July 18, 2012September 6, 2012

Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault Adds a Tower-Defense Twist

Hey everyone, James from Insomniac Games here. Our team of veteran Insomniacs in North Carolina has been hard at work developing Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault, and today I’m happy to share new details surrounding Ratchet & Clank’s latest PSN adventure.

Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault heads back to the classic camera, weapons and third-person Ratchet gameplay that the series is known for, while adding a new tower defense element that will have you building and defending a base against invasions using your ultimate Ratchet & Clank arsenal. This new twist, added to the classic Ratchet gameplay, brings a whole new level of strategy and decision-making to Full Frontal Assault. You’ll want to make sure your Hoverboots are laced up and ready as you race to defeat your enemy while keeping your base secure. Wait, Hoverboots don’t have laces…

In Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault, our heroes face a new nemesis – one who has a nasty surprise planned for Captain Qwark. You’ll be able to choose between playing as Ratchet, Clank, or Captain Qwark, and confront an alien army across five levels set on three different planets. The game allows you and a friend to play together with either split-screen or online cooperative gameplay.

Full Frontal Assault will give you a ton of reasons to keep playing, including an online mode we’ll reveal later, as well as loads of upgrades, extra character skins and unlockable content, but we’d like to show you first screenshots of the game here!

Everyone here is very excited to bring Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault to you this fall. In the meantime, for those of you hungering for a Ratchet & Clank fix, be sure to check out the Ratchet & Clank Collection when it launches in the U.S. on August 28th. You may have seen some of the great reviews from the European release.

There will be much more to come from Ratchet & Clank this summer and fall, as we celebrate their 10th Anniversary! To keep up with the latest news, be sure to like Insomniac Games on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.

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174 Comments

37 Author Replies

MaestroX
July 18, 2012 at 9:07 am PDT

tower defense? :/
- James Stevenson
  July 18, 2012 at 9:33 am PDT
  
  It’s a tower defense twist- not a full on TD game. It’s still the same Ratchet action you love, but you now have an additional layer of strategy in building and defending your base
G-Force08
July 18, 2012 at 9:09 am PDT

Sounds interesting. Is this tower defense element sort of like what we have in Starhawk? A build and battle type of thing?

Either way, I love R&C and can’t wait to play!
tacotaskforce
July 18, 2012 at 9:10 am PDT

This phase of a franchise always makes me sad. The “Well we’ve done everything we can think of with the premise, time to change it into a completely different game” phase. I hope Overstrike comes out soon so that you don’t have to run in place with finishes franchises anymore.
Heavenly_king
July 18, 2012 at 9:12 am PDT

This game has story mode?? Or it is just level, after level, after level without much story involved?? Or maybe it is like quest for booty??
- James Stevenson
  July 18, 2012 at 9:33 am PDT
  
  There is a story and a new villain
whitwhit
July 18, 2012 at 9:13 am PDT

Love me some ratchet and clank. Is there going to be anything going on with PS Plus such as 20% off launch day or something of that nature. Thanks in advance!
- James Stevenson
  July 18, 2012 at 9:34 am PDT
  
  That’s up to Sony who controls all the pricing / promotions
ERC1980
July 18, 2012 at 9:14 am PDT

looking forward to this!

Question for you James:

can you say anything regarding the graphics engine. there were parts in A4O that made me say WOW.
So will this be the best looking Ratchet game yet?
- James Stevenson
  July 18, 2012 at 9:34 am PDT
  
  Same engine as All 4 One!
So_Ace
July 18, 2012 at 9:17 am PDT

This sounds awesome! I also hope there is a full on classic style Ratchet game in the future
CrusaderForever
July 18, 2012 at 9:19 am PDT

This sounds great as I am a huge R&C fan as well as a tower defense fan. Do you have any plans to release Full Frontal Assault or a different R&C adventure on the Vita in the future? Cannot wait to play FFA and the R&C Collection!
- James Stevenson
  July 18, 2012 at 9:34 am PDT
  
  We’ve only announced it for PS3 at this point
BlooodyCow
July 18, 2012 at 9:20 am PDT

“Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault heads back to the classic camera, weapons and third-person Ratchet gameplay that the series is known for”
Hell yeah, good to see you guys are going back to the formula that everyone loved about Ratchet and Clank…..

