Ratchet and Clank: Before the Nexus may not be as deep an adventure as the duo's console releases, but it is a moderately entertaining and free endless running game, backed by strong visuals and simple to grasp controls.
Here are some tips to help get you started in the game, just in case you need some help.
How does the gameplay work in Ratchet and Clank: Before the Nexus?
This free-running game will have you switching across three different rails most of the time, utilizing a side-swiping tactic to move to each one. Sometimes you'll need to do this to get out of the way of obstacles, like mines or walls. In addition, you can jump, which is handy for getting over low objects or collecting mid-air Bolts. You can also hover by holding your finger down on the screen, useful for getting across large gaps.
There are also shooting segments. Ratchet has a limited supply of ammunition, depending on what gun he's using. (He can always refill for the cost of a few bolts, though.) To shoot enemies, simply tap them and Ratchet will fire his weapon to destroy them. On occasion, you'll need to avoid their incoming attacks, or risk ending your run. Swipe in a different direction to get out of harm's way.
How do I collect Bolts in Ratchet and Clank: Before the Nexus?
As Ratchet travels down his path, he'll occasionally come across strings of mini-Bolts, both on the ground and in the air. By successfully collecting a string of these, they transform into regular Bolts, which add to your total in the upper right hand corner. You can use these to buy new items in the game, so make sure you keep a steady collection on hand.
Bolts can also be found in boxes in the shooting stages, so if you see some stacked nearby, go ahead and blast them, then run over the leftover Bolts to collect them.
How do I complete challenges in Ratchet and Clank: Before the Nexus?
There are various challenges that pop up over the course of your run, whether it's using a Swingshot (grappling hook) to get across a gap, killing four enemies with a special weapon (like the Groovitron) and more. Finishing these successfully will earn you Hero Bolts, which you can use to continue your run once an enemy stops you or you hit an obstacle. These are pretty scarce - unless you make an in-app purchase - so try completing challenges to get as many as you can!
How do I collect Raritarium in Ratchet and Clank: Before the Nexus?
Raritarium is the rarest commodity in the game, as you can tell by its name. Still, if you get a successful enough run, you'll be able to pick up a piece. If you feel you're not running into the amount of it that you want, you can buy more at the in-game shop with your bolts, and you can always add more with an in-app purchase. Just keep playing the game, though, and you'll eventually collect enough.
Can I transfer unused Raritarium from Ratchet and Clank: Before the Nexus to the PS3 and Vita game Into the Nexus?
Yes. Visit the in-game menu, sign in to the PlayStation Network and you'll be able to make the transfer with ease. From there, you can use it in Into the Nexus to purchase weapon upgrades and other goods for that game. It's completely optional, though.
What Armor types are available in Ratchet and Clank: Before the Nexus?
There are three. You've got Light Armor, which protects you for one hit and costs 5,000 Bolts; Heavy Armor, which lets you absorb two hits and costs 10,000 Bolts; and the best of the bunch, the Nexus Armor, which gives you three hits to take and costs 15,000 Bolts. The Nexus is the best bet, though the Light Armor is good for quick runs.
What gadgets are available in Ratchet and Clank: Before the Nexus?
There are several, which we break down here.
Armor Magnetizer - Charges your armor to collect Bolts automatically, no matter which track you're on. It costs 750 bolts.
Groovitron - A gun that forces enemies to dance, making them harmless. It's 562 Bolts per use.
Bolt Multiplier - Essentially multiplies the number of collected bolts you get on a run. It costs 750 Bolts.
Reflector - Creates a shield that deflects attacks and lets you absorb obstacle hits for a temporary amount of time. It'll run you 937 Bolts.
Rift Inducer - This awesome weapon creates a massive black hole that sucks up any unfortunate enemies nearby. It'll set you back 1,125 Bolts.
Jetpack - if you need to push further into a level, use this to fly past obstacles and enemies with ease. It costs 1,312 Bolts.
Tornado Launcher - Shoots a mini tornado at enemies to suck them up, along with any nearby Bolts. It'll cost 1,500 Bolts.
What weapons are available in Ratchet and Clank: Before the Nexus?
There are five main weapons in all.
First up is the Constructo Pistol, which is the weapon you start with. You can upgrade it as you go along for additional firepower. Each upgrade runs around 875 Bolts or so.
Next up is the Constructo Shogun. This packs a bigger punch than the Pistol, and has better range if you need to hit bigger enemies, like flying bosses. It costs 1,000 Bolts at first, then about 2,000 Bolts per upgrade.
The Buzz Blades shoot small saw blades at enemies, which can do a lot of damage once upgraded. They cost 1,125 Bolts to purchase up front, then about 2,000 Bolts or so to upgrade.
The Predator Launcher is a missile-firing gun, best saved for bigger enemies that require a lot of damage to bring down. It'll set you back 2,000 Bolts, then 4,000 Bolts or so to upgrade.
Finally, there's the R.Y.N.O.M, an explosive launcher that can do damage to enemies on the ground rather quickly. To get this gun, you'll need to find 10 Terachnoids on your run and free them.
Do I have to pay for anything in Ratchet and Clank: Before the Nexus?
If you want to buy more Bolts, you can pay $1.99 for 5,000, $4.99 for 13,000 or $9.99 for 30,000. You shouldn't buy anything, since you can earn a good amount of Bolts playing the game.
