Ratchet: Deadlocked (Sony PlayStation 2, 2005)

Insomniac Games brings back one of its most beloved characters, Ratchet, in RATCHET: DEADLOCKED for the PS2. Although more of the focus is on combat instead of the traditional platform action, Deadlocked still plays similar to the previous RATCHET AND CLANK games. RATCHET: DEADLOCKED begins shortly after the end of RATCHET AND CLANK: Up your Arsenal. The three heroes, Ratchet, Clank, and mechanic Al, have just finished their latest mission when they are captured by galactic villain Gleeman Vox. Vox plans to use the heroes as part of his reality TV arena show, Dreadzone, where heroes are forced to fight each other to the end. The major difference in RATCHET: DEADLOCKED is that Clank is no longer on Ratchet's back. Instead, he will occasionally supply Ratchet with a necessary gadget. This takes out many of the platformer elements of the series, leaving Ratchet to mostly battle his way through the eleven different Dreadzone levels with the help of two combat bots. Gamers can find a number of different weapons and gadgets throughout the game, including the incredibly destructive Harbinger gun. The more Ratchet uses a particular weapon, the more powerful it will become. Several different vehicles are also available. In addition to the main storyline, players can also compete in a number of Dread challenges on each level, complete side tasks, collect skill points, and battle each other in a number of different multiplayer modes. RATCHET: DEADLOCKED has many extras to keep players battling against the evil Vox for hours.

Deadlocked puts Ratchet into his own adventure with limited Clank action. But you are still a real hero in this battle. I say battle because there is no real storyline. It just feels like battle after battle instead of adventures. You are a star on a reality TV show and must fight your way out of the situation so each mission is like a giant arena area. The big guns are still here and new vehicles make for some fun. The emphasis is really on the multiplayer because it has been improved since Up Your Arsenal and is an all out war online or offline. Co-op has also been included this time around which is a nice addition. Having friendly bots to protect you is also a big plus because you will need them to buy enough time to take out your enemies. Deadlocked may not be as adventurous or as much as a platformer as previous installments but there is plenty of gunplay to keep any fan of the game happy enough for a purchase. This is still a must have title but don't expect a better game than the last or you will be disappointed. 4.5/5

I got Ratchet Deadlocked a few days ago, it's a bit diffrent from the other Ratchet and clank games. Clank gets some time off and in place Ratchet gets to AI bots to help him out. Basically in gameplay terms the goofy gadgets and platforming is left out so we can have more action.

The basic story is Ratchet is kidnapp by a man named Vox and is forced to fight in gladiator matches, the game pokes fun of Stephen Kings running man.

You don't get has many wepaons but what you do get our useful and can be modded to make them your own. Acid mods will lower enemies helath while freezing mods will allow your weapons to freeze enemies and you can mod on the fly. Weapons also level up while you battle.

Graphics our gorgerous for a PS2 game and Ratchet and the crew our animated beatifully. There is some slow down.

In the end Ratchet Deadlocked isen't has good has other Ratchet games but it's still pretty good.

When I finish a game as fast as I finished this one, it must be good. When I finish it twice in the time I did, it must be fantastic.
That's not to say that the game is too short, it's just that fun. It's also really easy to get into. The controls are smooth, and the difficulty options are perfect for a casual gamer like me.

The levels are fast paced, and heavy in the fire fights. I found in previous Ratchet and Clank games, I was being reserved in my use of ammo. It was expensive to replenish, and I was always worried to waste the shot. Thankfully, Deadlocked provides a much different feel. You are more than encouraged to bring out all your guns. In addition, the more you use your weapons the better they get! As your experience level with them rises, the deadlier they get. This upgrade concept builds on the fun of being able to buy mods that you can mix and match between weapons, changing the way you use them. All these weapon improvements that are available, add to the replay value.

A variety of vehicles to pilot are also interspersed throughout the levels, which changes up the game-play. Additional challenges become available after completing a level, providing even more game-play variety, and fun.
The cut-scene and in-game commentary scripts are often genuinely funny, providing even more entertainment.

Whether you were a fan of the Ratchet and Clank series before or not, Deadlocked is a definite for your collection.

When I heard about Ratchet: Deadlocked, I was VERY excited. I played the game previous to it in the series, Up your Arsenal, in the online mode. The very first day it came out, I got Ratchet: Deadlocked. I was one of the very first people to play the online mode of that game. I was also a beta tester. (I have to say, the beta was actually better.) <p> The online mode is AMAZING. There are 5 different game modes, and they are all extremely fun. Insomniac are genious's for creating this game in only 1 year. They made the rules for online play fair, and everything works perfect. <p> The 5 different modes in online play are Capture the Flag, Conquest, Deathmatch, Juggernaught, and King of the Hill. My favorite would be Capture the Flag and Deathmatch, but that is only my opinion. In the online mode, you are able to make your own game, or join somebody else's. You can make your own rules, according to how you like to play. <p> The ONLY thing I have to say that is bad about Deadlocked is the Community. After christmas, it was crazy how many n00bs and 5-7 year olds actually got the game. If you play with them, which is almost all the time, considering how many there are, they scream and yell for you killing them. (killing is not a bad thing, you're SUPPOSED to do it, and yet they scream and crie over it.) That is realy my only complaint. <p> If you don't have a headset, you can use a keyboard in the staging room to talk to your friends. There are also great forums at Insomniacgames.com for the games. One of the best forums, I think. <p> Thanks for reading this, and I hope it persuaded you into buying this game. It realy is a GREAT game, if only some of the online players hit puberty, it would be 10 times better.