Whether you're brand new to the series, or you've been here since the beginning, Ratchet & Clank is one of the staples of the PlayStation brand and something that every owner must experience at least once.  The Future story arc is coming to a close with the latest game, Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time.  How does it stand up to current adventure titles?  And, more importantly to die-hard fans, is this new title different enough to shake that same ol' same ol' feeling that a lot of series dealt with?

First off, as far as contemporary adventure games go, A Crack in Time is absolutely fantastic.  Not only does it stand up to the competition, it sets itself apart through nuances only the Ratchet & Clank series can deliver.  The satisfying gameplay, the witty writing, the characters, the collection and the weapons all stink of RC quality.  So if you've never played a Ratchet & Clank game before and have even the slightest interest in the title you can stop reading this right here and now and know that this game is an amazing purchase.  You'll stare down hours upon hours of collection and addictive leveling while taking in some of the most humorous storytelling in gaming.

The story picks up where Quest for Booty left off: Ratchet is on his way to reunite with Clank.  Clank was taken away by the mysterious Zoni.  A Crack in Time is about Ratchet finding Clank in order to save the universe.  Standard stuff.  While Ratchet's on the hunt, Clank is put in charge of The Great Clock.  A massive time keeping structure located in the center of the universe (give or take 50 feet).  There, Clank is given the Chronoscepter; a time manipulating weapon that introduces a whole slew of new gameplay mechanics that make Clank's story an enjoyable one.

Back to those who've been with the series since at least Tools of Destruction.  These games have definitely stuck to a formula over the last 7-ish years.  Aside from the main line departures in Secret Agent Clank and Ratchet: Deadlocked, the RC series has been largely the same throughout.  So much so that a lot of folks find themselves a bit tempered when it comes time to pony up the cash for the newest game.  They wonder how different the new one is going to be, and whether or not the changes warrant a purchase.

I've always disagreed with those people for one massive reason.  My favorite part of the RC series is the humor, and I think the humor varies enough from one game to the next that makes all of these worthwhile experiences.  I do recognize that the gameplay is very formulaic, but I sort of see it as a means to an end when it comes to Ratchet.  It's the vehicle that gets me to my hilarious destination.  If I have a bunch of satisfying experiences during the journey, then so be it.