Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters is funny, action-packed and allows you to turn your enemies, left, into cows.
Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Platforms: PSP
Rating: E — Everyone 10+
Game type: Action
Rating: **** 1/2 (out of five)
• What’s the premise?
Everyone’s favourite gadget-packing dynamic duo is back in an adventure so big they had to shrink stuff down just to fit everything in. Of course the shrink ray is just one of the wild and wacky weapons you can choose from as you help Ratchet and Clank try to rescue a kidnapped little girl and unravel the mystery of the alien Technomites.
• This game is most similar to…?
This is the fifth full-length R&C game and it’s just like the rest (that’s a good thing).
• Can I let my kid/kid brother play it?
My three-and-a-half-year-old son wants to play it more than I do, but needs a little help for the three-button combos.
• One player or more?
Like most PSP games, it’s basically a one-player deal with some fun online options if you can find someone else around to go Wi-Fi with.
• What’s missing?
Let’s see: It’s funny, action-packed and you get to use a gun that turns your enemies into cows. It’s darned near perfect.
• The (not-so) secret to success is…?
Choose your weapon wisely. You’ll end up with quite a diverse arsenal before long and like with a good golf game knowing when to play which club makes all the difference.
• And in the end?
How can you own a PSP and not have a copy of this game?
Formula One Championship Edition
Publisher: Sony computer Entertainment
Platforms: PlayStation 3
Rating: E — Everyone
Game type: Racing
Rating: *** 1/2
• What’s the premise?
Get behind the wheel with every driver, car and track in the highest level of open-wheel racing in the world in the only official F1 game on the market.
• This game is most similar to…?
Formula One 2006
• Can I let my kid/kid brother play it?
This game can be played by anybody, but it’s not exactly a pick up, play and win kind of game. It takes strategy and practice.
• One player or more?
Strangely this is a one-player racing game (who’s ever heard of such a thing?). You can take on up to 11 competitors online, though.
• What’s missing?
An arcade mode that’s a little less intense might be nice, as would the ability to play the game with your friends.
• The (not-so) secret to success is…?
Life is the pits. Spending as little time as possible gassing up and changing tires equals better times on the track.
• And in the end?
If you’re an F1 fan this game will make you dance with joy. It is visually stunning and by far the most impressive open-wheel racing title ever released. For those only casually interested in the sport, it’s very much a simulation title and could get a tad tedious.
MLB 07 The Show
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Platforms: PlayStation 2, PSP
Rating: E — Everyone
Game type: Sports
Rating: ****
• What’s the premise?
Spring is in the air and Sony’s got your big-league baseball fix ready for both the PS2 and PSP.
• This game is most similar to…?
Hmmmm… how about MLB 06 The Show?
• Can I let my kid/kid brother play it?
This game’s a little more simulation than arcade, so younger kids might tire of it quickly. Let ‘em play the home run contest or something and they’ll be happy.
• One player or more?
Go head-to-head with your pals, or take the action online and give ‘em that high heat.
• What’s missing?
Personally, I’d like it if I could have the computer pitch for my team (and faster) just so I can get more time at bat. Until you get used to the hitting style, you’ll likely spend a lot more time in the field and on the mound.
• The (not-so) secret to success is…?
Speaking of the field, spotting your pitches and hustling on defence will save your bacon more than the odd dinger. Focus on that stuff and the rest will come.
• And in the end?
The Show is one of only two official MLB games available this spring for PlayStation 2, 3 and PSP (along with Major League Baseball 2K7), so if you’re a fan you really ought to give it a good hard look.
