Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Ratchet & Clank: Going Mobile! delivers a tight 2D platforming experience that seamlessly blends exploration with shooter mechanics. Players guide both Ratchet and Clank through interconnected rooms, moving horizontally and vertically to tackle enemies, avoid traps, and uncover hidden pathways. The controls feel responsive on touchscreens, with intuitive virtual buttons for jumping, shooting, and switching between your trusty wrench and high-tech weaponry.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

Platforming challenges are cleverly designed around multiple-room levels, encouraging players to revisit previously locked-off sections once they’ve found key items or acquired new weapons. Titanium bolt caches and secret passages pepper each area, rewarding thorough exploration and ingenuity. Discovering each unlockable chamber not only grants access to valuable bolt bonuses but also brings you one step closer to the RYNO — the ultimate payoff for dedicated hunters of secret content.

Collecting nuts and bolts during levels fuels an in-game shop, where you can upgrade your Gravity Bombs, Defragmenter, mini-rocket, and the hilarious Boarzooka. Combat encounters strike a satisfying balance between frantic shooting and strategic positioning, especially when you’re juggling limited ammo or conserving resources for tougher boss fights. For players seeking additional challenges, the Arena mode offers twelve distinct trials—ranging from timed survival rounds to weapon-specific gauntlets—that extend replay value and test mastery of the game’s core mechanics.

Graphics

Despite the limitations of mobile hardware, Going Mobile! boasts vibrant, hand-drawn sprites that capture the charm of the Ratchet & Clank universe. Characters are rendered with expressive animations: Ratchet’s wrench swings with satisfying weight, while Clank’s compact frame gleams when he unleashes powerful blasts. Every enemy and environmental hazard features crisp outlines and smooth motion, ensuring that the action remains clear even on smaller screens.

Particle effects from Gravity Bomb explosions and debris from the Defragmenter add visual flair to each encounter without overwhelming the display or sacrificing performance. Background layers shift subtly as you traverse vertical shafts and soaring catwalks, lending depth to otherwise flat levels. Unlockable areas often introduce new color palettes—icy caverns, glowing tech-labs, and rusted machineries—keeping the visuals fresh throughout the campaign’s progression.

The user interface is clean and unobtrusive, with a minimal HUD showing health, current weapon, and bolt count. Menus for the shop and weapon upgrades load quickly, with clear icons and straightforward descriptions. Even on older devices, the frame rate remains impressively stable, ensuring that neither lag nor slowdown detracts from the fast-paced action or precision platforming sections.

Story

Going Mobile! drops Ratchet and Clank into the most unexpected environment yet—a teleporter malfunction lands them squarely inside your cellphone. From the moment the duo finds themselves shrunk and digitized, the narrative strikes a fun, meta tone that pokes gentle fun at both the medium and the heroes themselves. This clever premise sets the stage for a mobile adventure that feels fresh rather than shoehorned.

The main antagonist, Maximillian, escapes a secret-agent Clank vid-comic and is determined to thwart the heroes at every turn. His robotic henchmen and twisted digital traps serve as constant reminders of his sinister genius. Cutscenes between levels maintain the series’ trademark humor, with sarcastic one-liners and playful banter that deepen the bond between Ratchet’s brash optimism and Clank’s sardonic wit.

Story progression unfolds through brief, animated interludes that cleverly utilize the “cellphone world” setting—messages pop up as text alerts, video feeds glitch in and out, and levels transition with app-like animations. While the narrative remains fairly light-hearted and self-contained, dedicated fans will appreciate nods to classic series lore, and newcomers will find enough context to enjoy the ride without prior knowledge.

Overall Experience

Ratchet & Clank: Going Mobile! stands out among mobile platformers by offering robust level design, humor-filled storytelling, and a satisfying progression system. The combination of exploration, backtracking for unlockables, and weapon-based combat delivers a well-rounded experience that feels substantial for a handheld outing. Fans of the franchise will revel in seeing their favorite duo adapt to the small screen, while newcomers will be drawn in by the game’s accessible yet challenging design.

Though occasional touch-control hiccups can arise—especially in precision-heavy segments—the overall package remains polished and engaging. The Arena mode adds worthwhile replayability, and the chase for the RYNO ensures that completionists have plenty to aim for. Upgrading weapons in the shop provides tangible progress, and the variety of tools at your disposal keeps combat encounters fresh throughout.

Whether you’re seeking a quick gaming session on the commute or a more in-depth mobile adventure, Going Mobile! delivers a delightful blend of platforming thrills and shooter action. With its charming graphics, witty narrative, and clever use of the smartphone setting, this title makes a strong case for mobile as a legitimate home for quality Ratchet & Clank adventures. Potential buyers looking for handheld fun will find plenty to love in this inventive, pocket-sized escapade.

Retro Replay Score

7.8/10