Secret Agent Clank
Encyclopedia
Secret Agent Clank is a platform game
developed by High Impact Games
for the PlayStation Portable
and published by Sony. It was first released in North America
on June 17, 2008. A PlayStation 2 version was ported by Sanzaru Games and was released on May 26, 2009 in North America and in Europe on June 19, 2009. The game is the first (and only) to feature Clank as the main character.
As the title suggests, the theme of the game is a spoof of the James Bond
series. It is based on the Secret Agent Clank element of Up Your Arsenal
. To fit with the James Bond theme, Clank has an array of helpful gadgets and devices on his tuxedo, such as a bow tie
that he can use as a boomerang, and a rose that turns into a carnivorous plant to devour enemies.
and his secret alter-ego, Secret Agent Clank.
The game begins with Clank going to the Boltaire Museum to halt the theft of a priceless jewel known as the "Eye of Infinity". Clank sees Ratchet fleeing the scene of the crime, who is arrested by local law enforcement. While retinal scans prove that the thief was Ratchet, Clank is convinced his friend is innocent. Clank investigates the theft further, traveling to various locales until he comes across an enigmatic figure known only as the "Kingpin". Clank eventually comes across one of the Kingpin's lairs and rescues a scientist, who informs him that the Kingpin intends to build a giant laser with the power to destroy the galaxy. The scientist then reveals that the Kingpin is heading to an abandoned space facility. The Kingpin later reveals himself to be none other than Klunk, Clank's evil doppelganger first introduced in Up Your Arsenal
. It is revealed that Klunk was acting through Ratchet via a mind-control device hidden on Ratchet's helmet.
Klunk reveals he has stolen the Eye to use as a refractor for a massive laser system perfectly poised to destroy every planet in the galaxy. He plans to threaten to use the laser on a planet (using Ratchet) and have himself, posing as Clank, stop Ratchet from destroying the galaxy, placing the hero in jail forever while Klunk would be idolized by the populace.
Halfway through their battle, Klunk activates the laser. Clank knocks out Klunk and manages to deactivate the firing sequence while Captain Qwark accidentally beams himself aboard the satellite, retrieves the Eye, and is beamed out of the satellite just before it self-destructs. Ratchet is exonerated of the crimes filed against him. Klunk is placed in Ratchet's custody, being turned into a new vacuum cleaner to use in the apartment.
, who composes music for the Ratchet & Clank series, accidentally revealed the game in his online resume. The actual game was not confirmed by Sony until a pre-TGS
2007 conference.
to an 8.5/10 from Game Informer
. Most scores fall in the 6-8 level with a Metacritic
score of 72/100. The PlayStation 2 version received lower score reviews.
Platform game
A platform game is a video game characterized by requiring the player to jump to and from suspended platforms or over obstacles . It must be possible to control these jumps and to fall from platforms or miss jumps...
developed by High Impact Games
High Impact Games
High Impact Games is a video game developer based in Burbank, California, formed in 2003 by former members of Insomniac Games and Naughty Dog. In 2007, the company released Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters for the PlayStation Portable, with a PlayStation 2 port released the next year, and Secret Agent...
for the PlayStation Portable
PlayStation Portable
The is a handheld game console manufactured and marketed by Sony Corporation Development of the console was announced during E3 2003, and it was unveiled on , 2004, at a Sony press conference before E3 2004...
and published by Sony. It was first released in North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
on June 17, 2008. A PlayStation 2 version was ported by Sanzaru Games and was released on May 26, 2009 in North America and in Europe on June 19, 2009. The game is the first (and only) to feature Clank as the main character.
As the title suggests, the theme of the game is a spoof of the James Bond
James Bond
James Bond, code name 007, is a fictional character created in 1953 by writer Ian Fleming, who featured him in twelve novels and two short story collections. There have been a six other authors who wrote authorised Bond novels or novelizations after Fleming's death in 1964: Kingsley Amis,...
series. It is based on the Secret Agent Clank element of Up Your Arsenal
Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal
Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal is a platform game developed by Insomniac Games and published by Sony. It is the third installment in the Ratchet & Clank series and was released in North America on November 3, 2004...
. To fit with the James Bond theme, Clank has an array of helpful gadgets and devices on his tuxedo, such as a bow tie
Bow tie
The bow tie is a type of men's necktie. It consists of a ribbon of fabric tied around the collar in a symmetrical manner such that the two opposite ends form loops. Ready-tied bow ties are available, in which the distinctive bow is sewn into shape and the band around the neck incorporates a clip....
that he can use as a boomerang, and a rose that turns into a carnivorous plant to devour enemies.
