Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters

Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters

Introduction

Ratchet and Clank have long been the face of PlayStation's action-platformer genre, delivering high-octane combat and clever humor across the galaxy. When Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters arrived in 2007, it marked a significant milestone as the duo's first foray into the handheld market. Developed by High Impact Games—a studio composed of former Insomniac Games employees—this title proved that a console-quality experience could fit in the palm of your hand. Whether you know it as Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters or by its numeric designation in Japan, Ratchet & Clank 5, the game remains a pivotal entry in the beloved franchise that successfully transitioned a massive world into a portable format.

Story & Setting

The narrative kicks off with the titular duo attempting to enjoy a well-deserved vacation on the tropical planet of Pokitaru. However, their relaxation is short-lived. They encounter a young girl named Luna who is writing a school report on heroes, only for her to be suddenly kidnapped by mysterious robots. As Ratchet and Clank pursue the captors, they stumble upon a conspiracy involving a legendary, forgotten race known as the Technomites. These tiny but technologically advanced beings plan to use Ratchet's DNA to create an unstoppable army of clones. The journey takes players across a variety of diverse locales, from the dream-like realm of Ratchet's mind to high-tech industrial facilities, blending the series' signature wit with a high-stakes adventure.

Gameplay

Mechanically, Size Matters stays true to the core loop that made its predecessors famous. It is an action-oriented platformer featuring a vast arsenal of creative weapons and gadgets. Players can utilize the Lacerator, the Acid Bomb Glove, and even the Shrink Ray, which plays into the "size" theme of the title. A standout feature of this installment is the revamped armor system. Unlike previous games where armor was simply a linear upgrade, here players can find individual pieces (helmets, chests, gloves, boots) and mix-and-match them. Combining pieces from the same set grants special status effects, encouraging exploration and experimentation. The game also includes varied gameplay segments, such as Clank-controlled robot battles, space combat, and hoverboard racing, ensuring the pacing remains brisk and engaging throughout the campaign.

Platforms

This game was released on several platforms, providing fans with both handheld and home console options to experience the adventure. Known in Spanish-speaking regions as Ratchet & Clank: El Tamaño Importa, it expanded the reach of the series to a wider global audience.

Legacy

Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters is often remembered as one of the most technically impressive titles on the PlayStation Portable. It successfully condensed the scale of the PS2 originals into a portable format without losing the series' identity. While the later PlayStation 2 port received more mixed reviews due to technical limitations compared to native PS2 titles, the PSP original was a critical and commercial success. It paved the way for another handheld entry, Secret Agent Clank, and demonstrated that High Impact Games could carry the torch lit by Insomniac. For many fans, it remains a nostalgic piece of the mid-2000s gaming era, proving that great things truly do come in small packages.

Fun Facts

Interestingly, the Japanese version of the game carries the much more elaborate title Ratchet & Clank 5 Clash! Dodeca Galaxy Milli Milli Army. This follows the Japanese tradition of giving the series numbered entries and eccentric subtitles. Furthermore, because High Impact Games was founded by former Insomniac staff, the game's engine was built from the ground up to mimic the feel of the original trilogy as closely as possible. Despite the developer change, many fans consider it a more "traditional" experience compared to the more experimental Ratchet: Deadlocked that preceded it, making it a true return to the classic exploration and gadgetry that defined the duo's early years.

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