significant addition, allowing Ratchet to traverse areas quickly and glide without the Heli-Pack (before reuniting with Clank). Several locations feature speed boosts that leverage the Hoverboots to reach otherwise inaccessible areas. Ratchet also retains his OmniWrench Millennium 12 from Quest for Booty for combat and object manipulation.
Spaceship and minigames[]
Ratchet exploring one of the game's many moons.
Ratchet can pilot the Aphelion in 2D space combat sections between planets and moons. The ship can fire selectable blasters and missiles to defeat enemies during missions and casual exploration, where it can also destroy asteroids and enemy ships for bolts. Its weapons and armor can be upgraded by acquiring more Zoni.
Ratchet can also play the arcade game My Blaster Runs Hot.
Clank gameplay[]
Clank utilizing temporal recordings to solve a puzzle.
Clank's gameplay primarily revolves around his Chronoscepter. With this weapon, Clank can attack enemies and reflect projectiles by reversing their time, allowing him to defeat foes from a distance. He can also throw Time Bombs to significantly slow enemies or objects temporarily. Much of his gameplay involves platforming and combat similar to Ratchet's.
To solve puzzles, Clank can create temporal recordings of himself on colored time pads. This allows him to record a sequence of actions (e.g., standing on a switch) while another recording (or Clank himself) can then proceed through a newly opened path. Multiple temporal recordings often need to be used simultaneously to solve complex puzzles, enabling Clank to complete main and bonus objectives.
Clank can also utilize planet rooms within the Great Clock, where he uses the Chronoscepter in a time fixing mini-game to repair time anomalies. This involves firing a beam at anomalies, while controlling both the planet and the beam simultaneously.. Clank must also destroy "seekers" that attempt to damage the anomalies further and can collect power-ups to expedite the repair process.
Synopsis[]
Setting[]
Ratchet interacting with a fongoid on planet Zanifar.
A Crack in Time is set in the Breegus System of the Polaris Galaxy, a remote and relatively lawless region at the galaxy's edge with minimal connections to the wider galaxy, though GrummelNet Industries maintains a presence. This area hosts diverse species: the peaceful, tribal fongoids; the industrial, junk-trading vullards; the aggressive, warlike agorians; the highly intelligent terachnoids; and the female robotic race known as the valkyries. These species inhabit planets, spaceships, and various moons. Dr. Nefarious has also established a significant presence, with his robotic forces deployed throughout the System.
An overview of the Great Clock, a central location in the game.
Clank begins his journey and spends much of his time within the Great Clock, a Zoni construct at the center of the universe that regulates time. This vast structure is overseen by caretakers and the Zoni. The Great Clock contains planet rooms that monitor planets across the universe, allowing for the repair of time anomalies. Due to Dr. Nefarious's attack on the Clock using the Hypersonic Brainwave Scrambler, most Zoni have fled, leaving only Clank and a Junior Caretaker, Sigmund, in charge.
Plot[]
Nefarious attempting to access the Orvus Chamber through Clank.
Following Quest for Booty, Dr. Nefarious, tasked by the Zoni with repairing Clank, exploited the opportunity to search Clank's memories for the key to the "Orvus Chamber". When denied access by the Zoni, Nefarious betrayed them, driving them off with his forces and the Hypersonic Brainwave Scrambler, which inadvertently allowed Clank to escape. Nefarious eventually recaptured Clank, revealing he was being taken to the Great Clock—a Zoni creation at the center of the universe that regulates all time—before incapacitating him.
Ratchet's first encounter with Lord Vorselon.
Meanwhile, Ratchet and Captain Qwark, searching for Clank, encountered a temporal anomaly and crash-landed on planet Quantos. Lord Vorselon, Nefarious's personal assassin, attacked the planet's fongoid inhabitants while hunting for Alister Azimuth, mistaking Ratchet for him. After the fongoids and Qwark were captured, Ratchet, with Zoni assistance, repaired his ship and rescued the hostages from Vorselon's warship. Recognizing Azimuth as a potential ally, Ratchet decided to find him.
