Dissecting Ratchet & Clank 20 Years Later

Even twenty years later, the original Ratchet and Clank has a lot of charm and fun in store for players who can meet it halfway. This video is more of a celebration than anything else. It's a celebration of a game that kickstarted my favorite childhood game franchise. I hope you enjoy.

[@literalcharlie4171]

Ratchet 1 has a special place in my heart. I remember getting to Metropolis and being blown away. I think that was the first time I ever stopped in a game to admire the environment

[@AzimuthPrime]

It was really ahead of its time and even still looks better than quite a few modern games

[@Vipu88]

yeah those graphics hit hard! still the game looks good

[@steven.1983]

Im with you 100% im still in awe of the game i could play it for ever

[@MartinHindenes]

The graphics in R&C1 at the time (early PS2 era) were incredible, and keep in mind this game ran at a smooth 60fps (50fps in PAL regions). Most console games released in 2010-2018 are locked at 30fps for comparison.

[@Zachskatesstreet]

the experience i got from metropolis aridia and novalis as an entrance of environments to a game is the most unrivaled gaming experience ive had and have not gotten close with any other games ive played even to this day

[@goldgunscantshoot973]

Good to note that R&C1 had better production value than most other Ratchets, the locales were rarely as good in the sequels. Still one of the best Ratchets to this day, nothing comes close after the PS2 trilogy.

[@carbonoxmedia]

I'd say Ratchet 2 upholds the standard for environmental design pretty well. Maybe not as painstaking with lighting, and one or two of the planets are essentially retreads of a level from the original, artistically. Still, I found many of the locations memorable and quite vibrant. Ratchet 3, though, that's another story.

[@samhein321]

when it comes to the feeling of exploring alien planets, the first one is the best of all ratchet games the second game has more factories and inside areas

[@ludovisuis]

@@samhein321 i agree, the first one has more natural landscapes, while the 2nd is more industrialized, which would make because of the prominent role of MegaCorp in the story and galaxy. The 3rd feels like a nice inbetween. The first game also have, from far, the most variety of plant life, even the polluted Orxon is quite lush with vegetation.

[@Skehrcros]

For a first video this is very impressive. The original R&C still remains my favorite in the series, even with all its faults and rust accumulated over the years, I still find myself returning to 100% it every year.

[@AzimuthPrime]

My favourite is Gladiator(Deadlocked in the US) as it was my first in the series, most fans don't think it was a strong entry but it got me playing them all previously but the original by far has the best R.Y.N.O of all time.

[@ZanicaKnight]

I am 100% in the same boat myself. I call myself a Ratchet & Clank purist because of it. The character, themes, world-building, music, style, weapons, and locales just come together in a way none of the other games can touch. Mikey Kelley will also forever be the real Ratchet to me and the puzzle and enemy setups are great; really had you wanting to think out an encounter before immediately in the next game and onwards(except ACiT and Secret Agent Clank and maybe 1-2 I'm forgetting) throwing that away to instead shift focus to bigger and better weapons where you could brute force your way(and with the xp system were encouraged to do so) through most scenarios

[@ViridianHook71]

I make it a yearly thing as well, I just started going through all of the originals again, but the 1st game will always have a special place in my heart.

[@truulyepic]

​@@AzimuthPrime gladiator op fax

[@truulyepic]

​@@AzimuthPrime bro I have gladiator on ps2 now I have to play it BCS of your comment

[@geralddavis2869]

The story and feel of Ratchet and Clank 1 simply can’t be beat. It is smaller in scope and personal enough to keep you caring. One of my favorites in the series by far. Congrats on your first video!

[@carbonoxmedia]

Couldn't have said it better myself

[@vireo2543]

R&C 1, even with all of it’s jank holds a special place in my heart. I remember being so blown away by the different planets and how they felt so real and lived in to my younger self.

[@baddreamanimations9241]

I wish Ratchet Clank had more time to develop. They made a game that was ahead of its time in such a short amount of time and sometimes I wonder what the game could have been like if they had more time to make it

[@carbonoxmedia]

I wonder this about pretty much all the games in the original trilogy. 2 and 3 in particular I think actually could've used it more, cause there's some clear moments where you can see the lack of polish compared to R&C1.

