wonderkins
Member
Thanks Goldrusher. Cool memorial to Dan. Good people at Insomniac, but we already knew that.Goldrusher said:
-
Hey Guest. Check out your NeoGAF Wrapped 2025 results here!
Ratchet and Clank - Quest for Booty - August 21 - $14.99
- Thread starter BruceLeeRoy
- Start date
Some random thoughts:
- well worth the money and a bit longer than i expected (i suck at playing games though)
- slightly less polished than ToD: definately framerate issues (never thought i'd see this in a game from Insomniac) and some bugs: loss of the center speaker audio at some point, subtitles and audio out of synch, clipping and small stuff like that.
-
looked amazing. I adore it... <3
- too much dark areas (i know it's cause of the dark and light gameplay): the Insomniac art department really shines when creating colorful outdoor levels.
- loved the platform and puzzle elements (
was fun!)
- Talwyn needs to get a sense of humour
- didn't understand a lot of the ingame speech from Talwyn
- pity that there aren't any trophies, unlockables, skill points or other things to add replay value
- additional stuff with the wrench was fun but using it was trial and error in some places (tether)
- i would have loved to see this game having no weapons at all (the shooting sections felt almost identical to ToD anyway).
All in all, i enjoyed it a lot. The new R&C next year is already my most anticipated game forever. I definately want:
- a mix of platforming/puzzle/shooting/upgrading weapons
- a lack of Pirates, as much as i loved them. Two games is enough
- a full blown game
ToD was my first Ratchet game ever and i completely fell in love with it. Quest for Booty confirms that feeling. Can't wait for the next full blown game.
As for being a PSN release (best money i ever spent on a PSN game btw), i think that Insomniac should have a good think about:
- adding replay value (they always do this with their full games)
- doing a big "smaller scale" game instead of a small "big scale" game
- and be careful to avoid the feeling that the series is being "milked out" (i believe that this risk is smaller with a big "smaller scale" game)
- well worth the money and a bit longer than i expected (i suck at playing games though)
- slightly less polished than ToD: definately framerate issues (never thought i'd see this in a game from Insomniac) and some bugs: loss of the center speaker audio at some point, subtitles and audio out of synch, clipping and small stuff like that.
-
hoolefar island
- too much dark areas (i know it's cause of the dark and light gameplay): the Insomniac art department really shines when creating colorful outdoor levels.
- loved the platform and puzzle elements (
hoolefar island wind turbines gameplay
- Talwyn needs to get a sense of humour
- didn't understand a lot of the ingame speech from Talwyn
- pity that there aren't any trophies, unlockables, skill points or other things to add replay value
- additional stuff with the wrench was fun but using it was trial and error in some places (tether)
- i would have loved to see this game having no weapons at all (the shooting sections felt almost identical to ToD anyway).
All in all, i enjoyed it a lot. The new R&C next year is already my most anticipated game forever. I definately want:
- a mix of platforming/puzzle/shooting/upgrading weapons
- a lack of Pirates, as much as i loved them. Two games is enough
- a full blown game
ToD was my first Ratchet game ever and i completely fell in love with it. Quest for Booty confirms that feeling. Can't wait for the next full blown game.
As for being a PSN release (best money i ever spent on a PSN game btw), i think that Insomniac should have a good think about:
- adding replay value (they always do this with their full games)
- doing a big "smaller scale" game instead of a small "big scale" game
- and be careful to avoid the feeling that the series is being "milked out" (i believe that this risk is smaller with a big "smaller scale" game)
speculawyer
Member
I went for run and came back and it is still downloading. A 4.2 mile run.
Demonracer999
Member
wonderkins said:
Yeah, Thanks Goldrusher. That's cool. I love little easter eggs like that.
