It seems like only a year ago that I was gushing on and on about a little game called Ratchet and Clank. Actually, it was only a year ago, but thanks to the modern miracle of licensed middleware and competent game developers, I was able to play the next installment of the series without having to wait 6 years. I will just come out and say it right away, though: Ratchet and Clank 2: Going Commando is my choice for Game of the Year 2003.

If you take a game like Ratchet and Clank 2, and compare it to something like, say, Enter the Matrix, you can where the real problems lie within the industry. On one hand, you can see a finely crafted example of how to create a compelling videogame and, on the other hand, you rape unsuspecting gamers for their cash while they set sales records. There is no justice. The guys over at Insomniac love video games. This is obvious to me since just about every aspect of their latest title put together so well. If anything, after playing Ratchet and Clank 2, I'm more annoyed that ever at most developers out there for putting out substandard fare.

Insomniac even fixed my one and only complaint from the original title. The instruction booklet from the original was in a poster format which I've had a beef about for years. This year, however, not only are the instructions in a booklet format, but they even went the extra distance and made a nice little slipcover for them just for the hell of it. The cover of the game even features electric blue foil, one of my favorite colors. I am damn near convinced that Insomniac is just making this stuff for me.

The core technology of the Ratchet and Clank engine is a modified version of the Naughty Dog, Jak and Daxter engine. Insomniac throws them plenty of bones as well that should give fans a few chuckles such as Ratchet actually playing JakII during the opening start screen. Then engine holds up extremely well considering what is being thrown around on screen, especially in later levels when the action really starts to heat up.

Going Commando looks exceptional, simple as that. The level designs are varied, colorful, complicated and big. Basically, everything we should expect for a late generation 3D platformer we get in Going Commando. Again, competent coders prove how great a game can look on the PS2 hardware. Ratchet and Clank's world in general has always pleased me in it's appearance. The varied locations cover all types of landscapes and you will see some platforming staples such as an ice world, some lava caves, etc. Every single locale is decked out in vibrant colors and littered with things to smash and secrets to find.

The sounds are as spectacular as they always were. You have all of the great weapon and explosion sounds plus all of the great ambient noises in the worlds around you from the subtle creature noises to the hum of traffic going on all around you. The music, while not playing as major of a role as it does in some other games, is still wonderful in execution. The compositions are non intrusive and fit the mood for the Ratchet and Clank universe perfectly. The best part about Ratchet and Clank 2's sound work is the stellar voice work used in the game. Not only are all of the voices performed by people that actually seemed to care about their craft, but it is actually a decent script, littered with humor, creating a very engaging gameplay experience overall.

The level design itself is always spot on. One of the main things I like about Ratchet and Clank's overall style is how rewarding the game is to the methodical player. Investigating every inch of a level generally reaps many benefits, especially extra bolts and elusive secret platinum bolts which can be used for weapon mods at a couple points in the game. A lot of familiar elements from the first game return such as the grinding rails, metal floors for your magnet boots as well as the grappling hook with a couple new tricks. Some of the new and interesting additions include a glider, a device which allows you to take control of certain robots and even a gadget which can freeze water and melt ice to allow access to different parts of a level.

We also see the return of Clank specific levels where we see him command a mini army of bots who carry out his orders and requests for carnage. They added in some new boy types as well to mix things up. Giant Clank also makes a triumphant return and stars in a couple of the 'mini globe' levels of the game, taking on some nasty bosses. As a little side note, I just love the 'map' for the mini worlds which just zooms out and lets you rotate the globe around in 3D to see everything you need.

Also new to the mix are the Battle Arena levels which provide a nice diversion for total carnage along with ample opportunities to make extra bolts. Like pretty much everything else in the game, the Battle Arena levels are just outright fun. We also see some more racing mini levels which play extremely well, especially considering that they are just a small fraction of the overall game. Insomniac really knows how to spoil a gamer.

