Sigma 0426A,[1] better known by his nickname Sigmund, is a supporting character in A Crack in Time. He is a robot chosen by Orvus as the Junior Caretaker of the Great Clock. Sigmund befriended Clank, Orvus' heir, showing him around the facility and explaining the Clock's functions and abilities when Clank was set to become the Senior Caretaker.
History[]
Before A Crack in Time[]
Originally a cleaner bot on Viceron, Sigmund was selected by Orvus to become the Junior Caretaker of the Great Clock.[2] Sigmund served in this role for over a thousand years.[3] He held great respect for Orvus and helped prepare tutorial videos for Clank, the future Senior Caretaker.[4]
Two years before the events of A Crack in Time,[5] Dr. Nefarious invited Orvus to the Tombli Outpost, Zanifar, under the guise of a scientific discussion. Orvus left but did not return, leaving Sigmund alone.[6]
A Crack in Time[]

Sigmund introducing himself.
When the Zoni brought Clank to the Great Clock, Clank was awakened after Dr. Nefarious damaged the Clock using the Hypersonic Brainwave Scrambler. In "Escape Dr. Nefarious' Clutches!", Sigmund guided Clank to safety until Lawrence immobilized him.[7] After Clank awoke, Sigmund repaired him, installed a quantum actuator to enable temporal recordings,[1][8] and in "Travel with Sigmund to meet Orvus", gave Clank the Chronoscepter and guided him through the Great Clock. Sigmund also assisted Clank in defeating the Hypersonic Brainwave Scrambler. Sigmund then programmed more challenging simulations for Clank.[9]

Sigmund watching Orvus' last transmission in the orientation room.
In "Follow Sigmund to the Orientation Room", Sigmund showed Clank an orientation video about the Clock.[4] Shortly after, Clank witnessed Sigmund rewatch an old recording of Orvus' final message before leaving for Zanifar.[6] Clank later convinced Sigmund to synthesize a time portal on Zanifar, hoping Ratchet could save Orvus in the past.[10]
In "Proceed to the Orvus Chamber", Sigmund and Clank reached the Orvus Chamber, where Lawrence immobilized them.[11] Sigmund stayed at the Clock while Clank was taken to Vapedia. Later, Sigmund assisted Ratchet and Clank in escaping planet Morklon by creating a time portal for them, using the Breegus Almanac to access past events in the Breegus System.[12] In "Stop General Azimuth at all Costs!", Sigmund attempted to stop Alister Azimuth from accessing the Orvus Chamber, managing to hit him before being thrown aside.[13]

Sigmund accepting the role of Senior Caretaker from Clank.
With Clank deciding to stay with Ratchet, he promoted Sigmund to Senior Caretaker, granting him the Chronoscepter. Sigmund was initially puzzled but then excited by his new role.[14]
Characteristics[]
Appearance[]
Sigmund is a floating robot with a cylindrical form, moving by hovering just above the ground. He has long arms and carries a belt with various tools including keys, a wrench, a pot of flowers, and a computer, which he frequently uses. His chest houses an extendable rooster alarm.
Though not a fighter, Sigmund proved resourceful, especially when the Clock was in danger, even attempting to fight Alister Azimuth to protect it.
Personality[]
Sigmund is a helpful, excitable, and shy caretaker, often in awe of both Clank and Orvus.[1][15][16] He tends to have low self-confidence, blaming himself when things go wrong.[17] Despite working with Orvus for millennia, Sigmund was surprised and thrilled when Clank offered him a promotion.[14] Sigmund shares Orvus' sense of humor, which he says rubbed off on him after 1,000 years together.[3] His subconscious is filled with broken sprockets and cartoons.[9]

Sigmund rewatching Orvus' last transmission before leaving for Zanifar.
Sigmund reveres Orvus' legacy and work,[8] and is committed to honoring it. Though non-confrontational and preferring to hide in dangerous situations,[16][10][15] he fiercely defends the Clock when necessary.[1][13] Sigmund blamed himself for the Clock's damage.[17] In Orvus' absence, he upheld Orvus' desire to protect the Orvus Chamber from potential misuse.[11]
Behind the scenes[]

Concept art.
Sigmund's color palette was inspired by an ambulance, while his finer details resemble pocket watches and maintenance devices, reflecting his role as a caretaker.[18]
Citations[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 A Crack in Time script § "The Junior Caretaker"
- ↑ A Crack in Time menu § "Galactic Trivia"
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 A Crack in Time script § "The Great Clock: Sector Four"
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 A Crack in Time script § "The Great Clock and You"
- ↑ A Crack in Time script § "Explore the Fongoid Village in the Past (gameplay)"
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 A Crack in Time script § "Sigmund's Secret"
- ↑ A Crack in Time script § "Escape Dr. Nefarious' Clutches! (gameplay)"
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 A Crack in Time script § "Travel with Sigmund to meet Orvus (gameplay)"
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 A Crack in Time script § "Mnemonic Station Beta"
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 A Crack in Time script § "The Obsidian Eye"
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 A Crack in Time script § "Unnecessarily Evil Initiative Omega-91"
- ↑ A Crack in Time script § "The Battle of Gimlick Valley"
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 A Crack in Time script § "Stop General Azimuth at all Costs! (gameplay)"
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 A Crack in Time script § "The Last Lombax"
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 A Crack in Time script § "Destroy the Hypersonic Brainwave Scrambler (gameplay)"
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 A Crack in Time script § "Tour the Great Clock with Sigmund (gameplay, cont.)"
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 A Crack in Time script § "Follow the Caretaker's Instructions (gameplay)"
- ↑ The Art of Ratchet & Clank, p. 178
References[]
- Insomniac Games (2009). Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time [Game]. Sony Computer Entertainment. PlayStation 3.
- Sony Interactive Entertainment (2018). The Art of Ratchet & Clank [Book]. Dark Horse Comics. ISBN 978-1506705729.