I don't post on here much now but I know that jstevenson and some insomniac guys read people's comments on here, so it'd be nice for them to hopefully take some notice of what i think when looking to the next game 
I've bought the game and completed it, and I enjoyed it a lot. It felt quite different from previous Ratchet games, but I thought for the better - I'm glad they put more emphasis on platforming, it'd be nice if they did the same in the next game. Also the game felt much more cinematic for some reason, I guess just the way that it was paced and the story was told. In the last game it kinda felt like you were doing more or less the same thing over and over a lot, in this game there was a nice bit of variety in there. Also, the rail segments were awesome, way better than they used to be. I didn't really miss all the weapons and upgrades much. Focusing on a few weapons worked well i thought, but i understand that all the crazy weapons are an important part of the seires. I played it on hard, and it was really hard towards the end, but not really frustrating, so that was good.
Also, did anyone else get a jak and daxter vibe from the island? The idea of the islanders asking you to go and fix the five wind turbines was like how the villagers in jak 1 got you to do jobs for them. That level was gorgeous, lovely just to walk and look around. The people on the island were a bit freaky though, their heads reminded of that dog of a nightmare before christmas, it was still cool with them hanging around though.
There were a few problems, mainly the wrench mechanic which was really awkward to use sometimes. You have to stand in the exact spot to get it to work and using the right analog stick just felt fiddly. And the two caves felt pretty much the same, but they were still good.
Overall I think the reviews were a bit harsh, I nearly didn't buy it but I'm gald that i did. I'm sure I'll play it through a few times, too. I'd definetley like to see more games like this
I've bought the game and completed it, and I enjoyed it a lot. It felt quite different from previous Ratchet games, but I thought for the better - I'm glad they put more emphasis on platforming, it'd be nice if they did the same in the next game. Also the game felt much more cinematic for some reason, I guess just the way that it was paced and the story was told. In the last game it kinda felt like you were doing more or less the same thing over and over a lot, in this game there was a nice bit of variety in there. Also, the rail segments were awesome, way better than they used to be. I didn't really miss all the weapons and upgrades much. Focusing on a few weapons worked well i thought, but i understand that all the crazy weapons are an important part of the seires. I played it on hard, and it was really hard towards the end, but not really frustrating, so that was good.
Also, did anyone else get a jak and daxter vibe from the island? The idea of the islanders asking you to go and fix the five wind turbines was like how the villagers in jak 1 got you to do jobs for them. That level was gorgeous, lovely just to walk and look around. The people on the island were a bit freaky though, their heads reminded of that dog of a nightmare before christmas, it was still cool with them hanging around though.
There were a few problems, mainly the wrench mechanic which was really awkward to use sometimes. You have to stand in the exact spot to get it to work and using the right analog stick just felt fiddly. And the two caves felt pretty much the same, but they were still good.
Overall I think the reviews were a bit harsh, I nearly didn't buy it but I'm gald that i did. I'm sure I'll play it through a few times, too. I'd definetley like to see more games like this
dreamer3kx
Member
speculawyer said:
I need to get in shape, lol.
I noticed this hasn't hit the BESTSELLERS list on PSN.
bought it, played it, finished. Too short and no replay value. I think the pricepoint for this despite its "value" should have been $10.
Insomniac - you guys should have implemented some sort of ARENA mode in this - maybe a challenge room. I feel as though I've spent more time in arena in TOD (although it was to earn bolt - but it was still engaging) than I did with this entire game (lol I called it a demo).
Maybe a DLC boost pack with JUMPING PUZZLERS + platforming only challenges ala retro stages super mario sunshine.
I think most people covered the pros so I'll mention my major bugbears with the game
DARK CAVE
the skinny plank creeping belonged in a different game. I was like annoyed because I thought the ratchet wasnt designed to shimmy along a tiny beam like that and controlling him was a bit off.
Wrench throwing - am I mistaken but I thought you could first person throw the wrench. Couldnt do it in this so I was like ??!?
that's it. I enjoyed my time with it but the game felt lacking in a lot of ways. Definitley needed one more stage to even out the length. 1 island, 2 caves and the boats bit felt rehashy.
