Ratchet: Deadlocked

Next Level Gaming

I might get chastised for giving such a high score on the first game I’ve reviewed since coming back to Next Level Gaming, but this is one that everyone simply must play.

eToychest

If you've ever bought a Ratchet & Clank game, (and anyone who's a PS2 owner would be remiss to not have at least one) this one's a no-brainer.

BonusStage

One of the five best shooters to ever hit the PlayStation 2. Now, that may not be saying much due to a giant lack of good shooters on the PS2, but in retaliation, Deadlocked is possibly one of the five best shooters on any console!

Gamers' Temple

Ratchet: Deadlocked has a lock on exciting, over-the-top gaming fun.

TotalPlayStation

Insomniac didn't really stray too much from the formula they've built up over the years, and it works to the game's benefit. Sure, you can really explore, but the objectives are varied, the challenge nice and the RPG elements nicely assembled. Good stuff.

Game Informer

It's every bit as enjoyable as you would hope, too. Of course, if you are into deathmatching, Ratchet's online presence once again packs a wallop. [Nov 2005, p.160]

GamePro

The graphics are beautiful, the sound effects forceful, and the between-challenge sports anchor schtick light and amusing, but the way these elements mesh forges a rich consistency greater than the sum of its parts.

PGNx Media

The excellent presentation and remarkable gameplay make this one of the best experiences on the PS2.

PSX Extreme

A very good game and should be satisfying for fans of the series as well as people looking to satiate their need for online deathmatch action. Insomniac still needs to find the perfect balance for Ratchet, but there are sure signs that they're getting there.

Stuff

Deadlocked makes it easy to see why the series' third-person gameplay is the best in the business. Buy.

Cheat Code Central

It's technically impressive but more than anything it's a lot of fun.

AceGamez

The real jewel in the crown is the assortment of multiplayer modes. The biggest surprise is an excellent co-op mode, where you and another player (taking the role of Clank in a robotic gladiator suit) can work through the whole game as a team.

GameZone

Our favorite hero still controls just as well as the series’ second outing and now there’s robotic backup you can issue orders to when the going gets rough.

IGN

Insomniac's hilarious storytelling doesn't miss a beat even when presented in this year's more limited form either, and the awesome combat sequences are marred only by occasional (but very noticeable) battle slowdown and infrequent camera issues experienced during rail grinding.

Game Over Online

While it doesn’t have the length of the previous titles, the decision to focus solely upon Ratchet this time around makes the gameplay somewhat innovative because you have to adjust your tactics to reflect the loss of Clank.

DailyGame

Heavy weaponry is still the name of the game, but the absence of Clank takes away a little of the magic.

Pelit (Finland)

More of a shooter than a platformer, which is a little surprising. The new weapons are not as hilarious as before, but everything rolls on smoothly. A great game with good variety in multiplayer options. [Dec 2005]

Jolt Online Gaming UK

Very much a Ratchet & Clank game, just tweaked, refined and in some cases streamlined.

Just RPG

While the games co-op play is an excellent addition, the decrease in weaponry, platforming and overall use of Clank seems a little odd for the series.

Gaming Horizon

I really only consider Ratchet: Deadlocked as a bonus game in the series, but it's a great bonus game with a heavy combat emphasis and the same style of televised humor that the franchise is known for.

GameSpot

Still one of the best platformers you can find, with a clever story, unique and interesting weapons, and compelling multiplayer options.

Play Magazine

There's a sense that Insomniac wanted to go out with a quick, clean fourth installment without too much hassle and strain. [Nov p.78]

Siliconera

As an action packed, sit down and shoot title Ratchet Deadlocked hits the mark.

netjak

They’ve taken out the puzzle elements, and most of the humor that made the series so endearing. What’s left is pretty much just a whole lot of shooting, and this can potentially alienate a huge portion of Ratchet fans.

Da Gameboyz

The textures and vibrence of colours simulate the terrain perfectly.

GamingTrend

The cutscenes were an enjoyable interlude between bouts of carnage, but the looping quips eventually got under my skin.

Gamer 2.0

A great game that just fails to exceed its predecessors.

