By Kevin "Berserker" Hall
Player(s): 1
Memory: 160KB
Ratchet and Clank's first outing on the PSP played much like they're other
games, only the overall game was shrunk down to fit the PSP (as the title
suggested). Now in Secret Agent Clank, Ratchet takes a backseat to his buddy
Clank, who takes on the role of a secret agent for this new adventure. Ratchet
is imprisoned for having been charged with stealing a precious gem from a museum
and hiding it in some unknown area. It is up to Clank to find the gem and clear
his friend's name.
Playing with Clank has changed a bit from controlling him in the usual
Ratchet and Clank games - this time our little robot friend knows Clank-fu,
which helps to improve his arsenal of melee attacks. Clank also has several
gadgets available to him for attacking and stealth purposes. He can use a
tie-a-rang to take down cameras or his blackout pen to shoot ink at harmful
lasers. Clank gets several newer gadgets sent to him as the game progresses much
like Ratchet and his guns in the other games. He gets one gadget that will allow
him to disguise himself as a hologram image of an enemy to fool other enemies.
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Speaking of stealth, the gameplay for Secret Agent Clank offers many stealth
situations. Clank can sneak by guards and take cover behind certain objects. He
can actually disguise himself as a statue or hide in pots (literally holding
leaves in front of him to mimic a plant). Stealth attacks can be used on an
unaware enemy. Sneak up behind an enemy then wait for a button icon and then tap
the button to initiate a quick time button press sequence. If you can finish the
sequence then Clank will take down the enemy with a set of stealth attacks.
For the most part, the stealth is completely optional in the game but it is
very much needed early on since Clank cannot stand up to a direct fight with
some of the bigger enemies. Stealth is required in later levels at times but the
sneaking portions are usually minimal. The game rewards the player for making
use of stealth by giving bonuses so it is advisable to take advantage of stealth
when possible. Stealth is not only found while sneaking around buildings however
- later levels have you trailing behind enemies while quickly disguising Clank
when the enemies turn and there are some levels where he is free to roam a
certain area while disguised. The stealth aspect never does take over the
gameplay - there are still plenty of action portions, platforming and a few
puzzle areas every now and then.
At times, Clank will run into a few different minigames that must be played
in order to continue the main adventure as he progresses through the game. One
unlocking minigame has the player matching up colored pieces as they fall much
like a Columns or Puzzle Fighter type game. There is also one puzzle where a
cutscene plays on the screen and a button combination or set of directions will
appear on the bottom. The button and direction icons will move toward an
hourglass icon and each command must be tapped as it moves by the hourglass.
Tapping the button or direction at the right time will increase your rhythm and
allow Clank to smoothly get through the situation depicted in the sequence.
Failure to press the buttons correctly a few times will result in Clank getting
caught and suffering damage. I found these button sequences frustrating at times
because there is no checkpoint and sometimes there are around 10 sequences that
must be completed. If Clank gets defeated at the tenth one then you have to deal
with all of them over once again and get the rhythm flowing through some timed
button presses that you have already done. I eventually got used to each one but
it takes patience. One of these sequences was an incredibly funny dancing
sequence that was worth some minor frustration. There is also a snowboarding
level where you must guide Clank down a snowy hill and fight off enemies while
dodging other obstacles.
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