Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando builds on its predecessor’s foundations by offering an arsenal that feels both fresh and familiar. Players guide Ratchet through diverse planets, each brimming with secret areas and environmental puzzles. The emphasis on blowing things up never wanes, as you unlock a variety of imaginative weapons—from heat-seeking rockets to goo-spewing guns—that turn even the most mundane corridor into a chaotic playground.

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What truly sets Going Commando apart is its RPG-like weapon upgrade system. With every encounter, you earn bolts (the game’s currency), which serve double duty as experience points. The more you use a particular weapon, the stronger it becomes, often sprouting new firing modes or increased power. This progression loop encourages experimentation: that underdog weapon you picked up early can become a late-game powerhouse if you stick with it.

Beyond standard platforming and shooting, the game throws in hovercraft races that test your drifting skills, arena battles where you face waves of monsters, and high-octane space combat sequences. Each gameplay mode is polished and feels like a mini-chapter in the adventure, ensuring the pacing never drags. Controls remain tight throughout, though veterans may occasionally wrestle with camera angles during frantic firefights.

Graphics

For a PlayStation 2 title, Going Commando boasts remarkable visual flair. The character models pop with personality—Ratchet’s fur animates smoothly, and Clank’s metallic sheen reflects environmental light convincingly. Each planet delivers its own color palette, from the neon hues of Zeldrin IV’s cityscapes to the earthy tones of Pokitaru’s jungles.

Environmental details are abundant. You’ll notice rust on abandoned machinery, flickering neon signs in space ports, and dynamic lighting during storms or explosions. The draw distance is generally solid, allowing you to spot enemy ships or distant platforms without disruptive pop-in.

Special effects stand out during weapon upgrades and power-up sequences. Beam weapons leave glowing trails, and explosive blasts send debris flying in every direction. While the frame rate dips only occasionally—mostly during the most chaotic monster arenas—the overall performance remains stable, letting you focus on the fun rather than technical hiccups.

Story

Going Commando kicks off with a playful question: what happens after our heroes save the galaxy? The narrative keeps Ratchet and Clank on the move, chasing leads across the universe to thwart Dr. Nefarious’s latest scheme. It never takes itself too seriously, blending snappy one-liners with interplanetary noir beats.

Dialogue is a highlight, with Clank’s dry wit often serving as the perfect foil to Ratchet’s cocky bravado. Side characters—including overzealous bounty hunters and scheming crime lords—add variety to the cast, each delivering memorable comic relief. The story unfolds in bite-sized missions, making it easy to jump in and out without losing track of the overall plot.

While the overarching villain’s motivations are straightforward, the journey reveals twists that keep you invested. You’ll uncover hidden agendas, witness unlikely alliances, and ultimately feel rewarded for piecing together the clues. Although the narrative occasionally leans on familiar sci-fi tropes, the game’s charm and humor make it feel wholly its own.

Overall Experience

Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando offers a near-perfect blend of shooting, platforming, and RPG progression. The variety of planets, weapons, and side activities ensures you’re never doing the same thing twice for too long. Even after the credits roll, secret tasks and bonus challenges beckon, extending the game’s lifespan.

The balance between accessibility and depth is commendable. Newcomers can dive in and have a blast with the basic arsenal, while completionists will delight in discovering all hidden areas and maxing out every weapon. Occasional camera quirks and brief backtracking serve as minor speed bumps in an otherwise thrilling ride.

Ultimately, Going Commando stands as a shining example of early-2000s platformers done right. Its humor, heart, and high-octane action combine to create an experience that remains engaging even years after its release. For anyone seeking a well-rounded adventure filled with explosions, banter, and interstellar exploration, this title delivers in spades.

Retro Replay Score

8.3/10