Clank being repaired and modified by Sigmund in the Great Clock.
Simultaneously, Clank was revived by Sigmund, the Junior Caretaker of the Great Clock. Sigmund explained the Clock's purpose—maintaining temporal stability—and enlisted Clank's help to repair damage caused by Nefarious. Clank also encountered Orvus, the Zoni leader and the Clock's architect, appearing as a digital entity in his subconscious. Orvus revealed himself as Clank's father and true creator, entrusting the Clock to his son's care.
Azimuth introducing himself to Ratchet on Torren IV.
On planet Torren IV, guided by Qwark, Ratchet found Azimuth, another lombax who had remained when their species fled Tachyon's genocide. Azimuth, a friend of Ratchet's father, Kaden, suspected Clank was at the Great Clock. The two lombaxes teamed up to find an Obsidian Eye to contact Clank. At the Clock, Clank learned from Sigmund about Orvus's mysterious disappearance two years prior, following an arranged meeting with Dr. Nefarious.
Azimuth recounting the fall of the lombaxes to Ratchet.
While searching for the Eye on planet Lumos, Azimuth reluctantly confessed his role in the lombaxes' near-extinction: he had shared their technology with Tachyon, leading to his exile. He now hoped to use the Clock to rewrite history, offering Ratchet a chance to reunite with his family. Upon finding the Eye, they contacted Clank, who informed them of Orvus's situation and urged them to go to planet Zanifar to rescue his father.
Nefarious interrogating Orvus for access to the Great Clock.
On Zanifar, Ratchet used a time portal created by Sigmund to travel to the past and attempt to save Orvus, who was being tortured by Nefarious for access to the Orvus Chamber, the Clock's central control room. Orvus warned Nefarious that the Clock was not a time machine and vanished when Nefarious tried to strike him. Returning to the present, Ratchet learned Vorselon had captured Azimuth, forcing a rescue. Though initially angry Ratchet prioritized the rescue over finding the Clock, Azimuth softened after learning of Ratchet's time travel, reassuring him the Clock was worth the risk.
Ratchet, Clank, and Azimuth discuss their next move after Clank's rescue.
At the Clock, while testing equipment, Clank encountered the Plumber in his subconscious, who cryptically advised him not to "risk any more than six minutes". Clank and Sigmund then unlocked the Orvus Chamber, but Lawrence, Nefarious's butler, paralyzed them, having tracked their movements. Meanwhile, Ratchet and Azimuth responded to a fake distress signal from Clank on planet Vapedia, where they defeated the Nefarious-allied valkyries and rescued Clank. After Clank reiterated Orvus's warning about misusing the Clock, Ratchet abandoned the idea of using it to save his family and the lombaxes, causing a frustrated Azimuth to depart.
Dr. Nefarious defeated aboard his space station.
Ratchet, Clank, and Qwark infiltrated Nefarious's space station to destroy his armada and prevent him from reaching the Clock. Nefarious confronted them, revealing his plan to alter time to create a perfect universe where heroes always lose—revenge for his defeat in Up Your Arsenal. Nefarious launched Ratchet and Clank to the desolate planet Morklon, but with Sigmund's aid, they used a time portal to secure a working ship and return. Ratchet and Clank fought and seemingly killed Nefarious, narrowly escaping with Azimuth's help as the doctor's malfunctioning ship destroyed the station.
Azimuth fatally shoots Ratchet in a desperate attempt to use the Great Clock.
Back at the Clock, Clank declared his intent to stay and fulfill his father's wishes, a decision Ratchet reluctantly accepted. However, Azimuth remained determined to use the Clock. When Ratchet refused to allow it, an enraged Azimuth struck and killed Ratchet, then raced to the Orvus Chamber, but Clank managed to lock him out. Torn, Clank recalled the Plumber's advice and used the Clock to rewind time by six minutes, saving Ratchet's life.