The cutscene also hinted at some sort of sea monster and I was sure I'd get to fight it. Lost oppourtunity there. Would have been awesome to get a stage on sea vs that sea monster.
* should mention that when I first installed it and booted the game up - I went to MANUAL on the first screen and it crashed my PS3 - I rebooted and it disrupted my display setting - it went to composite mode and the PSN screen looked so bad it gave me a fright. Had to go in and change it back to component + 1080p. I thought it killed my PS3.
bought it, played it, finished. Too short and no replay value. I think the pricepoint for this despite its "value" should have been $10.
Insomniac - you guys should have implemented some sort of ARENA mode in this - maybe a challenge room. I feel as though I've spent more time in arena in TOD (although it was to earn bolt - but it was still engaging) than I did with this entire game (lol I called it a demo).
Maybe a DLC boost pack with JUMPING PUZZLERS + platforming only challenges ala retro stages super mario sunshine.
I think most people covered the pros so I'll mention my major bugbears with the game
DARK CAVE
the skinny plank creeping belonged in a different game. I was like annoyed because I thought the ratchet wasnt designed to shimmy along a tiny beam like that and controlling him was a bit off.
Wrench throwing - am I mistaken but I thought you could first person throw the wrench. Couldnt do it in this so I was like ??!?
that's it. I enjoyed my time with it but the game felt lacking in a lot of ways. Definitley needed one more stage to even out the length. 1 island, 2 caves and the boats bit felt rehashy.
The cutscene also hinted at some sort of sea monster and I was sure I'd get to fight it. Lost oppourtunity there. Would have been awesome to get a stage on sea vs that sea monster.
* should mention that when I first installed it and booted the game up - I went to MANUAL on the first screen and it crashed my PS3 - I rebooted and it disrupted my display setting - it went to composite mode and the PSN screen looked so bad it gave me a fright. Had to go in and change it back to component + 1080p. I thought it killed my PS3.
Finished it last night and enjoyed every minute of it. Especially enjoyed the final showdown and the way it played out. Some nice graphical upgrades over ToD and the whole thing just whetted my apetite for another full length release. Ya their were some fiddly bits with the wrench tether and tawny could definitely use a dose of personality but overall I give it two thumbs up!
Was really fun for me, really loved all the major battles in the game. This is the type of game that would have benefited greatly for trophies.
There was some graphical slowdown for me, nothing too major, and nothing that hindered gameplay.
I spent at least 15 minutes just running around throwing those green blob guys.
There was some graphical slowdown for me, nothing too major, and nothing that hindered gameplay.
I spent at least 15 minutes just running around throwing those green blob guys.
UntoldDreams
Member
Finally finished the game and I had fun with it.
The production values were outstanding. Hard to believe its a small downloadable.
Can someone tell me this though?
The production values were outstanding. Hard to believe its a small downloadable.
Can someone tell me this though?
Umm... What happens if you don't go back for the GIRL while she's stuck in the cave? I almost left her behind.
wonderkins
Member
Demonracer999 said:
Did you see Captain Qwark's cameo? On Hoolefar island jump from the dock toward the volcano in the background, framed by the two ledge sides. When you get close to the wall/dam, dive down. You'll see a shimmering Captain Qwark embedded in the lagoon floor.
I'm sure there are a ton of others. I thought I saw cave paintings in one of the levels towards the end.
Corran Horn
May the Schwartz be with you
Question regarding the ending:
was that a villain who was with clank from the PS2 ratchets? Never played them so had no idea if that was new or old character
UntoldDreams
Member
dralla said:
Hahahaha... Thanks.
Corran Horn
May the Schwartz be with you
thxdralla said:
UntoldDreams
Member
I think the last time I played a game where I actually had some genuine concern about the sidekick was in ICO.
Talwyn? Well as a laser gun toting indestructible character... I didn't feel like I had to worry.
