Ratchet and Clank: Up Your Arsenal brings Ratchet back to the Veldin, where he must defend his homeworld from an attack by the Tyhrranoids. Of course, the chance to once again jump into action suits Ratchet just fine, given that he’s been wasting away as a bit player to Clank’s new found popularity. Once back in his home galaxy, Ratchet (along with Clank) discovers that the attack is really a diversion for a much greater threat by Dr. Nefarious, one-time mastermind and now full-time robot. After uncovering the plot, Ratchet is charged with finding the only person who can stop Nefarious -- Captain Quark. Nearly every character from the past two games returns for the third installment.
The single-player campaign delivers the same first-rate action as previous games. Familiar objectives from past games are joined by new play-styles, many of which are meant as primers for the game’s excellent multiplayer modes. The most prominent of these modes are objective-based battlefields where you’ll be joined by the Galaxy Rangers in trying to defend (and attack) certain hotspots around the galaxy. Each area usually contains about five to six different scenarios where you’ll have to capture nodes, man a turret, or help to repel and attack. Completion of most of these missions isn’t required to complete the game, but they will net you valuable weapons experience, bolts, and some weapons you can only get from completing all of the scenarios.
Filling in some of the game’s backstory are Vid-Comics, featuring everyone’s favorite hero -- Captain Quark. Vid-comics are another big surprise in a game full of them, bringing back old-school side-scrolling adventures. Each comic opens with a short story giving details on Captain Quark’s early adventures. The story then moves on to the interactive portion which is very similar in play to the old Duke Nukem and Halloween Harry games (for those old enough to remember them).
As much fun as the single player mode is, multiplayer (which includes online and offline variations) is where the real fun comes in. Deathmatch and Capture the Flag modes should be more than familiar to anyone who has ever played a multiplayer game, but Arsenal adds a unique twist to the concepts. Most of the guns and gadgets from the single-player game are present in multiplayer -- elevating the game from a simple fragfest to a slightly more complicated affair. Siege is a mode that may be new to some players. Here, players take sides and battle for control of nodes scattered across a battlefield. Controlling nodes offers tactical advantages, and will unlock turrets to help you defend your territory. The action is fast-paced and fun, especially when you get into games with players who play in teams (as opposed to those just playing for themselves). The variety of modes isn’t as expansive as other games.
Multiplayer includes full USB mic support, allowing you to better communicate with your team, as well as ranking features. My only complaint is the lack of maps, which round out at about ten. Hopefully, Insomniac will take advantage of the PS2’s HDD and online capabilities, and offer new maps (or dare I say it -- weapons) in the future.