Ratchet and Clank: Going Commando improves on almost every mechanic from the first game in the series, though it is a sole gameplay tweak that most certainly gives this the edge over its predecessor, and in turn, its competitors in the platforming genre.
This tweak I refer to is the inclusion of a strafe mechanic. Indeed, the inclusion of such a simple feature improves the firepower-based gameplay beyond anything such a mundane update has a right to do.
And it's a good thing, too, as Insomniac hasn't downplayed the big-guns-blazing portion of the series for the sequel. Quite the opposite, in fact, as you now have at least double the weapon/gadget count from the original Ratchet/Clank, not taking into account the individual weapon upgrades. The large number isn't there simply to put a bullet on a marketing list, as most of the 24 weapons and their upgraded forms are undeniably essential in blasting through tough spots.
Shooting what moves isn't all you'll do, as there are quite a few rewarding platforming challenges to be found, as well as mini-games that (gasp!) actually manage to be fun. In your quest to get bigger and better guns, you'll fight Smash-TV style battles in a gladiator arena, fly a ship in a sort of simplistic space-shooter, and race hoverbikes. There is no shortage of things to do in Going Commando, and more importantly, most of these things are captivating.
Visually, this is much of the same, though given the high-quality of the original, this isn't exactly a bad thing. Audio has changed up quite a bit, however, as Ratchet is far less of a jerk, and Clank is a witty little barrel of bolts. The game as a whole seems to have embraced an attempt to be witty this time around, and the audio reflects that. For the most part, I'd say it works, as does the major boost in AI intellect and difficulty – your life points can eventually reach up to 80, and believe me, you'll need at least 40 by the game's end.
Ratchet and Clank: Going Commando has everything a sequel to a great shooter/platform game should have – more guns, more gadgets, more levels, more variety, harder enemies, and refined gameplay based on player feedback. This is a fine game that almost any PS2 owner will enjoy.
-George
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