Ratchet & Clank 3: Platinum (PS2)

This third entry in the series sees the odd couple returning to the Planet Veldin from the first game and getting involved in another nonsensical adventure that this time features Captain Qwark as a playable character. There's also fifteen new weapons with up to four levels of upgrade, new vehicles like the Turbo Slider and the Hovership and a revamped artificial intelligence for the enemy to provide that extra challenge.

Despite all this though the major new feature in Ratchet & Clank 3 is the new multiplayer mode. Offline up to four can compete in various split screen modes or you can go online and play an eight-player challenge in modes such as standard deathmatch, capture the base and siege. These follow the same principles as PC games such as Unreal Tournament 2004 (even down to the inclusion of vehicles) but are much easier to get into and play.

The single player mode is still as engaging as ever but with the extra longevity offered by multiplayer this is one sequel that seems to be going out of its way to offer something new. --David Jenkins