“while adding a new tower defense element”
Oh hell no. Will not be buying this game now.

why do developers continue to add unnecessary changes games we comes to loved.
thanks but no thanks. You guys did it to the Resistance franchise and you are doing it to the Ratchet and Clank Franchise.
- James Stevenson
  July 18, 2012 at 9:35 am PDT
  
  It’s a twist to the existing gameplay. It’s still the Ratchet you know and love, but there’s a whole new layer of strategy added.
Cyris
July 18, 2012 at 9:26 am PDT

I don’t think I’ll ever play another Insomniac game again, and that’s pretty sad. With the way they’ve been handling themselves lately, pumping out mediocre games, giving up on Resistance, turning Ratchet and Clank into a mediocre franchise, and going multiplat as well as making a facebook game, I don’t know what you guys are trying to do anymore.

You used to be in the same ranks as Naughty Dog, and above Sucker Punch. Now, ND is lightyears ahead of you, and Sucker Punch has surpassed you. They have both moved on to make PS3’s best franchises, while you guys a struggling to figure out where your place is this gen. They kept the priorities in check, and took their time to make great games. How many games are you guys working on at the same time? When did you hire 900 people?

I want the old Insomniac back.
- James Stevenson
  July 18, 2012 at 9:36 am PDT
  
  I guessed I missed Ratchet & Clank becoming a mediocre franchise.
luvtoseek
July 18, 2012 at 9:27 am PDT

Looks great!
Xer0Signal
July 18, 2012 at 9:27 am PDT

@no.8 “why do developers continue to add unnecessary changes games we comes to loved.”

Because, unless it’s Call of Duty, people won’t buy the same game over and over again.

I don’t like tower defense either, but, I’m still interested in hearing more about this. Extra curious about the online mode that’s been teased in two blog posts, now.
- James Stevenson
  July 18, 2012 at 9:36 am PDT
  
  the online is awesome. that is all :-)
Squiggle55
July 18, 2012 at 9:28 am PDT

Ratchet & Clank and Tower Defense are two of my very favorite things. You guys are the best.
FearMonkey
July 18, 2012 at 9:29 am PDT

So is the Qwark stuff like the 2D stuff from UYA or do you play as Qwark in the same way as Ratchet? Cuz I’m not sure I want to play as Qwark that way. :p
- James Stevenson
  July 18, 2012 at 9:37 am PDT
  
  You can play as Qwark and Clank the same way as Ratchet. So you can play R & Q, R & C, or C & Q depending on what you and a friend choose
ReptileHand
July 18, 2012 at 9:32 am PDT

Change could be good. I’m a big tower defense junkie and have been as a kid.

Although I’m sure people would’ve been happier with a 2-hour campaign.

I mean, gosh, you really expect a full fledged title? It’s a downloadable title. I’m sure they have another Ratchet and Clank game up their sleeves for the console.

I love Insomniac Games so much. You’re my favorite developer. I’m playing a little bit of All 4 One everyday even if it is by myself, I’m enjoying it.

I’m curious to see how this new twist will pan out.
- James Stevenson
  July 18, 2012 at 9:38 am PDT
  
  This game has a LOT of meat to it. I think people will be surprised what they get. There is also a ton of replay value.
Seeing_Red_Again
July 18, 2012 at 9:33 am PDT

Tower-defense sounds like it could be a hassle.

Oh and since we’re on the topic of Ratchet & Clank, when you guys make a new R&C for the ext PlayStation console next gen make sure to put in a competitive online mode made after the one you guys did in Up Your Arsenal. That would make Ratchet & Clank much more relevant again. I hope you consider this advice
- James Stevenson
  July 18, 2012 at 9:38 am PDT
  
  Well, the HD Collection restores UYA’s online multiplayer… and we do have an online mode for this game as well…
  
  And finally – the tower defense is a twist, but it’s still the action packed classic Ratchet gameplay you love
detictiveconan
July 18, 2012 at 9:33 am PDT

I will buy this. I’m exited to see the new tower defense mechanic, I think the gameplay shift will fit great into the “Fun-sized” aspect of this game.