Azimuth sacrifices himself to save the Great Clock from destruction.
In this altered timeline, Azimuth reached the Chamber before Ratchet and Clank and initiated a time shift to save the lombaxes. As the Clock began to collapse, Ratchet injured Azimuth and accidentally damaged the controls while trying to stop the shift. Guilt-ridden for endangering existence, Azimuth sacrificed himself to prevent the Clock's complete destruction.
Qwark stranded with Snowball after the station's destruction.
Afterward, Ratchet helped the Zoni repair the remaining damage and bid Clank farewell. However, Clank, realizing his bond with Ratchet was paramount, promoted Sigmund to Senior Caretaker and reunited with his friend. A message from Orvus played, encouraging Clank to follow his heart, even if it meant leaving the Clock. In a post-credits scene, Qwark was stranded on the remnants of Nefarious's station, desperately calling for help as his pet war grok, Snowball, eyed him hungrily.
Development[]
A pre-production diorama showcasing an early level concept.
For A Crack in Time, Insomniac Games aimed for innovation while preserving the qualities fans cherished in the series.
Consequently, core gameplay remained largely consistent with Tools of Destruction, with a focus on several key "tentpole" features. These centered on the theme of time, enabling a new narrative and informing gameplay mechanics for Clank and time-travel levels.[1]
The title "A Crack in Time" was chosen by Insomniac employees from a narrowed list, deemed appropriate given the time travel elements of the storyline.[2] An earlier proposed name for the game was "Clock Blockers", which was rejected by Sony Computer Entertainment.[3]
Insomniac aimed to deliver a more thoughtful and engaging story. Aspiring to Pixar-level visual quality, they also focused on developing emotionally resonant characters. This significantly increased development complexity, as ally interactions were designed to be meaningful throughout gameplay, not just in cinematics and audio.[1]
Writer T.J. Fixman wrote approximately 10,000 lines of dialogue for A Crack in Time, with an additional 10,000 lines being cut during development.[4]
Design and unused content[]
Creature design for A Crack in Time featured unique inspirations, including unexpected mechanical elements, contrasting shapes, and significant thick-to-thin transitions in designs.[5]
Beta versions of A Crack In Time depicted an unknown planet (possibly Zanifar) and a darker, more imposing design for the Nefarious Space Station. Ratchet was originally intended to wear the Scavenger Suit and use the OmniWrench 3000.
The "Phoenix Launcher", a weapon cut from the final game.
Several weapons and gadgets planned for A Crack in Time were cut before release. Examples include the "Phoenix Launcher" and "Razor Talons", weapons similar to the Predator Launcher and Razor Claws from previous titles.[6] One cut gadget, the "NanoRatchet", would have allowed players to send a miniature Ratchet into small areas.[7] Other scrapped gadgets included the "Babel Horn", enabling Ratchet to hack Nefarious Troopers, and the "Grav-Sphere", which would have altered gravity.[6]
Insomniac originally intended to include swimming sections for Ratchet, as in prior games, but these were removed to allocate resources to other areas.[8] Plans for hoverboot racing were also cut due to resource constraints.[9]
Audio[]
The core voice cast from Tools of Destruction returned for A Crack in Time, with the notable addition of Armin Shimerman reprising his role as Dr. Nefarious from earlier games in the series.[2]
The game's score was composed by Boris Salchow, who also composed the score for Resistance 2.
Release and promotion[]
A Crack in Time was announced at the Game Developers Conference 2009, where the first trailer and the game's title were revealed.[10]
The game was promoted through various initiatives, including a weapon design contest, platform-specific content, pre-order incentives, and a collector's edition.
Community Contest and PlayStation Home[]
A promotional poster for the "My Blaster Runs Hot" weapon design contest.
