Dynamic duos hit our screens all guns blazing

 

 

‘Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time’
Console: PS3
Company: Sony/Insomniac
Grade: ➊➋➌➍➎

Ratchet and Clank are no doubt the forebears of the violent 3-D platformer. Their games have all of the platforming, puzzles and charm of a Mario title, but with guns. Lots and lots of guns. Still, their titles manage to ride that fine line between violence and cartoon mayhem. So, don’t feel too bad if you accidentally let your kid play it. You should probably be paying more attention to them though.

This is the best platform title since “Super Mario Galaxy.” The graphics are great, featuring space vistas that look even better than its Nintendo cousin. The story is surprisingly deep. Also, the dialog is actually funny.

‘Jak & Daxter: The Lost Frontier’
Console: PSP
Console: Sony/High Impact
Grade: ➊➋➌➍➎
Sony’s other platforming duo always gets the short end of the stick. The production values on “Jak & Daxter” titles have always been slightly lower than that of “Ratchet & Clank.” It’s gonna take years of therapy for them to get over that. Until then, there’s “Jak & Daxter: The Lost Frontier” for the PSP.  

The best words to describe this title are “fun” and “serviceable.” There is nothing groundbreaking here, but it is a competent 3-D platformer on a portable console. There’s something to be said for being able to jump on enemies while in the bathroom.