Recent reviews by Spiffo

I’ve been a devoted fan of the Ratchet and Clank Series, particularly the original trilogy (including Deadlocked or Gladiator, the fourth instalment) on the PlayStation 2. Growing up with these games, I cherish fond memories of playing through them. Even now, I continue to enjoy playing them through emulation. Clearly, I harbor a bias toward those games. When compared to the later entries and the Future Series, I find fault with how the game has become generic, catering to mass appeal rather than staying true to the roots of what defines Ratchet & Clank. The once “funky catchy” soundtrack, the symbolism of modern culture, and the witty, smart-ass humour all integral to the franchise, that seem to have nearly vanished from recent instalments. The 2016 remaster, if you can even call it that, left a rather unpleasant taste in the original fanbase’s mouths.

Onto the review; The game itself is definitely enjoyable! It’s refreshing to encounter a game with such meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship. The subtle touches in this gem caught my eye. For example, the Marauder Armour from Deadlocked triggered a delightful flashback to those who played it years ago. As for the story, without diving too deep, I appreciated the delicate balance between playfulness and emotional tones that the main characters navigate. While not as well-written as the first game, it still held its own. Some moments felt a tad forced for the sake of progression, but the level design more than compensated. Those seamless transitions between levels? Mind-bending! They ditched the monotonous loading screen and brought back the ship actually flying off and landing on planets too!

The music in Rift Apart left me somewhat disappointed, a trend that began when the legendary David Bergeaud departed from the company years ago. While some may appreciate cinematic music, I implore you to listen to the Ratchet & Clank 3: Up Your Arsenal soundtrack for the Marcadia level—pure perfection! Overall, the music in Rift Apart did its part to fill the void, but halfway through, I muted it and queued up the old-school soundtrack in the background. A 100% recommendation, by the way.

The weapons in Rift Apart were indeed cool and colourful, but they lacked the diversity of their predecessors. I’m puzzled by the need for four different glove variants, especially when two of them seem rather useless. Perhaps a multifunctional glove with all abilities combined would have been a better approach, rather than individual weapons. On a positive note, the RYNO returned! The attack animation is fantastic, but the weapon design felt somewhat lacklustre compared to its firepower. It needed to be more imposing, perhaps even monstrous. As for the art style, it falls into the “okay” category. I’ve noticed that Ratchet appears puffier and furrier with each game instalment—possibly a marketing moves for merchandise. While I’m not a fan of that trend, it does suffice. Overall, the game was great, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m eagerly anticipating where the series will go from here!

The Galactic Rangers will forever hold their iconic status from Ratchet & Clank 3. No arguments!

The limited number of screenshots, videos, and GIFs hinted at an Insurgency game, albeit with helicopters and visually enhanced graphics. Initially, I questioned whether it warranted a standalone title. Developers often take this route, risking fragmenting a dedicated fanbase by prioritizing visuals and features over the core experience that defined its predecessors.
However, when the game became available for pre-purchase, granting instant playable access, my curiosity got the better of me. And let me tell you, I was in for a surprise. Sandstorm managed to channel all those mixed feelings into a pure Insurgency experience—complete with stunning visuals, impeccable sound design, and engaging gameplay. By modernizing the beloved elements from Insurgency Source through the powerful Unreal 4 game engine, Sandstorm delivers it all. The game’s blend of realism and enjoyable gameplay strikes a balance, making it both challenging and fun. Spending time strategizing with AI teammates adds depth to the experience. Overall, Sandstorm punches above its weight, especially when it comes to phenomenal gunplay and attention to detail.

Picture those intense moments when you’re the sole survivor, your team’s fate resting squarely on your shoulders. Sandstorm delivers precisely that adrenaline rush. It’s a game where teamwork, tactics, and immersive gameplay reign supreme. Skill is genuinely rewarded, and coordinated efforts win battles. The return of co-op mode introduces a more aggressive AI, keeping both new and seasoned players on their toes. But that’s not all game improvements abound. Imagine kicking down doors to breach buildings or make a swift exit. A quick reload system becomes crucial when outnumbered, ensuring a fresh clip can tip the scales. And let’s not forget air support and light vehicles, options galore for turning the tide in any battle. Moreover, the game boasts an expanded roster of infantry types, each wielding an array of weapons tailored to their specialties. Sandstorm keeps the action dynamic and the stakes high.
The game stands out by seamlessly accommodating various play styles—a rarity in the FPS genre. Whether you prefer the breakneck pace of a “run and gun” approach or opt for a more deliberate, tactical strategy, the game adapts naturally. Perhaps you’ll wield a long-range scope, methodically eliminating foes who threaten your team. Alternatively, you might dive headfirst into the chaos, providing fire support with an extensive arsenal. Sandstorm caters to your choice, immersing you in the intensity of modern combat.
During my pre-purchase phase, I encountered my fair share of visual bugs, amusing ragdoll physics, and occasional crashes. However, credit goes to New World Interactive for their responsiveness. They actively listened to the community, addressing frame rate stability issues, fixing bugs, and enriching the core game with additional content. In my eyes, Sandstorm is a true gem—a must-have for tactical FPS enthusiasts seeking a fresh take on warfare. And for the die-hard Insurgency fans, this game is an absolute treat!