 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters
- PSP
- Price: $39.99
- Genre: Action/Adventure
Common Sense Media says
Fast-paced intergalactic adventure for PSP fans.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this adventure features a gun-touting cartoon hero who saves a child from abduction. While there isn't explicit violence or gore, much of the gameplay involves shooting, throwing bombs, and whacking enemies with a wrench. Most of these enemies are robots, and the alien weapons are fantastical. The title contains a sexual pun, but most kids will probably miss it. This game can be played online over Sony's Wi-Fi network, which Common Sense Media doesn't recommend for anyone under age 12.
What's it about?
After saving the universe not once but three times, you (playing as Ratchet, a long-eared alien with a yen for weapons) decide to take a long-overdue vacation on a remote planet with your faithful robotic companion, Clank. After a young girl who has recognized you is kidnapped, you and Clank cut your holiday short to save her -- and uncover a plot that could put the galaxy in jeopardy ... again. That's how Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP) game RATCHET & CLANK: SIZE MATTERS -- the latest in the multimillion unit-selling sci-fi franchise starring these two comical and courageous cartoon heroes -- begins.
The games can best be described as "platformer" action games: You have to run, jump, climb, swing, dodge, and fight through various worlds while acquiring a huge assortment of weapons, from laser pistols and shrink rays to electromagnetic cannons and bombs that spew acid when detonated. While enemies come in many shapes and sizes, they're all mechanical and leave bolts behind after they've been eliminated. Collect these bolts to buy better weapons, weapon modifications, and ammo. Mini games include racing challenges, spaceship dogfights, and a Lemmings-like robot game.
Is it any good?
Unlike the PS2 entries in the series, Size Matters offers four separate head-to-head modes over a Wi-Fi network. In the main multiplayer lobby, you can choose to join or host a game like Death Match (the person with the most kills wins) or Capture the Flag (find the enemy team's flag and bring it back to your base), as well as a new type of game, Iron Lombax, which is an objective-based mode in which each team must perform the requested tasks before their opponents do.
Size Matters shows off the PSP platform's power. It looks and plays as well as its PlayStation 2 predecessors -- with detailed and fluid animation, explosive weaponry, entertaining cut-scene sequences, and wireless online play for up to four gamers. Despite a couple of minor issues -- including tricky maneuvers and inconsistent button assignments -- Size Matters easily earns its high rating. Overall, it translates well to a handheld format and proves that the PSP is more than capable of delivering a console-like experience while on the go.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about what makes a hero in real life vs. in video games. Would a gun-toting hero be accepted in real life? How do people solve conflicts outside the video game world? Also: The storyline involves a child's abduction, so parents might want to remind their kids to never talk to strangers or get in a car with someone they don't know.
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- Teens & kids
AGE
A fun sci-fi shooting game for tweens.
This is a very entertaining game that shows good friendship between the 2 main characters. There is a lot of shooting and hitting in this game but is all done in a very cartoonish way. There is one enemy that when killed blows up, splattering green goop around you. But it's still okay. Also, Ratchet uses many, many weapons. Including a sniper like weapon that is used blow enemies heads off to a laser that turns them into cows. Ratchet and clank is a very good game though.
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AGE
Great game but not as good as the PS2 ones.
It's a really good game but it's pretty short-it only takes about a week to beat. Also the graphics are excellent for a PSP game. I don't see why a lot of pro reviewers critized the camera. I think it's as good as the PSP can get. Bottom line: Not as good as the first 4 but still a good game.
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AGE
Good for tweens and teens
I have this game, it's very fun,To me the violence is not that bad.
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AGE
fun
this game is more for people who can deal with frustration. in every game, there has to be a part that is a total pain in the ass.
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AGE
this game is a good game for kids.But you can go through the game pretty quikly.
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AGE
A little violent but fine for 7+
I love this game! Best PSP game ever
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AGE
Keeps the kids in the backseat quiet for hours!
This is an average game in the action category. I think that it is really fun and has lots of levels. Sometimes, addictive to a child and they will not stop playing, so keep in good moderation. A tad to violent but not like horror or scary violent. This game keeps them busy for quite a while.
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AGE
Horrible
there is a lot of violence. Game revolves around shooting and horrible title.
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AGE
so freakin' bad!!
On the multiplayer version, there is chat. But there are no freakin' filters!!!!!!!!!!!! I once heard someone say all the cuss words ever known in one message, but there are filters for ;(%$ and etc. Plus, people can murder each other even on chat. I suggest that you don't let kids 10 or younger play the multiplayer version.
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| Platforms: | PSP |
| Available online? | Available online |
| Genre: | Action/Adventure |
| Developer: | Sony Computer Entertainment |
| Release date: | February 14, 2007 |
| Price: | $39.99 |
| ESRB rating: | E10+ for animated blood, fantasy violence. |
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