Ratchet & Clank (PS2, 2002/PS3, 2012)

• Partially non-linear structure (branching paths in nearly every level after the short intro one (some like eudora are more linear), unlock more than one new levels at a time on a galaxy map by finding info about them in the levels, can only go to one new planet at certain points and you automatically go to fort krontos after the second boss), Various tools let you explore further into previous levels via new moves

• Some tools for exploration/traversal and you'll backtrack to unlock new areas in previous levels (bomb glove (breakable parts of walls), grind boots - grind railings like in Sonic Adventure or Jet Set Radio, heli-pack (glide+high jump), disguise, hydrodisplacer - move pools of water, magneboots - climb walls and metal ceilings, metal detector, O2 mask - unlimited swimming, pilot's helmet - use ships on some levels, swingshot - swing from hooks, thruster pack - better glide+slam/worse high jump)

• Fairly frequent checkpoints (no lives system - placed bolts that you've collected are kept and it seems you can use this to grind on respawning enemies though it's pretty slow (used ammo is not reset which is sometimes a minor issue); sometimes they're kind of far apart)

• Auto-saves at certain checkpoints and when entering a planet

• Zoomable map (2D, top down) which marks visited points of interest and what you've explored (found hidden paths/rooms don't show up on the map afterwards until you get the map-o-matic item in the late game which then reveals them without having to find them), No mini-map

• Hidden objectives for skill points (optional - unlocks sketchbook and epilogue)

• Upgradeable lifebar - only twice though and the second one is expensive

• Item drop magnet (can also throw the wrench like a boomerang at bolts to pick them up; range can be upgraded once via a found item), Suck cannon also lets you suck up bolts

• Some interesting gear (helicopter blades - gain a double jump+long jump (w/ a minor speed boost)+glide jump, sand mouse summoner - summon a flying familiar robot at the antennas placed in some spots, hydrodisplacer - lower and raise water levels in pools/lakes, magneboots - climb certain walls and metal ceilings (later used in Twilight Princess), thruster-pack - high jump+air dash+stomp+glide jump AND hovering+strafing while hovering (double tap r1 then hold r2), persuader - discount item traded for raritanium around mid-game, drone device - spinning shield drones that take out nearby enemies once per drone+they can 100% block certain projectiles for a few seconds, controllable missiles with the camera following them in FP view - Metal Gear, robot disguise, Ryno - volley of homing missiles (OP), homing tesla gun - if you're aiming near the target, glove of doom, glove of doom - hatch robots that go attack enemies on their own, taunter - used to lure enemies towards you, decoy glove - make enemies attack a clone of yourself)

• Mission/quest log

• Partially destructible environment (a bit inconsistent though - large mushrooms can be destroyed for bolts/money but not small ones)

• Various shortcuts leading back from detours (either to the beginning of the level or around the middle/crossroads point)

• Voiced tutorial messages that don't interrupt gameplay and can be stopped (can also review these messages in a sub menu)

• Enemies can accidentally hit each other when attacking

• Some puzzles (timing-based, water level altering, switch puzzles involving the gadgebots - similar to Landstalker or FF Adventure) and one puzzle involving the taunter to open a door

• Conveys a sense of vulnerability on one planet where Clank gets taken out temporarily

• Can eventually buy ammo from anywhere (but not weapons)

• Context sensitive auto-equipping of some gear (magneboots, hydro pack, grind boots, O2 helmet)

• New game+ of sorts (restart with collected weapons and money but not gadgets besides the one that calls the ammo shop)

• Some sequence breaking possibilities (minor skips like the river on the first planet after the intro level, can skip aridia, can climb certain obstacles and walls with high jumps and mashing jump, more with glitches)

• Mostly ammo-based weapons (buy ammo at shops or find it in boxes)

• Sometimes skippable cutscenes but usually not (sometimes by scene, subtitle toggle however non in-game cutscenes lack subtitles, skippable staff roll; some of the ones that aren't are kinda long) - they're all skippable on your second playthrough

• No health or ammo drops from enemies (ammo crates also don't respawn until you leave the planet)

• Some fetch quests

• The metal detector is a fun idea but the bolt stashes you find are pretty small

• Some minor aim assist+homing function for the blaster and devastator when near the target with your crosshair

• Limited oxygen underwater - some tight segments early-mid game (potentially not an issue after getting the O2 helmet but then the game uses other timers that kill you instead)

• Few boss fights

• Weapons can be upgraded once w/ hidden golden bolts at hidden shops on your second playthrough

• Some destructible walls

Playthrough - Video Review - Mini Review

Influenced by: Spyro 2, probably Jet Force Gemini, Banjo 1-2, Jak and Daxter, possibly Ape Escape, Rayman 2, Tomb Raider series, MDK 1-2, Star Fox Adventures

Influenced: Jak II, possibly Beyond Good & Evil, Metal Arms, Sly 2?