As a promotional tie-in with the recently released PlayStation 3 game Ratchet and Clank: Into the Nexus, Sony Computer Entertainment of America partnered with Darkside Game Studio for an endless runner spin-off on mobile, the moderately entertaining Before the Nexus. The game features plenty of Bolts to collect and items to unlock, as well as the ability to transfer earned Raritarium into the PS3 release.
The Good
Darkside did a terrific job recreating the Ratchet universe in a game that barely clocks in at 70 MB. The 3D environments look great, and the various challenges that pop up over the course of a run are fun to watch, especially the big bosses. The gameplay is solid for the most part, and very easy to get into. Finally, there is a freemium system in place, but it's very fair, as you can run through all of the game without dropping a dime, if you prefer. There's nothing wrong with a good freebie.
The Bad
The title of the game says Ratchet and Clank, but the fact of the matter is, we don't see the little robot pal at all, save for in-game hovering. It would've been nice to see him get better use. On top of that, the gameplay can be finicky at times, especially during the shooting segments, as Ratchet will jump around as you try to target enemies - which could put you in harm's way. Finally, as great as the presentation is, there's barely any voiceovers in the game - one of the series' strong suits. Some fans may be bummed by this.
The Verdict
While not as in-depth as the duo's platforming adventures, Ratchet and Clank: Before the Nexus is an enjoyable endless runner with fun visuals and plenty of stuff to collect. It only makes you wonder if Sony might consider doing the same for other franchises - Sly Cooper, perhaps?