[@samueljansen6372]

This was a good video, liked and subscribed. I just recently got this game going on PS2 emulator, and playing it for first time in years with upscaled resolution has been a real joy

[@carbonoxmedia]

Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for the sub!

[@4lbuS99]

I see this is your first video on KZbin, I just wanna say keep it up man, I really enjoyed this! Anyway I agree with what you said, I think rac 1 is an awesome entry for this franchise and still my favourite rac in terms of nostalgia, it's the one I will always be willing to go back to at any time.

[@brunkx1]

I agree with every word you said

[@carbonoxmedia]

Hey man, I really appreciate the kind words. This technically isn't my first video, though, haha. I have another channel (Magnaplated YT) where I've uploaded a couple of other videos like this one. Problem is, I have music compilation videos on that channel that sort of mess with the retention rate for the other videos. Because of that, I thought it was better to just start fresh with a channel focused around all kinds of essay-ish videos, and not just on Ratchet and Clank. Regardless, thanks for watching!

[@4lbuS99]

@@carbonoxmedia It's best to have a channel dedicated to a specific audience so you made the right choise

[@adamsnake]

Banger video dude, as a long time fan of RnC, you summed it up incredibly well and made it look awesome while doing it!

[@carbonoxmedia]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for the kind words!

[@YashichiDSF]

Love the way you describe how deliberate the progression in combat was. As much fun as the sequels can be with their upgraded weapons and health experience systems can be, the extra variables understandably make such a tight, defined pace not really possible. Really love that about this first one. Great video, boss

[@carbonoxmedia]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@PatoGuzmanAd]

One thing this game have it's that you can perfect your skills every time you play it again and again, it's more strategic than the sequels, tips like using the taunter to break crates or the visi bomb on the last section of levels are game changing. I have a soft spot for this beautiful game, it was the first game that made me stick to my PS2 for weeks.

[@carbonoxmedia]

It's things like this that make each return that much better. It's no doubt a bit of a fumble your first time through, but as time goes on, you start to pick up on the small nuances that are left for you to take advantage of. It feels really satisfying.

[@Driff97]

14:58 I've played this game ever since it came out and I never noticed before that Veldin is shown overhead before you enter the ship again. This game and video is a masterpiece

[@carbonoxmedia]

Honestly such a great set piece. My jaw dropped back then and even now at that sequence.

[@7RIS7O]

Outstanding video dude. Summed one one of many (including myself) favourite games. I look forward for more to come!

[@knock2one]

BOTH THIS VIDEO ANS CHANNEL ARE SO UNDERRATED OH MY GOD I LOVE THIS

[@jobie2406]

This game embodies to me everything a game should be: Creative ideas Set motifs Matched aesthetic through music Memorable characters Clever writing Unforgettable design And even a technological marvel Ran at 60fps on the ps2 in 2002! (Wow!) This was the first game I ever laid eyes on And it pleases me to no end that people still find it enjoyable by making neat vids about it!

[@jimtheodorou2618]

Wow man great video really And ofc happy 20th aniversary

[@jackoeaton]

Amazing game, amazing video. Thanks dude, great work

[@carbonoxmedia]

Thanks for the nice words!

[@TimeAndPonies]

Yooo for your first video this was great! I loved watching it, keep it up.

[@carbonoxmedia]

Thanks so much!

[@BenG420]

One of the best game series I've ever played ♥️

[@keklord4128]

Mad respect for not using "the c word" in an analysis of the first ratchet and clank

[@carbonoxmedia]

LOL not using it was literally at the back of my head the entire time, lord knows it's been beaten to death with this game

[@maxcasteel2141]

I sat there for a good five minutes first but I did figure out what you're talking about lol Ig that conversation has kinda run it's course, even if it is an important aspect of the game

[@CarapuceShiney]

The C word ?

[@VoxicityTV]

Excellent video man! This is the kind that deserves to blow up.

[@carbonoxmedia]

I couldn't really ask for a better turnout for this channel's first video. Thanks!

[@jesubarn2592]

Subscribed, please do 2 and 3 next

[@brunkx1]

Amazing video for a new channel! Contratulation, keep up with the hard work

[@carbonoxmedia]

Thanks for taking the time to watch and for the nice comment!