If it turns out to have a good multi player focus with some competitive base building it would fix the problem of it not being a full sized story/adventure which is what felt wrong about Quest for booty.
FearMonkey
July 18, 2012 at 9:33 am PDT

Oh.

It’s co-op again.

*sigh*

But it’s Ratchet so I’ll get it anyway. The Tower Defense stuff sounds interesting at least.
- James Stevenson
  July 18, 2012 at 9:39 am PDT
  
  It’s only co-op if you want it to be. You can play alone and it’s classic-style Ratchet third-person gameplay.
gerneric123
July 18, 2012 at 9:34 am PDT

It would look really nice on the Vita’s screen.
JediRaziel
July 18, 2012 at 9:36 am PDT

I’m going to have to agree with #8 on this. I LOVE R&C, but completely HATE Tower Defense. Seriously, it’s the reason I won’t play the South Park games either. Old-school R&C platforming, shooting action is where it’s at. I guess I will just have to enjoy the HD Trilogy in late August and skip Full Frontal. Damn. :(
Gadirok
July 18, 2012 at 9:37 am PDT

Awesome! I love tower defence games like Pixel Junk Monsters and I’m happy its joining Ratchet and Clank!
Vinland_Krauser
July 18, 2012 at 9:37 am PDT

Are we going to have traditional gameplay with some tower defense in the intervals or the contrary?
I remember setting up traps with some weapons, activating automated turrets on the stages, luring enemies into pits and flames… if this is what’s going to happen in a bigger scale, I’m expecting for an awesome game!
But please, don’t forget the basic R&C experience, guys. Everything else is icing on the cake.
- James Stevenson
  July 18, 2012 at 9:40 am PDT
  
  It’s all combined is the best way to put it, but this is still an action game – it’s not something where you will spend time putting up towers and waiting around – you’re able to use your hoverboots and get into the fight.
  
  It’s not a “tower defense game.” It’s a “Ratchet game with a tower defense twist”
ERC1980
July 18, 2012 at 9:38 am PDT

Will there be a platinum trophy James?
- James Stevenson
  July 18, 2012 at 10:08 am PDT
  
  I think so, but not sure yet. We will try
RedWaltz79
July 18, 2012 at 9:39 am PDT

Will this game be a precursor to a new full blown Ratchet & Clank game to be released in the next few years? Maybe have a cliffhanger at the end of the story?
andranavrt
July 18, 2012 at 9:40 am PDT

Awesome!!! Cam’t wait! I’m still playing the first game haha
Ejsponge61
July 18, 2012 at 9:42 am PDT

It sounds like it’ll be largely wave based. I can’t think of a way they can add tower defense elements without it being wave based. Either way, though, I’m excited to get my hands on it. I think the gameplay of R&C would work very well with tower defense elements. And it’s nice that co-op is back, but now with the original gameplay we R&C fans prefer. And I’m actually almost done with All 4 One; that finally boss is just impossible!
FearMonkey
July 18, 2012 at 9:43 am PDT

James Stevenson said: “It’s only co-op if you want it to be. You can play alone and it’s classic-style Ratchet third-person gameplay.”

Yeah, but am I playing as just Ratchet with Clank on my back helping me to do jumps and stuff or will Clank and Qwark be AI allies fighting next to me? If it’s the latter, then it’s kind of annoying because they do stuff I don’t want them doing all the time. Plus there’s less challenge if they’re helping me.
DarkMegamanSX900
July 18, 2012 at 9:43 am PDT

This is looking good so far can’t wait for the collection will there be trophies in this game?
remanutd5
July 18, 2012 at 9:44 am PDT

AWESOME!!!! extremely excited for Full Frontal Assault but you know what would be EPIC? if this game comes to the vita as well, i wish i could play all first party games on both systems ( ps3 and psvita ) , i have just beat All 4 One and it was fun, only thing i didnt like was the camera set up and the controls, who came up with the idea of controlling the weapon wheel with the right analog stick? he needs to be fired lol, kidding but yea seriously that was a pretty bad idea and really happy to see Ratchet and Clank going to classic camera view.

so when are they making the official Ratchet and Clank playstation all stars battle royale announcement? they must feature in that game, they MUST.
Cyris
July 18, 2012 at 9:44 am PDT

@James

“I guessed I missed Ratchet & Clank becoming a mediocre franchise.”