Gameplay
Unlike previous Ratchet & Clank games, Clank's gameplay is more like Ratchet's. In the past, playing him was more about solving puzzles; now, he is a full on action character with weapons and gadgets of his own. Also featured are interactive cut scenes where the player must press a sequence of buttons correctly to sneak through an area undetected. Giant Clank, wherein Clank transforms into a monster-sized fighting machine, also makes an appearance.Plot
The game ia a spin-off and focuses on the adventures of ClankClank (Ratchet & Clank)
Clank is one of the titular protagonist game characters in the Ratchet & Clank video game series by Insomniac Games.-Character design:Co-protagonist of the series, Clank escaped from Chairman Drek's robot plant on planet Quartu—and subsequent arrival on planet Veldin—catalyzes Ratchet's...
and his secret alter-ego, Secret Agent Clank.
The game begins with Clank going to the Boltaire Museum to halt the theft of a priceless jewel known as the "Eye of Infinity". Clank sees Ratchet fleeing the scene of the crime, who is arrested by local law enforcement. While retinal scans prove that the thief was Ratchet, Clank is convinced his friend is innocent. Clank investigates the theft further, traveling to various locales until he comes across an enigmatic figure known only as the "Kingpin". Clank eventually comes across one of the Kingpin's lairs and rescues a scientist, who informs him that the Kingpin intends to build a giant laser with the power to destroy the galaxy. The scientist then reveals that the Kingpin is heading to an abandoned space facility. The Kingpin later reveals himself to be none other than Klunk, Clank's evil doppelganger first introduced in Up Your Arsenal
Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal
Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal is a platform game developed by Insomniac Games and published by Sony. It is the third installment in the Ratchet & Clank series and was released in North America on November 3, 2004...
. It is revealed that Klunk was acting through Ratchet via a mind-control device hidden on Ratchet's helmet.
Klunk reveals he has stolen the Eye to use as a refractor for a massive laser system perfectly poised to destroy every planet in the galaxy. He plans to threaten to use the laser on a planet (using Ratchet) and have himself, posing as Clank, stop Ratchet from destroying the galaxy, placing the hero in jail forever while Klunk would be idolized by the populace.
Halfway through their battle, Klunk activates the laser. Clank knocks out Klunk and manages to deactivate the firing sequence while Captain Qwark accidentally beams himself aboard the satellite, retrieves the Eye, and is beamed out of the satellite just before it self-destructs. Ratchet is exonerated of the crimes filed against him. Klunk is placed in Ratchet's custody, being turned into a new vacuum cleaner to use in the apartment.
Other playable characters
Besides Clank, both Captain Qwark and Ratchet are playable in the game. Qwark's gameplay segments are based on dubious accounts of his own exploits and are more action-based. Ratchet's segments in prison are more like the gameplay of previous games in the series.Weapons and gadgets
Clank has six weapons in his inventory: the Tie-a-Rang, Cuff Link Bombs, Tanglevine Carnation, Blowtorch Briefcase, Thunderstorm Umbrella, and Holo-Knuckles. Also, throughout the game, Clank will find weapons that Ratchet can use so he secretly put the weapons in cakes, then sent them to prison for Ratchet to pick up. Clank has the opportunity to gain access to a snowboard and other vehicles. The player can upgrade Clank's "Clank-Fu" fighting moves and weapons, similar to the weapons-leveling system in traditional Ratchet & Clank games. The player can learn new techniques, as well as various finishing moves.Development and release
The game was in development since before the release of Size Matters. In July 2007, rumors of the game's existence surfaced when David BergeaudDavid Bergeaud
David Bergeaud also known as "KOR", is a film, television, and video game musician.Bergeaud was born in Paris and began his musical education at the age of five...
, who composes music for the Ratchet & Clank series, accidentally revealed the game in his online resume. The actual game was not confirmed by Sony until a pre-TGS
Tokyo Game Show
The , commonly known as TGS, is a video game expo / convention held annually in the Makuhari Messe, in Chiba, Japan. It is presented by the Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association and the Nikkei Business Publications, Inc...
2007 conference.
Reception
Secret Agent Clank received lukewarm reviews. Ranging from a 6.5/10 from IGNIGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
to an 8.5/10 from Game Informer
Game Informer
Game Informer is an American-based monthly magazine featuring articles, news, strategy, and reviews of popular video games and associated consoles. It was formed in August 1991, when FuncoLand started publishing a six-page magazine, free in all its retail locations...
. Most scores fall in the 6-8 level with a Metacritic
Metacritic
Metacritic.com is a website that collates reviews of music albums, games, movies, TV shows and DVDs. For each product, a numerical score from each review is obtained and the total is averaged. An excerpt of each review is provided along with a hyperlink to the source. Three colour codes of Green,...
score of 72/100. The PlayStation 2 version received lower score reviews.