[@badjetgamer8102]

Ratchet and Clank is the first game that I played back when I was in kindergarten (5 yrs olds) and I still make time to play and finish the first 2 games each year so I wont forget how good it was

[@ZanicaKnight]

@@badjetgamer8102 This is literally how I was! My cousin introduced me to it along with a few others all on a PS2 demo disc which I still have. I must have been 5 in January or February 2002 then turned 6 in March and got the game for Christmas

[@josuepon0318]

R&C 1 is honestly, till this day, the best of the series

[@Idazmi7]

R&C 3 was also great.

[@carbonoxmedia]

It's pretty stiff competition between all three games in the original trilogy. It really depends on who you ask.

[@xSixSx]

RAC 1 was my first game too, it’s still my favourite game to this day ❤

[@Wolfgang_rw]

Best game in the entire franchise. Change my mind

[@michaelpowers671]

Much love ❤️

[@carbonoxmedia]

Likewise, thanks for watching!

[@shreksnow1918]

Great video. I unfortunately haven’t played this game or many of the other Ratchet and Clank games because I grew up with the Shrexbox. Whenever I’d go to one of my friend’s house we’d usually play the Ratchet and Clank where you’re trapped on that one planet having Dr Nefarious, Quark, Ratchet, and Clank as playable characters (cannot remember the name because I’m bad with those). We’d also play Little Big Planet and it was so much fun. I’ve been watching to play the different games from the series and other classic PlayStation games, but I’m not about to buy a bunch of different consoles in order to play them and I don’t have a good computer to run emulators. I really hope that one day Sony puts their old games onto pc like what Xbox did with Halo (sadly Halo is in the dumpster right not. Luckily mods will be able to save it). Then they’d be preserved and readily available for people to enjoy. Good thing Sony has already ported some of their new games to pc. From what I hear the remake of this game was a mixed bag. People were saying that the gameplay was fun and used a lot of the improvements that came from later installments. But the story really took a nosedive. The videos about the game said it made a few weird changes to the story, the old style of humor was lost, and the charm/character of the original was gone. I saw the movie version because it was on Netflix and it was horrible. Luckily it was better than the “Halo” show, but that’s not really a accomplishment when you consider the fact that the bar is set so low that just about anything would be better. That would be like bragging that you’re better than WingsofRedemption or Chris Chan. The thing you said about knowing the game inside and out causing you to not notice a lot of the flaws because you know the work arounds is the same experience I have with Battle For Bikini Bottom. I’m aware of the various flaws, but I’ve played it so much when I was a kid that most of the time I know exactly what to do. Although, I didn’t know about people speed running the game until recently. Seriously look up BFBB speed running and you’ll be amazed at just how broken the game actually is. Good luck on whatever you make next. I’m sure those videos will be good.

[@carbonoxmedia]

Appreciate you taking the time to write this all out. And I believe that's All 4 One you're referring to. The original trilogy is really easy to recommend, and I'd even go so far as to say A Crack In Time reaches some great heights as well. Thankfully they're all now available on PS Plus Premium, but streaming really can be a finicky experience. I'm not sure how you feel about getting an old console like the PS3 to experience these games "the right way" but everything from 2002-2013 is covered on that one system if you really want to get into the series.

[@PasiDays]

wow i watched the video and just noticed it only had 339 views... could be easily 2.000.000

[@noahdean9685]

I remember playing ratchet & clank and I got stuck on the hoverboard race on blackwater city!

[@carbonoxmedia]

This, but for me it was R&C2's hoverbike race on Barlow. Had to ask my brother for help every time until I was like six years old.

[@Jaythree98]

great video bro

[@carbonoxmedia]

Appreciate it! Thanks for watching

[@roamingrook9489]

Great stuff mate, any plans to cover other games like jak and Daxter or ratchet and clank 2?

[@carbonoxmedia]

I already covered the second game on another channel here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXm0gmOEea9_qrc

[@simoncamus9792]

Good stuff , man keep it up

[@thefriendlygamer2221]

Nice! A crack in time was the first game I ever played! Are you planning to play the games on your channel?

[@carbonoxmedia]

As it stands right now, I plan on keeping this channel a bit more analytical in nature, so I can't say I have any let's plays coming soon. I've thought about streaming but I'm already short on time as is. Never say never, though!

[@thefriendlygamer2221]

@@carbonoxmedia ah ok I was just wondering cause all the games are coming to PS plus premium on November 15th!