Prior to release, Insomniac Games held the "My Blaster Runs Hot" weapon design contest, inviting fans to submit weapon ideas. Five finalists were chosen for a fan vote. The finalists were: Bubble Shot, Plasma Sprinkler Glove, Qwark Machine, Spiral of Death, and Super-Sized Sticky Hand Toy. At San Diego Comic-Con 2009, the Spiral of Death was announced as the winning weapon and was subsequently included in the game.
A Ratchet & Clank-themed game space was launched in PlayStation Home. This area included three levels, one of which was a firing range game featuring enemies from past, present, and future series installments. Purchasable themed items included a "Ratchet & Clank: Home Sweet Home" personal living space, a Ratchet costume, a Dr. Nefarious helmet, and Slag-themed gloves.[11]
Pre-order Bonuses and Collector's Edition[]
Several pre-order packages, specific to certain retailers, offered bonus content by unlocking items earlier in the game:[12]
- Bolt Package: Provided an early unlock of the Bolt Grabber and Box Basher 2000, plus 5,000 starting bolts.
- Discovery Package: Granted access to the Insomniac Moon, an area showcasing cut content from the game.
- Power Package: Gave players an early health boost and the CryoMine Glove.
- Space Package: Included the "Hot Rod" skin for the Aphelion, 5,000 starting bolts, and a PlayStation Home avatar skin.
A Collector's Edition, exclusive to PAL regions (including Europe and Oceania), was released on November 6, 2009. It featured 3D lenticular cover art, a concept art book, and a PlayStation Network code to unlock the Discovery Package content, providing access to the Insomniac Moon.[13]
Reception[]
| Aggregator | Score |
|---|---|
| GameRankings | 87.88% (70 reviews)[14] |
| Metacritic | 87/100 (85 reviews)[15] |
| Publication | Score |
| 1UP.com | A[16] |
| Destructoid | 9/10[17] |
| Eurogamer | 7/10[18] |
| Game Informer | 9.25/10[19] |
| GameSpot | 8.5/10[20] |
| GameSpy | 4.5/5[21] |
| IGN | 9/10[22] |
A Crack in Time received "generally favorable" reviews, according to review aggregator Metacritic.[23] Reviewers lauded the combat, Clank's gameplay sections, the story, and the visuals (often compared to Pixar films). However, some criticized repetitive space battles, and opinions were divided on its lack of significant deviation from the established series formula.[18][19][20][22]
The combat, platforming, and puzzle gameplay were widely praised. Game Informer stated the game was "filled to the brim with inventive weapons, stellar production value, and top-notch platforming", calling Clank's sections "incredibly clever" and the "best puzzles in the series to date", expressing a wish for standalone DLC to expand upon them.[19]
Many critics noted the game's similarities to previous titles. IGN cited this as the "one real complaint", saying it "relies heavily on the tried and true Ratchet Formula", and that some gamers satisfied with older titles "might not [find] enough reasons to come back".[22] Eurogamer amplified this criticism, using the analogy, "I still want a meat feast pizza, I just want it to have a stuffed crust", and concluded it was "time for a change".[18] Conversely, GameSpot argued that while it "doesn't drastically change the formula of the series", this was "not a big problem" as the "core gameplay is still rock solid" and the "few tweaks and additions help to differentiate this from previous iterations".[20]
Game Informer claimed that A Crack in Time "surpasses both Tools of Destruction and Quest for Booty as the best R&C experience on the PS3".[19]
A Crack in Time was named the sixth-best game of 2009 by the Associated Press.[24] In 2023, IGN ranked A Crack in Time 9th on its list of the best PlayStation 3 games of all time.[25]
Insomniac initially believed A Crack in Time might be the final game in the series. However, its strong sales performance led Sony to request the franchise's continuation.[4][26]
Gallery[]
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Citations[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Dolge 2009
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Morell 2009
- ↑ Anderson, McShea 2019
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedgamesradar history of r&c - ↑ The Art of Ratchet & Clank, p. 186
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 A Crack in Time, Insomniac Museum § Unnamed weapons and gadgets area
- ↑ A Crack in Time, Insomniac Museum § NanoRatchet
- ↑ A Crack in Time, Insomniac Museum § Lombaxes Don't Swim
- ↑ A Crack in Time, Insomniac Museum § Hoverboot Track
- ↑ Roper 2009
- ↑ Locust_Star 2009
- ↑ Cardona 2009
- ↑ Gibson 2009
- ↑ GameRankings 2019
- ↑ Metacritic
- ↑ Kennedy 2009
- ↑ Chester 2009
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 Gibson 2010
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 Reiner 2009
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 McShea 2009
- ↑ Rybicki 2009
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 Clements 2009
- ↑ Metacritic
- ↑ Sterling 2009
- ↑ IGN 2023
- ↑ Valdes 2018
References[]
- Insomniac Games (2009). Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time [Game]. Sony Computer Entertainment. PlayStation 3.