Gaming Target

Ratchet: Deadlocked is cosmetically similar in a different way of handling the Ratchet and Clank blueprint. It has guns; so did they. It has platforming elements; so did they. It has Ratchet and Clank; but, so did they. Then what could possibly be so alarmingly unnatural about this? A much greater focus on weaponry, that's what.

PSM Magazine

It just doesn't quite live up to the standards set up by its predecessors. [Dec 2005, p.90]

Gamenikki

If you're a Ratchet fan, Deadlocked is still worth picking up, but rather than being a meaty new adventure in the series, it will probably serve mostly to deepen your nostalgia for its predecessors...not that that's a bad thing. That co-op play sure is nifty, though.

Sydney Morning Herald

Veterans may feel it is overly familiar but Gladiator is a quality action game.

DarkStation

A downright solid game.

Computer and Video Games

A great game even though there's little else to do than run around and blast things that get exponentially huge from planet to planet, but it's blasting in such a smooth, quality style your brain has no time to get bored of it. Quality shooting. [PSW]

Yahoo! Games

It's the co-op mode which really shines. Sadly, co-op must be entered through the menu rather than by plugging in an extra controller, but the mode is a total success regardless.

Official U.S. Playstation Magazine

It's cotton candy: full of fluffy, sugary goodness but utterly devoid of nutritional value. [Dec 2005, p.110]

GameSpy

May be a slight letdown to fans of the series that enjoy a more well-rounded platformer, but it will thrill those looking for fast action, plenty of weapons, and killer online play.

GamerFeed

The multiplayer offerings are still on a level beyond belief, and the ability to use fellow bots to lend a hand and upgrade your weapons to nuclear capability is a nice touch. This game is seriously Deadlocked for glory.

1UP

Ratchet: Deadlocked doesn't push any boundaries; it doesn't break any ground. It's not haute cuisine. But sometimes you're just in the mood for peanut butter and for that, there's nothing better -- it's a little salty, a little sweet, and tremendously satisfying.

G4 TV

You'd think such an impressive technical base would allow the game to take more risks, but that assumption doesn't prove true.

Deeko

With a game designed primarily around the arena elements found in the last iteration, Ratchet: Deadlocked really does live up to its name. This installment doesn't evolve, but lays stagnant in a pool of repetitiveness and uninteresting game play.

Game Revolution

While the game doesn't bring a lot of new to the table, it certainly removes some wind resistance and delivers another admirable volley of cartoonish violence. Plenty of solid action and good humor make up for its lack of adventure.

PALGN

If you enjoyed the platforming and puzzle aspects of the past games then you won't find much fun here, however, if you enjoyed the shooting and action side of the series then this title will probably suit your needs.

Electronic Gaming Monthly

And even though the series seems to be on the path of becoming a pure shooter (which it does very well), I would like to see a few more sections that reflect its platforming roots. As for multiplayer, Deadlocked again succeeds online, but it's the new splitscreen co-op feature for the main game that's the nicest touch.

Eurogamer

It's still a fun game, and an incredibly slick one at that, but the law of diminishing returns has well and truly kicked in. It's time Insomniac got some rest and put Ratchet and Clank out to pasture - goodness knows they deserve it.

Edge Magazine

Gunplay is conveyed through some truly dazzling visual feedback and blare. But, once the smoke clears, it feels all too repetitive in terms of its deathmatch-style objectives. [Christmas 2005, p.109]

Computer Games Magazine

Quotation forthcoming. [Jan 2005]

TotalGames.net

Gladiator has a well-planned multiplayer mode that works on and offline so we're left with a fairly empty, meaningless experience of stupid weapons, coin collection and weapon upgrading that makes you wonder why you're playing. The answer: Multiplayer or you're recovering from a coma.

Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK

Combat was always the star of Ratchet games, but with barely a sniff of exploration, Gladiator's destruction feels a little one-note. [Apr 2006, p.94]

GameCritics

In all fairness, Ratchet: Deadlocked should have been put out at a bargain price (around $20 sounds right) and labeled as an add-on or mission pack instead of positioned as a full-priced title.

3DAvenue

This game is fast, furious and a lot of fun. If the non-stop destruction doesn’t get you, the humor will.

Gaming Age

One of the most disappointing games I’ve played all year.