[@ryanhoxie]

First one is the best. Second is close to it.

[@Gunslade]

Good video. Ratchet and Clank is one of my favorite video games and it was interesting to hear your thoughts on it. 20 years ago. Puts life into perspective. Time sure flies. Also considering this is your first video you knocked it out of the park with good voice quality and nice writing and pacing.

[@carbonoxmedia]

Appreciate the kind words. Yeah, taking a step back and realizing it's been 20 years is definitely humbling. Such a strange feeling

[@Rachebart]

I want a remake of the first game 😍

[@carbonoxmedia]

Well teeeechnically there is one, but we don't like to talk about it too much :)

[@Rachebart]

@@carbonoxmedia yeah haha. But i call it more a reboot than a remake 😂 thats why i want a real remake of the first game.

[@haydengrant8253]

Still greatest game of all time

[@pffasho]

Love this vid bro, do R&C 2-3 next.. also background music of r&c planet levels on low volume while u talk sounds good🔥

[@gamesnavy4909]

ratchet 1 was teh best of all time. my childhood, first playstation i have ever played

[@Paws42]

While the sequels have better gameplay overall, the on thing Ratchet 1 has them all beat on is level design. I much prefer the multiple paths and semi-non-linear progression of the first game. There's something very rewarding about exploring the levels in that game which the sequels haven't been able to match imo

[@RatcheT2497]

>says that the music for the more dangerous levels is less catchy and more intimidating >proceeds to play the most banging orchestral solo ever heard in a video game bruh really good video though :) will always keep this game in my heart.

[@Cade_The_Squirrel]

It's dated as fuck, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

[@eugenreketi6681]

Ratchet and clank series have been by far my favorite video game franchise... I've beat every one of them excep the ps5 game.

[@BlackDonMetallo]

They made Ratchet and Clank closely to the spyro year of the dragon which was a huge crunch sadly. You could see their early ideas on the movement etc. based on Agent Nine, you notice it even more in the reignited version.

[@christiangottsacker6932]

Great video. Not sure if veldin was truly destitute or not, i see why youd say that, but the interim of UYA and the remake got me confused i guess

[@literatemax]

6:16 have you played the original Half Life? It is the only game that has given me a similar "combat as puzzle" vibe. Still a great experience that holds up today. Just don't play the source ported version! 😅

[@carbonoxmedia]

I played it for a couple hours right when quarantine started during the pandemic, but never got around to finishing it. I really ought to, though, seeing as everyone talks about it as being a game changing shooter. And I think I remember a lot of those enemy setups feeling more like puzzles to be solved as you mention. I'd have to imagine it gets better the deeper you get into the game. Hopefully I'll have the time to get back into it soon.

[@K-9-DFW]

I see this is your first video and you've already gained a lot of views and everything congratulations! Ratchet & clank has been one of my favorite series ever since I was a child watching this video has given me nostalgia.

[@carbonoxmedia]

Glad I could let you relive some of that childhood magic! Appreciate you watching as always

[@treyxyz]

Everyone with taste can obviously see how the first game is the best.

[@maestrofeli4259]

nice video gabby. It was really well done

[@themexicanspider8848]

excellent video. The algorithm delivered today. I love this game and especially its sequel. Your break down of this game reminded my why it is in my top ten games of all times. Thanks for a great video :D Time to go and play all of the ps2 R&C games again.

[@carbonoxmedia]

Really appreciate the kind words, man. Thanks for the view!

[@tylerrassi4148]

I actually prefer the first 4 games to the newer games tbh! Also, great video! I subscribed! Very well made!

[@carbonoxmedia]

Thanks for the sub! Glad you enjoyed 👍

[@yup8865]

Honestly the first one is my favorite. Played it the most out of the first three growing up. Definitely one of my favorite games of all time. I absolutely love the gameplay, music, and writing. I don’t mind not being able to strafe although that was a welcomed addition. If strafing is needed you actually can by double tapping R1 and hover with the thruster pack. A lot slower then future games but I really grew to love the way it feels to control ratchet in the first game.

[@carbonoxmedia]

Yeah the primitive strafe feels like yet another option in your toolbelt of weapons and gadgets, there's a clear give and take with increased accuracy but decreased mobility. Mixes in with everything else in the game quite well

[@xXViverraXx]

Incredible first video, I wish you the best of luck and hope you go far, you definitely got my sub.