When she went on ahead of me and started fighting I had ZERO concern for her well being. Oppositely, I was thinking she would either
A) Soften them up
B) Kill the bad guys
C) Do no real damage whatsoever so there was no rush anyways
I think I'd like it better if they designed secondary characters with some meaningful interactions where I need to care about them more.
Talwyn? Well as a laser gun toting indestructible character... I didn't feel like I had to worry.
When she went on ahead of me and started fighting I had ZERO concern for her well being. Oppositely, I was thinking she would either
A) Soften them up
B) Kill the bad guys
C) Do no real damage whatsoever so there was no rush anyways
I think I'd like it better if they designed secondary characters with some meaningful interactions where I need to care about them more.
Blunty said:I don't post on here much now but I know that jstevenson and some insomniac guys read people's comments on here, so it'd be nice for them to hopefully take some notice of what i think when looking to the next game
I've bought the game and completed it, and I enjoyed it a lot. It felt quite different from previous Ratchet games, but I thought for the better - I'm glad they put more emphasis on platforming, it'd be nice if they did the same in the next game. Also the game felt much more cinematic for some reason, I guess just the way that it was paced and the story was told. In the last game it kinda felt like you were doing more or less the same thing over and over a lot, in this game there was a nice bit of variety in there. Also, the rail segments were awesome, way better than they used to be. I didn't really miss all the weapons and upgrades much. Focusing on a few weapons worked well i thought, but i understand that all the crazy weapons are an important part of the seires. I played it on hard, and it was really hard towards the end, but not really frustrating, so that was good.
Also, did anyone else get a jak and daxter vibe from the island? The idea of the islanders asking you to go and fix the five wind turbines was like how the villagers in jak 1 got you to do jobs for them. That level was gorgeous, lovely just to walk and look around. The people on the island were a bit freaky though, their heads reminded of that dog of a nightmare before christmas, it was still cool with them hanging around though.
Overall I think the reviews were a bit harsh, I nearly didn't buy it but I'm gald that i did. I'm sure I'll play it through a few times, too. I'd definetley like to see more games like this
QFT. Brilliant game. That rail part on the island was the best rail part of any Ratchet games. And yes, I had this nice Jak&Daxter vibe all the way through, from the music to the turbines, the platforming in this section as well as in the caves (walking on the planks, even though that's also GOW-like). The next game should follow those steps, definitely.
I imagine I've only played 1/4 of the game, but so far I'm not sure where the not-great reviews are coming from. The emphasis on platforming has made it far more enjoyable for me than Tools of Destruction. Plus, outside of the weak water effects, it looks really amazing. My only complaint is the terrible attempt at Monkey Islandesque humor, but I didn't expect much.
bridegur said:
There's not-great reviews because it's a not-great game. Aside from graphics, it's a bit worse than a retail ratchet in every way.
Cutscenes, very few of the good ones, the majority use basic animations and terrible lip syncing, or are those filler voiced-over map sequences.
Story, nothing happens
Gameplay, doesn't move the series forward at all
Weapons, the upgrade system is crippled due to the length of the game and because of how long you're gunless. Also there are too few guns, and no new ones
Economy, there's ONE thing to buy in the game, thank god there's still crates everywhere
Arena, where is it? It could have added a ton of replayability to the game
Polish, not quite as good as a real ratchet
Extras, none
As I said before, I hope this game was a one time experiment and I still don't really know why it exists.
dreamer3kx
Member
pj325is said:
Are you comparing dlc to the full game? Ive been playing the game and its great so far, take it for what it is, $15 dlc.
Private Hoffman
Banned
pj325is said:
This sounds like silly trolling.
It seems like you came in with the expectation of a full ratchet game...which is nonsense. You can't expect most of the complaints on that list because it is limited by length.
What it does introduce, however, is some nice new settings, some story progression, and some interesting gameplay elements. I personally found the core gameplay to be much better paced and refined than ToD, which seemed like a linear shoot fest.
Private Hoffman said:
Sir I will have you know I own 5.25 ratchet and clank games, and my complaints may be silly, but I'm not trolling.
