Ratchet and Clank is know for many things: it’s humour, it’s Pixar-esque graphics, it’s oft-brutal difficulty. But what it’s perhaps best known for is its incredible, varied, bizarre weaponry. I’ve compiled a top five, and some entries may surprise you.
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5. Plasma Whip
There aren’t many melee weapons in Ratchet and Clank, but the series didn’t need to invent any more after this beauty appeared in the third installment. It’s powerful and satisfying to use, and regularly comes in handy through the game. Whips have shown up again in the series (Shock Ravager, Arc Lasher) but its first appearance is the best.
Ratchet appreciating (a.k.a destroying) Planet Florana’s wildlife…
(Credit to ECDT1089)
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4. Mr. Zurkon
It was a tough choice between the Glove of Doom’s agents and Mr. Zurkon, but the latter won us over with his personality. Mr. Zurkon is one of the few weapons that you’ll feel a sense of attachment to, mainly because of his oddly endearing aggressiveness. He is a fairly decent shooter, too, and it’s just comforting to have an AI companion backing you up (unless it gets in your way, which Mr. Zurkon never does).
Even Mr. Zurkon isn’t immune to the Groovitron.
(Credit to Roger Montegrata)
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3. Alpha Disruptor
This is a late-game weapon in Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction, so naturally it’s powerful. It doesn’t have any gimmicks–instead, it delivers an immensely strong payload. Sure, it takes a moment to warm up, but there’s a reason for that.
No footage this time–get a copy of Tools of Destruction and use the Alpha Disruptor for yourself…
More top Ratchet & Clank weapons after the break.
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2. Groovitron
This is undoubtedly a controversial choice for number two. It’s not the most powerful weapon–indeed, it doesn’t cause any damage. However, it’s temporary effect of turning your enemies into non-hostile dancers is both immensely helpful and endlessly entertaining, with every enemy having unique animations. There are alternative joke weapons, such as the Sheepinator, but this is definitely the most creative and is always a pleasure to use. Indeed, it even got a tribute in Ratchet and Clank: Into the Nexus.
If you watch the videos in this article, you’ll see plenty of the Groovitron. Everyone loves the Groovitron.
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1. RYNO V
This is probably the most iconic weapon from Ratchet and Clank after the wrench, and is definitely deserving of the number one spot. It’s not particularly funny and quirky, but it is ridiculously powerful, always sought after, and often hard to get ahold of. The choice of the best variant was a hard one, but I had to go with the RYNO V–having your fireworks display accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture is awesome (as the ending of V for Vendetta testifies).
Minutes of RYNO V craziness.
(Credit to DerfsonicGaming)
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So that’s my top five! What are your favourite Ratchet and Clank weapons? Let me know in the comments below.
Our review of the latest Ratchet and Clank game, Into the Nexus, can be found here. Ratchet and Clank: Into the Nexus is out now for PlayStation 3, and is available on disc and via the PlayStation Store.