[@carbonoxmedia]

Thanks so much!

[@rily2885]

I love how good this game aged mechanically, as you said, there is nothing like it, not even within it's own franchise, I may be alone on this but the heavier movement felt great, because being able to strafe was convenient in later titles but it trivialized most of the combat difficulty when most enemy proyectiles are so slow anyways. The more I age the more I appreciate the very first R&C game over the others, is even sad the themes this game used to criticize like consumerism and avarice are celebrated by the latest R&C titles.

[@carbonoxmedia]

I can relate to what you're saying about it growing on you as you get older. The sequels are a lot more accessible but I think that comes at the cost of uniqueness. The first game wasn't super tough but it stood pretty firm with its expectations for the type of combat experience it wanted. Strafing is a good example, it's there but it's got some give and take: higher accuracy, lower mobility. EVERYTHING in this game has some form of give and take. People complain about how you don't really get stronger over the course of the game but that's not really the point. It's more about giving you more tools, more ways to solve an increasingly complex set of puzzles. Long comment but you really did get me to stop and appreciate the game some more, like I find myself doing a lot these days lol

[@dasherx1070]

Extremely good for a first video Keep up the great work👍

[@carbonoxmedia]

Thank you! 👍

[@truulyepic]

Still the best game with so many weapons

[@samhein321]

I like that you talked about the Puzzle weapon gameplay, each new enemy has it's own weapon type, usually you can purchase the weapon for that enemy at the same planet you arrive at. On the newer ones, it doesn't matter what gun you use, you just spam ammunition at bullet sponges that all behave mostly the same, as they even reuse the same old enemies on each level.

[@carbonoxmedia]

Yeah it's a really nice variety, there's really no two weapons that serve the same purpose in this game.

[@hinglemccringleberry1255]

This puzzle approach is so misunderstood but the biggest reason for me why this is still the best ratchet and clank game

[@carbonoxmedia]

Yeah, if you're comparing it to what comes after you're doing it a bit of a disservice. There's shooting elements here, sure, but it's not really trying to be a shooter.

[@orangepeelpls]

I watched 1 min of this vid...... and I stopped so that I can cherish it later before I go to sleep cause I can tell its about to be a banger

[@carbonoxmedia]

Whenever you get around to it, I hope you enjoy! Thanks!

[@Redneck_4wheelers]

I just got a ps2 and bought all the rachet and clanks games and didnt even know it was 20 year olds

[@carbonoxmedia]

You're in for a hell of a ride. Enjoy!

[@spitegames]

gemlik feels the most like a puzzle to me and such is my favorite planet

[@carbonoxmedia]

Easily top 3 in this game. Metropolis is some stiff competition, though

[@TechWizard28]

1-4 are good. Then they cranked they silly dial WAY too high

[@carbonoxmedia]

Gameplay-wise, they're all pretty solid. But everything after PS2 is harder and harder to play as I grow older. Apart from ACiT, I've got a soft spot for that one.

[@alphaclunk]

Amazing video. I look forward to your future content. It looks bright

[@carbonoxmedia]

That really means a lot to me, thanks!

[@alphaclunk]

@@carbonoxmedia :)

[@Alex-ex8ob]

The original quadrilogy on PS2, in my opinion, is still the peak of the series. I play these 4 games everyday due to speedrunning and at the moment ratchet 1 is probably my favorite of them. Can't wait to watch this, from the first few seconds I can tell it'll be a wild ride.

[@carbonoxmedia]

God the PS2 games are a total blast with their speed tech. Good luck with your runs!

[@mattwells1036]

​@@carbonoxmediayeah the speed running tech is awesome in these games. I've only even learned any of it from the first game, some of the normal movement based tech isn't too hard to pick up, ILJs are also super fun, I finally made it ship to boss yesterday, and I've had fun just finding SIs around maps and seeing where I can go out of bounds lol. I also find any sloped surfaces and see if I can do ILJs up it lol. Just a ton of fun to be found with the glitches this game has on offer. I was wondering when you said advanced movement if you meant the glitched speedrun tech, or just any side flips and long jumps to dodge lol. Because your gameplay throughout didn't have any speed tech, nor really any regular sideflips and long jumps in combat. I used to sideflip all over to dodge when I was younger, I even accidentally found the long jump cancel to sideflip, but never really had the timing, I just knew, sometimes I get faster sideflips, never would have thought how much more there could be too it.