So you made All4One and just shoved it out to stores without looking at the responses from fans and critics? Nice.
- James Stevenson
  July 18, 2012 at 10:10 am PDT
  
  Well, I think All 4 One is a lot better game than it is given credit for. It’s definitely one of the best family / co-op games out there. We have received amazing letters and emails from families who have played together.
  
  But even if A41 isn’t your cup of tea, one game hardly makes the franchise mediocre
Butters360
July 18, 2012 at 9:45 am PDT

Where exactly does this fit into the storyline. I’ve bought all the Ratchet Games so far but have yet to play them. I want to experience the story in chronological order. Thanks!
- James Stevenson
  July 18, 2012 at 10:12 am PDT
  
  Post All 4 One
RedWaltz79
July 18, 2012 at 9:46 am PDT

So why aren’t Future Tools of Destruction or Crack in Time available to buy on the PSN? And when are they getting trophy support?
- James Stevenson
  July 18, 2012 at 10:19 am PDT
  
  Crack in Time has trophies. It isn’t possible for us to add them to TOD. They both are giant games size wise though and I’m not sure either was built with the PSN download hooks at the time
remanutd5
July 18, 2012 at 9:48 am PDT

ohhh and i’m dying to play a Ratchet and Clank game on the vita. heck i would even take Quest for Booty right now
Zezzler
July 18, 2012 at 9:49 am PDT

All of the screenshots show just Ratchet. What happened to the good ol’ Ratchet and CLANK combo we know and love? Sure the hover boots are kinda cool, but I really missed having Clank in Crank in time. please tell me he will be in Frontal Assault.

Also, split-screen co-op should be cool!
- James Stevenson
  July 18, 2012 at 10:17 am PDT
  
  Clank is his own fully playable character. And yes, there is split-screen co-op
Shin-Ra
July 18, 2012 at 9:49 am PDT

Normally I’m cursing people for jumping to conclusions about how new mechanics are going to work out but I think a bit more clarity is needed here.

If self-contained, infrequent parts of levels have tower defence gameplay, it won’t disrupt the normal flow of R&C gameplay. If it’s a constant thing, it’s very difficult to imagine how that mixes with classic R&C because you could never travel very far from what you’re protecting.
- James Stevenson
  July 18, 2012 at 10:15 am PDT
  
  Let me put it this way – its still very fast paced, hover boot infused action packed gameplay. But there are some new twists in terms of being about defending your base vs going through corridors of enemies. It it a successor in some ways to the battlefields in Up Your Arsenal. Regardless, action gameplay is king, but there is a new layer of strategy
remanutd5
July 18, 2012 at 9:50 am PDT

at 31 A Crack in Time has trophy support, i have the platinum!!! and i dont think they will add trophy support on Tools of Destruction, it would be really kool but i dont think it will happen
themajestic-2
July 18, 2012 at 9:50 am PDT

i love the ratchet and clank games but i hate tower defense games more than any genre. this is bad news to me
RoyalXIII
July 18, 2012 at 9:51 am PDT

Tower defense? After Assassin’s Creed Revelations, that’s the last thing I want to hear. I hope you guys do a better job, I don’t want to not replay it because of it. On another topic, I love this art style for R&C, but you guys aren’t giving up the Crack in Time style are you? I miss it.
Seeing_Red_Again
July 18, 2012 at 9:53 am PDT

@ James Stevenson

I am definitely psyched about returning to the multiplayer in the HD Collection, but my comment was on the future of Ratchet & Clank. And what you said about Up Your Arsenal’s competitive multiplayer sounds like you guys have no interest or plans in incorporating it in future Ratchet & Clank games which is disappointing.