I wasn't hotly anticipating this game, and I didn't really know what to expect when I started playing it. I'm just saying what I think. You're right that a lot of my complaints are caused by the length of the game, which is why I'm confused that they ever made QFB in the first place.
Also, the island with the turbines is nice looking, but the dark caves and pirate ships were lame as crap. The platforming was completely standard stuff, especially the ridiculous steam jets. The wrench puller thingy was decent, but mostly it was "rotate this platform 90 degrees" or "preload this spring." I don't really see how the gameplay was paced better or more refined. If anything the pacing was worse because of that beach defense fight that went on way too long.
I don't mind that ToD was a shoot fest, because R&C has always been a better shooter than a platformer. It needs to be way more clever with its platforming if it's going to dial back on the shoosting
Edit: One more thing, the rails are getting old. If throwing rocks at doors is the best they can do to keep it fresh, it might be time to come up with a new gameplay mechanic.
Private Hoffman
Banned
pj325is said:
I think it's a step in the right direction, though.
Instead of shoot from point A to point B, this title opens it up a bit and has objective based gameplay, more open worlds, more platforming, and shooting mixed up inbetween.
I'm not saying the platforming is PERFECT or anything, honestly it could use some work in general as I'd like to see the controls revamped (they need to be a lot deeper and account for momentum shifts, etc) and some more interesting platform scenarios, but I definitely think this is the way the series should evolve into.
Enemy Of Fate
Member
Ok finished the entire game in one sitting and overall am quite happy with it.I'd say it took me about 3 and half to 4 hours (I played on hard and as such found the actual bits where you have to fight large amounts of enemies quite difficult....cause evert attack takes between 6 and 8 health away...and I only had 20 at the end of the game), which was longer than I expected, so I was pleased.$15 for it was fine (although if anyones read my topic about buying stuff on the PSN store you'll know that it will prob end up costing me something more along the lines of 16+...which is more than what it would have cost me on the EU store but whatever), although I really think it should have been priced at $10/10.
While I did enjoy it immensely it was a bit too similar to Tod (which was to be expected) and focused on pirates a bit too much for my liking.It did nothing story wise (cept for perhaps the ending), but I wasn't expecting it too so it wasn't too bad.Great locations and music, really like the island at the start when you were trying to get the wind turbines to work.
Anyways can't wait for the next title (roll on 2009), but they really have to think about packing in the series after that one.I mean its already had 6 full games (including Size Matters on the PSP), a spin-off (Secret Agent Clank, which is the only R&C game I haven't played, tis on my to-play list) and now Q4B....and while its still fun, the series hasn't realy felt ''fresh'' since ''Up Your Arsenal'' (which I believe is the best R&C game by far, followed by Going Commando).Also if they MUST do another game after the '09 one, please go back to the format of the PS2 games, particularly 2 and 3, I much prefer em to the ToD and Q4B one.Thank you insomniac!!
While I did enjoy it immensely it was a bit too similar to Tod (which was to be expected) and focused on pirates a bit too much for my liking.It did nothing story wise (cept for perhaps the ending), but I wasn't expecting it too so it wasn't too bad.Great locations and music, really like the island at the start when you were trying to get the wind turbines to work.
Anyways can't wait for the next title (roll on 2009), but they really have to think about packing in the series after that one.I mean its already had 6 full games (including Size Matters on the PSP), a spin-off (Secret Agent Clank, which is the only R&C game I haven't played, tis on my to-play list) and now Q4B....and while its still fun, the series hasn't realy felt ''fresh'' since ''Up Your Arsenal'' (which I believe is the best R&C game by far, followed by Going Commando).Also if they MUST do another game after the '09 one, please go back to the format of the PS2 games, particularly 2 and 3, I much prefer em to the ToD and Q4B one.Thank you insomniac!!