- Books
- Sony Interactive Entertainment (2018). The Art of Ratchet & Clank [Book]. Dark Horse Comics. ISBN 978-1506705729.
- Websites
- (n.d.) . "Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time". From Metacritic. Archived from the original on August 12, 2024.
- Roper, Chris (2009, March 26). "GDC 09: Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time Announced". From IGN. Archived from the original on June 1, 2023.
- Morell, Chris (2009, April 2). "Ratchet & Clank Live Q&A with Insomniac Games". From PlayStation Blog. Archived from the original on June 1, 2023.
- Cardona, Cristian (2009, July 2). "Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time Pre-Order Goodies". From PlayStation Blog. Archived from the original on June 1, 2023.
- Gibson, Ellie (2009, October 7). "Ratchet & Clank Special Edition unveiled". From Eurogamer. Archived from the original on June 1, 2023.
- Locust_Star (2009, October 14). "Ratchet & Clank Come to PlayStation Home + Deadquarters Personal Space". From PlayStation Blog. Archived from the original on June 1, 2023.
- Clements, Ryan (2009, October 20). "Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time Review". From IGN. Archived from the original on August 12, 2024.
- Dolge, Adam (2009, October 27). "Interview with Insomniac Games: Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time". From PlayStation Universe. Archived from the original on August 12, 2024.
- McShea, Tom (2009, October 27). "Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time Review". From GameSpot. Archived from the original on August 12, 2024.
- Chester, Nick (2009, October 22). "Review: Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time". From Destructoid. Archived from the original on August 12, 2024.
- Kennedy, Sam (2009, October 23). "Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time Review". From 1UP. Accessed January 14, 2018. Archived from the original on November 5, 2012.
- {{ref|id=Rybicki 2009 |first=Joe |last=Rybicki |day=26 |month=10 |year=2009 |url=http://ps3.gamespy.com/playstation-3/ratchet-clank-next/1038916p1.html |entry=The Consensus: Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time Review |title=GameSpy |access-date=January 14, 2018}
- Reiner, Andrew (2009, October 27). "Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time Review". From Game Informer. Accessed August 12, 2024. Archived from the original on June 3 2023.
- Sterling, James Stephanie (2009, December 9). "The Associated Press’ top ten games of 2009". From Destructoid. Archived from the original on August 12, 2024.
- Gibson, Ellie (2010, January 5). "Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time". From Eurogamer. Archived from the original on August 12, 2024.
- Valdes, Giancarlo (2018, March 24). "Adapt or Die: The 15-Year History of 'Ratchet & Clank'". From "Rolling Stone". Archived from the original on January 21, 2018.
- Anderson, Lark; McShea, Tom (2019, October 25). "Now Playing: Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time". From GameSpot. Archived from the original on June 1, 2023.
- (n.d.) . "Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time for PlayStation 3". From GameRankings. Accessed August 12, 2024. Archived from the original on December 6, 2019.
- IGN Staff (2023, November 2). "The Best PS3 Games of All Time". From IGN. Archived from the original on August 12, 2024.