Sticker on the back of the box art
Secret Agent Clank for the PlayStation 2 is a 2009 action-platformer spin-off of the Ratchet & Clank series. Developed by Sanzaru Games, it is a port of the 2008 PSP title. The game shifts the spotlight to Clank, framing the experience as a parody of spy thrillers like James Bond, based on the "Secret Agent" persona introduced earlier in the franchise.
Plot and Premise
The story begins with Ratchet being framed for the theft of a massive gem called the Eye of Infinity. While Ratchet is sent to prison, Clank dons a tuxedo and sets out to prove his partner's innocence. He eventually discovers a conspiracy involving his villainous double, Klunk, who is attempting to frame Clank for planetary destruction.
Gameplay and Mechanics
- Clanks Gadgets: Clank uses a unique arsenal tailored for a spy, such as a Tie-a-Rang (a boomerang bow tie), cufflink bombs, and a holo-monocle for disguises.
- Stealth and Combat: The game emphasizes stealth more than the main series. Players can sneak past guards or perform "Clank-Fu" takedowns. Combat often incorporates rhythm-based button presses or quick-time events.
- Multiple Playable Characters:
- Ratchet: His segments take place in prison, focusing on arena-style combat against waves of enemies.
- Captain Qwark: These levels are exaggerated, comical versions of Qwarks supposed "heroic" exploits.
- Gadgebots: Small robots that Clank commands to solve environmental puzzles.
- Minigames: The gameplay is broken up by various activities, including high-speed vehicle chases and rhythmic dancing sequences used to bypass security.
The PS2 Port Experience
As a port of a handheld game, the PS2 version features slightly higher-resolution textures but retains the PSP's original geometry. It is often noted for having a "tight" camera angle that sits very close to Clank. While it brought the adventure to home consoles, it was sometimes criticized for technical issues like frame rate drops during intense action scenes.
Tone and Style
The game maintains the series' signature humor, focusing heavily on the absurdity of a small robot acting as a suave international super-spy. It features a jazzy, cinematic soundtrack and "vid-comic" style storytelling to match its espionage theme.