RockmanWhore
Member
Well, I haven't played the game, but less shooting isn't a really good idea for a Ratchet game, that's what the franchise does the best. Increasing the platforming is nice, but not if it has consequences on the shooting aspect, it's not a evolution, it's watering down the game. Less default, less quality, less flavour, less soul. That said, the Ratchet series hasn't evolved much since Going Commando, it's about time that they try new stuff, and a small DLC game is the perfect opportunity
I still don't understand why there isn't any skill points, golden bolt, an arena, or anything to provide replay value (what about a challenge mode for example? ). And why can't anyone post a negative feedback without being suspected as a troll. Negative feedback are as necessary as positive one, and like positive impressions, they're only worthwhile if they're argumented, seeing tons of shitty fanboy saying every game is their GOTY is as annoying as trolls.
I still don't understand why there isn't any skill points, golden bolt, an arena, or anything to provide replay value (what about a challenge mode for example? ). And why can't anyone post a negative feedback without being suspected as a troll. Negative feedback are as necessary as positive one, and like positive impressions, they're only worthwhile if they're argumented, seeing tons of shitty fanboy saying every game is their GOTY is as annoying as trolls.
Pai Pai Master
Banned
Corran Horn said:
Dr. Nefarious is the best villain in the series' history. Go play Up Your Arsenal. You're in for a treat, as he's the single funniest character they've ever created.
Ploid 3.0
Member
This game had platforming as it's focus. A ratchet PSN game like this but full of shooting and weapon upgrading, and more shooting would be nice. A return of deadlocked, where you get the combo bolt collecting on your game+ and a few arenas, multiplayer, and that superlombax mode. Hardly any story, but a tone of weapons and loot. I'd pay $20. Harder enemies, harder bosses, 2-3 arenas. Heck make the whole game arenas and make 6 different ones. I'd like this a lot.
pj325is said:
This is pretty much my thoughts. Not only is Quest for Booty a much shorter R&C game, but it's gimped in every single way. Insomniac needs to take notes from Valve on how they handled the Half-Life 2 episodes.
This wasn't a case of "short but sweet", it was average Ratchet gameplay at best. There was never really a moment when I thought to myself "that was awesome" or "that was clever", I was just going through the motions until the game suddenly ended.
Let's cut Insomniac a little slack here. Did everyone forget they are ALSO developing one of the most ambitious FPS of the year? lol..
I personally was satisfied with the game, it wasn't perfect, but it was far from bad.
But I guess some of the complaining here is actually good in a way, this was the first PSN R&C game Insomniac has made, so with some of this feedback, the next one they make maybe they can add some of the features that the people want. Seems like to me people want
+one or 2 new weapons
+an hour or two longer
+arenas
+Captian Quark!!!!
I personally was satisfied with the game, it wasn't perfect, but it was far from bad.
But I guess some of the complaining here is actually good in a way, this was the first PSN R&C game Insomniac has made, so with some of this feedback, the next one they make maybe they can add some of the features that the people want. Seems like to me people want
+one or 2 new weapons
+an hour or two longer
+arenas
+Captian Quark!!!!
dreamer3kx
Member
Snipes424 said:
seems like people are forgetting this a $15 dollar DLC game, they want whats pretty much in a full blown R&C game.
If they were gonna gonna make such a short game, they should have put SOMETHING in there to up the replay value. Like some kind of speedrun mode where you could compare your completion times on a leaderboard. Or a boss rush mode. Or an arena mode like other people have been saying. These things wouldn't have required that much more work and would have extended the replay value exponentially.
This is why other PSN games are so worth the money... despite being short, they usually give you a reason to play more than once by dolling out different ranks, medals, etc depending on how well you do.
edit: Just wanna mention I haven't actually played the game yet (downloading right now), I'm just commenting on what other people's main complaint seems to be.
This is why other PSN games are so worth the money... despite being short, they usually give you a reason to play more than once by dolling out different ranks, medals, etc depending on how well you do.
edit: Just wanna mention I haven't actually played the game yet (downloading right now), I'm just commenting on what other people's main complaint seems to be.