Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando

Release Date: November 11, 2003

Platform Played On: PS2

2018 Placement: #47 (-6)

What It Is:

The second game in the Ratchet & Clank series, it takes the base format of the original and amps everything up, adding quality-of-life changes that improve the gameplay immensely and adding the ability to upgrade your weapons through enough usage to make it more powerful as well as new armor and weapon mods.

The gameplay is similar to all the other R&C games – shooting with crazy weapons scattered with occasional platforming challenges and other mini-games like hover racing and gladiator arenas. The story is one of the most fun, turning the misunderstood antihero Captain Qwark of the first game into an outright villain in this one. Although the final boss is probably one of the weakest of the entire series, overall the quality of this game is miles above its other PS2 counterparts.

Why It’s Important To Me:

Going Commando solidified Ratchet & Clank as one of my favorite series of all-time. While the first game was good and I enjoyed it, it was Going Commando that really put the series on the map for me and made me excited for where the sequels could go. With the all-new weapons and upgrades, the fun mini-games, and slightly more focus on lovable Insomniac humor it was an instant favorite in my books.

I watched a speedrun of the game within the last year and was surprised how little I remember about the game, though. It’s one of those games that I consider high quality and always rank highly – if you ask me what’s the best Ratchet & Clank game I will always say Going Commando without hesitation. It’s another one of those games that lives in my head and heart but more as vague nostalgia and good feelings than specific memories.

My Strongest Memory:

I…don’t really have one specifically. I do remember and love the Sheepinator, which has become one of the classic humor weapons of Ratchet & Clank. Turning enemies into sheep for the first time was a blast and always puts a smile on my face. Seeing the Plumber show up again was also very fun – especially since he was voiced by Neil Flynn, aka the Janitor from Scrubs. Other than that, though, as I said – this game really lives on in my mind as the prime example of what made me love Ratchet & Clank as a franchise. Just all-around goodness.

Why It’s #53:

I know it’s weird putting this after a game like Metal Gear Solid 3, where I clearly had a lot to say. But the fact is I love the Ratchet & Clank series and the second game has always maintained being my favorite, even after playing later games. Maybe it relies too heavy on nostalgia. But I don’t care, this is my list and this is the spot I declare my favorite Ratchet & Clank game gets. So there.