Many of us R&C fans were disappointed in the PS3 installments of the series not ever having an online mode that is designed after the fantastic competitive multiplayer in UYA, and I really cant fathom why as R&C is one of the few 3D Platformers that can exist and stay relevant in the current gaming world that is largely focused on online gaming and player vs. player. That multiplayer you guys created in UYA in a future R&C game would make people so much more hyped and draw in more people who would regularly not give the game a chance without a competitive online since that is their ultimate point of interest when it comes to gaming. It’s a huge strength which to me seems like Insomniac is ignoring
- James Stevenson
  July 18, 2012 at 10:16 am PDT
  
  We haven’t revealed the online mode for this game yet.. I think you will be pleased
AIRNIN
July 18, 2012 at 9:58 am PDT

So you said in the post that we can play as Ratchet, Clank, or Quark. Do we not get to play as Ratchet AND Clank?

I enjoy playing with both characters, and I’d rather play as Ratchet over playing as Clank if given the choice, so thanks for the choice. I don’t mind it if we don’t get to play as both, it’s just that I enjoy the simplicity of getting around when Clank’s got my back, lol.
LABARONX
July 18, 2012 at 9:59 am PDT

if you couldn’t tell by my avatar, i am a huge fan of the Ratchet & Clank series and absolutely thrilled Insomniac is still committed to the IP

Full Frontal is sitting on my must buy list and the tower defense element has me extremely intrigued…. excited to see what kind of weapons you all have planned for this game……

also my copy on rc collection is already pre-ordered and my most anticipated game this fall

like many would love to see the series on vita and ps4…. but thanks for the psn release

KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!!!!
RCRDT21
July 18, 2012 at 9:59 am PDT

please release it in physical fornat, if is released in digital i’m afraid i’ll not be able to buy it
GhostMachine1
July 18, 2012 at 10:00 am PDT

I love mild tower defense stuff! I am UNDOUBTEDLY picking this up! :D
MarcoRelius
July 18, 2012 at 10:02 am PDT

Sounds interesting. Im looking forward to it!
quagers13
July 18, 2012 at 10:02 am PDT

I’m a massive R&C fan played them all since the original came out on PS2 however I have a bad feeling on this. To me All4One was a nightmare, I applaud them for trying to do something new and bring co-op in like we all wanted but it just didn’t work for me. Now this seems like they are trying to be a little different again. Whilst i’ve loved the series for so long I wish they would let it go now, the reputation of the game is dipping and its time to let it loose and start something new. The game has reached its full potential and like they’ve moved on with Resistance they should do the same with R&C.
Urethra-Alfredo
July 18, 2012 at 10:03 am PDT

So…this is a real Ratchet and Clank game?

Because, as a long standing PS Plus member, I finally got around to playing All 4 One.

It was horrendous. The digital equivalent of whatever dribbles out of a sickly dog’s backend. Not at all something that should’ve received the R&C branding.

What concerns me is that this is being made by Insomniac’s South Carolina studio…the same studio that mollywopped me with their interminably agonizing multiplayer-centric effort.

All I want is some good old-fashioned, single-player, too many weaponed hilarious Ratchet and Clank goodness. With a third person camera. And a solid story…where the main menu doesn’t have the gall to flippantly ask you “what level?”

I was hoping for a final entry in the “Ratchet and Clank: Future” series, but as long as this isn’t bunk…I’ll take it.
- James Stevenson
  July 18, 2012 at 10:21 am PDT
  
  Crack in Time was the final Future game. And if you want to play single player, classic camera, third person Ratchet, this game will be right up your alley
Hi-Q47
July 18, 2012 at 10:11 am PDT

Strategy… sounds like one I won’t be able to finish.
- James Stevenson
  July 18, 2012 at 10:22 am PDT
  
  It’s a later of strategy – the core gameplay is still about your ability to use your weapon and master the classic Ratchet gameplay
aro52
July 18, 2012 at 10:12 am PDT

After AC: Revelations, “Tower defense twist” makes me cringe, but I have faith in you Insomniac!
Satnamji
July 18, 2012 at 10:13 am PDT

Looks like I’ll be playing old and new Ratchet & Clank games from September through the end of the year–especially with online components in both Full Frontal and the R&C HD Collection (who needs CoD? lol)

By the way, will Full Frontal have a platinum trophy and will there be online trophies?
snakeeyes211
July 18, 2012 at 10:16 am PDT

Will the game supports 3-D?…