Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters, originally released in 2007 for the PlayStation Portable (PSP), stands out not only as the series' first entry on a portable console but also as a creation of High Impact Games—different from the usual Insomniac Games development. It occurs chronologically after Ratchet: Deadlocked, aiming to blend the series' traditional action-packed gameplay with the portable nature of the PSP.
The game returns to the musical roots of the series, with David Bergeaud, the composer for the original Ratchet & Clank, creating a soundtrack that evokes nostalgia. Despite this pleasing auditory backdrop, the game encounters significant drawbacks that affect the overall player experience. The cameras are notoriously awkward, often positioning too close to the protagonist which leads to reduced visibility. This is a crucial flaw, particularly in a game that relies heavily on precision and spatial awareness for both exploration and combat. Many players have found that the cameras contribute to a cumbersome strafing and targeting system during battles.
Moreover, the controls offer another area of frustration. They are generally unresponsive and sluggish, making fast-paced gunfights and quick tactical movements more challenging than in previous entries. This is particularly noticeable during engagements where locking onto targets and sidestepping incoming fire are essential to survive.
One of the admirable attempts to embrace the PSP platform was the inclusion of multiplayer modes. At the time of its original release, offering features like deathmatch and capture the flag was ambitious and provided a unique way to enhance re-playability. However, looking back, these modes seem to have been an underwhelming addition that did not resonate as intended with the audience.
The 2024 re-release of this game on PS4 and PS5 stripped the multiplayer aspect, focusing solely on the single-player experience. This version introduces 33 trophies, challenging players to complete specific tasks, such as defeating certain bosses with limited resources, adding a layer of achievement-driven gameplay.
Despite its limitations, Size Matters does deliver a varied gaming experience. Players enjoy mini-games centered around Clank, engaging skyboard races, and a distinctive space shooter segment featuring Giant Clank. The game creatively incorporates diverse environments, such as the surreal Dreamtime and an innovative level set within Clank himself—highlighting the game’s inventive design capabilities.
Exploration and unlocking remain staples, with hidden Titanium Bolts scattered throughout the maps and a Challenge Mode that activates once the main story is completed. This mode allows for a richer experience by letting players retain their equipment and progress, encouraging exploration and mastery of the game’s mechanics.
Nevertheless, the weapon and gadget progression system, a core element of the Ratchet & Clank series, feels particularly strained. Early weapons like the Concussion Gun and Scorcher are notably weak, which can deter players from using them until better weapons are unlocked. This hampers the otherwise enjoyable aspect of leveling up one's arsenal. The grinding required to advance and acquire superior equipment, such as the coveted RYNO, might fit the 'pick up and play' ethos of the PSP, but it leads to a repetitive and often tedious gameplay loop that can diminish the urge to replay the game.
The transition of Ratchet & Clank to a portable format through Size Matters was a commendable endeavor that unfortunately didn't fully translate the beloved aspects of the console series. Despite its commendable diversions and nostalgic elements, the challenges with control, progression, and gameplay mechanics undermine the overall experience, making it a mixed bag for both newcomers and longtime fans of the franchise.
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