I love the new puzzle elements in the game that are a result of the Electrolyzer and new Infiltrator gadgets. The Electrolyzer puzzles are really quick twitch events which seem to be at least partly influenced by the classic Qix. The Infiltrator puzzles also retain the twitch mentality with a timed branching puzzle which basically links a circuit trail around a sphere. All in all, they are excellent little diversions in the game and work out much better than even the puzzle element in the first game. The twitch element of puzzles create a much more frantic mood than the original Infiltrator puzzles and this helps keep the pacing of the game from screeching to a dead halt if a puzzle if giving you trouble.

Insomniac did not skimp on the new additions to the already rock solid Ratchet and Clank formula. As much as I enjoyed the original, I must say that the new additions make the game that much more fun to play. First of all, there is the new 'level up' system for both your hit points and weapons. Not only can you find powerups which will add to your total health, but putting the hurt on all of the baddies will also cause your hit points to increase. The leveled up weapons are also a hell of a lot of fun and a necessity in the game in the later levels where the bulk of the enemies need to be hit a lot harder to take them down. In addition to the weapons leveling up, you can also purchase upgrades for your arsenal to give them a little added punch such as an acid mod or a lock on feature to aid in targeting.

Of course, Insomniac did not skimp on the firepower at all this time around. There are just so many fun and unique weapons in the game from the lowly Lancer to the oddball Black Sheepinator, you will definitely be busy buying, finding and leveling up your weapons so that you can cause as much damage as possible. Like any good game of this type, you will find that some weapons work better in certain situations and careful planning is going to be the order of the day, especially in later levels where you will need almost everything that you have. As an added bonus, if you have a game save from the first Ratchet and Clank on your memory card, there is a point in the game where you will get five free weapons from the original game. Not a bad little treat if you ask me. The defense was not overlooked either with defensive weapons such as the shield generator or the Killanoid robots which provide cover fire for you until they run out of ammo. You can also get some nice armor upgrades which provide protection and a even a cosmetic upgrade to your appearance.

There is also a lot more vehicle action this time around. In a couple of the levels, you get access to a mining craft which helps you harvest money making crystals and Raritanium, which you can cash in for spaceship upgrades. In addition to having more levels in which you blast away at enemy spacecraft, you can also upgrade your ship in all types of ways, from the weapon systems, engines, and even the look of the craft with a new paint job or wing modifications. The best part is that most of the modifications are actually useful. Upgraded shielding is always a plus and the nuke weapon really helps in quickly making some extra cash in the ship missions.

Ok, so we have a game that looks incredible, sounds phenomenal and plays like a dream. What else can there be? Plenty. Ratchet and Clank 2 continues to be replayable even after beating the game. With the sheer amount of weapons and the ability to level them up, you will find yourself with plenty to do on a second playthrough. The best surprise is the Challenge mode which is offered to you after your first completion of the game. Not only is the challenge increased right from the start, but you also have access to further enhanced versions of the weapons and the ability to rack up crazy amounts of bolts due to the multiplier which increases with expert play. You will definitely need the extra bolts so that you can buy up the mega versions of the weapons. In the end, it makes an already replayable game even more so.

There are also a ton of "Skill Points" in the game which lead to further unlockable treats from art galleries, ship upgrades and even cosmetic changes such as Ratchet playing in a James Bond-ish tux. The best surprise in the game is a whole Insomniac Museum which is basically a little playground where you can see all kinds of things that never made it into the game, along with some insight into a lot of the techniques they used in the making of Ratchet and Clank. It is just another example as to why Insomniac is truly a developer that every gamer should appreciate. I just love seeing a group of people, who not only are exceptional representatives of their craft, but who also obviously give a damn about creating a complete experience for the gamer.

Insomniac's Ratchet and Clank 2: Going Commando is my choice for game of the year in 2003. Last year it was the original game, I think I see a pattern forming here. I can't express my appreciation enough to the wonderful people over at Insomniac for creating this series as it is probably the finest example of what a quality video game is supposed to be in my opinion. They nailed every single aspect from graphics to voice work and especially gameplay. I cannot say enough good things about this game. Go buy it!