Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time (ACIT), the final instalment of the Future series and a sequel to Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty (QFB). It concludes the event that began in Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction (TOD) and QFB, and answers some of the biggest questions raised in previous games.

First of all the storyline, compared to previous games the storyline is much more focused. The story mainly concentrates on Ratchet, still searching for Clank, whilst Clank himself comes to terms with his own origins in the Great Clock.

Every planet and every sector of the game has a big part to play in the overall story, its very integrated. You get the impression that this was very thought out.

There are many references to previous games in the Future series, and indeed some references to the PS2 Ratchet & Clank games which goes down nicely in my book. However, it’s a very easy to follow storyline, so gamers new to the series are not going to be overwhelmed or confused by it.

I also like the “meanwhile” splitting of the storyline, where you play as Ratchet, then you play as Clank in a “meanwhile” scene.

The storyline however has one or two issues, Firstly Talwyn a main character in TOD & QFB is hardly mentioned in the game, Considering that she was a main character and has a great influence in the two previous games it just doesn’t make sense to take her out of the series. I understand why though as there would be no room for her in such a focused story, Ratchet has Qwark and General Alister Azimuth to help him throughout the game, but all things considered you do notice her absence.

Secondly I fear the storyline may be too focused, The game is a bit more linear than previous games and there are no “random” planets that serve just for collectables. It is more like movie storyline which ordinarily would'nt be a bad thing but it does not fit with the series.

Overall there is nothing massively wrong with the storyline, Indeed it's one of the best in the whole Ratchet & Clank series, But as said before it is more linear and doesn’t offer the freedom that previous games were famous for.

Gameplay wise ACIT is based on a good balance of platforming, puzzle solving and shooting stuff. The new levels will allow the players to explore more, Ratchet's new hoverboots allows the game to expand with secret areas, Many  level sections and boss battles focus on the usage of these hoverboots as the gameplay is much more focused with the storyline. Gameplay from QTB with Ratchet wrench is also included, where he uses his wrench to change the environment. It does add a new dimension to the game and some levels have been heavily integrated with this feature.

There are minigames in  ACIT, With Ratchet bolts which are much more advanced than the old type. Instead of just moving the bolt around, you have to correctly alter the bolt so that it fits in a certain way. Also Clank will have a larger role, Clank's gameplay involves creating duplicates of himself through time travel to complete puzzles. These mini-games are much more involved than the previous ones and are a welcome addition.

Another gameplay feature which I do like is the new quick-select feature. It allows Ratchet to easily equip a gadget or item such as hoverboots by simply by pressing one of the directional buttons, It’s faster and easier, You will find that you use it without thinking about it.

Space action has also been greatly expanded this time round, Gameplay is divided up into five sectors. These sectors have various places to explore and to take part in space combat. Sectors have a “centre hub” were you can get space missions, and various mini-planets which you get collectables on.

Ratchet's ship - The Aphelion is customisable in ACIT, In similar ways to the PS2 Ratchet & Clank games. Ratchet has to collect zoni on side-mission moons and other planets, and therefore upgrades the Aphelion. Some of this (thrusters and space tethers) are needed to progress in the story. This is an example of how closely the gameplay is integrated with the story.

The stuff that blows other stuff up (the guns) have variety in ACIT. They are just great to use and there seem's to be a wacky gun for very occasion. Also the constructo weapons in the game are a new addition to the series, They allow great customisation for a huge variety of enemies and situations.

They are very fun to use and you get to pick your own paint, However there is a lack of weapons when compared to TOD, other R&C games. There doesn’t seem to be that many and some of the old classics are nowhere to be seen. However, it not a great loss considering you get the RYNC, You just don’t want to use anything else.

The graphics … Well what can I say, The cutscenes in ACIT are just beautiful, No issues there. The amount of detail is awesome, It's like watching a Hollywood movie and it's the same with in-game graphics, they are very well rendered and detail shines through. However, I do think that some of the graphics are a bit cartoony, For example the explosions look like they belong in a cartoon style enviroment as apposed to a video game, It may just be me but remember that XIII game for the PS2, where it was a like a comic book....say no more. However despite that minor flaw, the graphics just work well with great backgrounds and landscapes.

Therefore in conclusion, ACIT in a great game and one of the best R&C games ever. It's a great game for casual gamers and hardcore fans alike . However I do say, it's not as good as TOD, and to be honest it doesn’t seem finished, There is nothing massively wrong with the game, but the all little things to add up. I would recommend to anyone, but after I have recommended TOD and QFB.