[@caitlinlaga1856]

It’s just the best game next to quake II

[@kitnovah]

Very Joseph Anderson-y Great work 🐲🔥💯

[@carbonoxmedia]

Lmao I think I'm short a couple hours compared to Joseph Anderson 😅

[@kingdingring9719]

subscribed!

[@carbonoxmedia]

Really appreciate that, thanks!

[@nicholaslowell2510]

Eyyy, Nice video. Born same year as R&C, second game after jak and daxter played, Favorite trilogy of all time. So excited to get them on PS4. Tired of emulating them with all those FPS drops.

[@carbonoxmedia]

PCSX2 feels held together by duct tape with all the slowdown. It looks great upscaled but you sacrifice that perfect performance for something a lot shakier. Not fun

[@nicholaslowell2510]

@@carbonoxmedia Agreed. I held off on revisiting arsenal until I could play it in a more fitting way. Their still so fun but implementing not looking at too many textures in a given moment so you can do what you want is obnoxious, and thats with a fairly capable CPU. That room with the little gremlin printers in R&C1 on the drake ship level(or armada or smn) was so annoying I had to stop playing and come back to it. Hypothetically we'll be able to play it on our laptops once our CPUS get better cuz insomniac fucking finessed the coding to make it work on equipment it should hardly be able to run on and now our different shit has to sort through piles of PS2 specific shortcuts and nonsense to make it work. Granted it's still not great when I tried J&D but substantially better. so maybe it is PCSX2 but I bet i'd gamble on their simillar engine and every other game running fine on my comp tbh.

[@nicholaslowell2510]

sorry for essay. I get excited about my childhood.

[@PatoGuzmanAd]

Also really great video!! loved it, would love to see one about GC or UYA.

[@spidoe2501]

Facts n' truths

[@ShadowedWorld]

Great video! Looking forward to more from you

[@carbonoxmedia]

More to come! Thanks for watching!

[@osmanseker3201]

it is so good to see another person like me. the first game i played ever and i finished it nearly 100 times 0 regrets

[@carbonoxmedia]

The entire game is 100% muscle memory for us at this point. Really wish I could reset to the first time

[@osmanseker3201]

@@carbonoxmedia the memory thing one of my wishes too

[@MuchWhittering]

There are definitely weapons I never use. The Drone Device, the Decoy Glove and the Taunter spring to mind.

[@carbonoxmedia]

It's strange because when I was younger, I used to use just about all of them, minus the taunter. I think as you get better with the primitive movement and figure out how to work the lethal weapons better, the more tactical options turn into pace breakers. These days, unless I'm trying to make things interesting, 90% of encounters are solved with the Blaster, Pyrocitor, and Devastator.

[@mastergame1311]

Cool video.

[@274110ab]

Absolutely fantastic first video my friend. I first played going commando in ‘03 and was hooked ever since. Glad to hear people still love this series

[@carbonoxmedia]

You picked a good first game to experience from this series. I go back and forth between Going Commando and A Crack a Time as being my personal favorite. It's truly fantastic.

[@alatrean98]

Fantastic video man! Would love to see you continue this style of video with the other R&C games. Definitely earned a subscriber for this.

[@carbonoxmedia]

Thanks for the sub! I've definitely got plans to touch on one or two more Ratchet games but they might be a while, I've got some other topics I wanted to cover first. Hope you stick around!

[@DissonantSynth]

Commenting for the algorithm

[@carbonoxmedia]

this my guy right here

[@Sanker1]

loved it, good vid

[@carbonoxmedia]

Glad you enjoyed, thanks for watching!

[@zzay3345]

Algorithm.

[@carbonoxmedia]

Chad.

[@tommikoskinen2116]

Brilliant

[@carbonoxmedia]

Thanks!

[@Chonky--]

The quality is outstanding definitely deserves a sub can't wait to see whats next

[@minuteworld7027]

OH BOY YET ANOTHER RATCHET AND CLANK RETROSPECTIVE! I'VE NEVER SEEN THOSE BEFORE