Ratchet & Clank II, more of the same, and then some!
 

Yes, I've got R&C II and thought I'd like to share. First of all, there isn't too much innovation in gameplay. Yes, there is the ability to upgrade your weapons & heath if you can manage to shoot enough things w/out getting hurt or just shoot enough things to make your gun go transformer on yah.

Beyond that, I haven't seen anything new just yet besides more space battles, a new sort of door lock puzzle, and a new kind of race that doesn't involve the hoverboard.

Platinum Bolts replace Gold Bolts, and there are some various items ala Bolts to be found, but I have yet to find a use for them.

Of course, this isn't to say that its a bad game. Lots of big bad bosses, just like the last R&C, and like R&C1, I think it'll have no trouble beating out Jak II in the big boss department. Lots of weapons & gear... and in fact this is where the game really shines.

Like I mentioned before, weapons can be upgrade w/ usage. But beyond that, you can upgrade weapons w/ Bolts and a certain shady vendor. Also, a fair number of weapons are available from the last game. For free even, if you happen to have a Savegame from the last Rachet & Clank.

Storyline is a bit more fun than the last one, I especially like the E! True Hollywood story commerical on Quark. Speaking of which, I like how this game tries to stray away from the Reset Button. Yes, you start off weapon poor, but Clank happens to have *ALL* his upgrades when he joins you, and like I mentioned some of the old weapons are available for free if you've got an old savegame.

Of course, the RYNO II is still damn pricey, and the RYNO I isn't available.

SWB

I really think the 'RPG'-ish aspects of the game (gaining more health/weapon upgrades from killing enemies) really do add a lot to the gameplay though. It gives you incentive to use a weapon if you want to check out what it's going to change into. I haven't played too far into this one yet (just over an hour), but I'm definitely digging it a lot so far. Platform PERFECTION.

Oh, don't get me wrong the RPG elements *DO* add to the game, but not that much. Thus far, R&CII doesn't have much in variety of missioons aside from get to the goal.

They mix it up as to how you get there, but throwing some different types of opponents, as well as different types of puzzles, but not anywhere near as much as Jak II. Of course, in the secrets department, R&CII still is far superior (finding secret items, as well as skill points. Plus, it wouldn't suprise me if, just like the last R&C, certain controller movements also activated secrets.)

Still, I *LOVED* that swamp beast "secret" boss, that's on the planet where you get the energy activator thingie. You'll also need the magnet boots. As well as lots & lots of long range weapons. I mean you can damage the thing short range, but run the risk of being swallowed.

Sky Warrior Bob

I have no clue what you're talking about as I'm not that far yet. But I plan to be soon. Chances are I'll have this game finished by Friday. :D

Anyways, I agree that the missions are less varied than in Jak 2, but I didn't expect any less. What I've noticed though is that despite less variety, Ratchet 2 seems to be more fun for some reason. Maybe just because I'm digging the easiness of it all after the rough ride that was Jak 2. :p

R&C 2 is fun for the same reason that running a twinked-out D&D character is fun: you get uberness. There's nothing quite as gratifying as tossing some Multi Stars in to a crowded room and watching it suddenly become empty.

And the Mini Nuke. SWEET ZOMBIE JESUS. It may not be as strong as it should be, but slap on an Acid upgrade and watch the chumps burn.

Oh, and the Pulse Rifle... and the Miniturret Glove... and the blessedly inexpensive Seeker Gun...

Yeah, it's fun because it's twinkish.

Where I'm talking about is after you get the magnetic boots from the 2nd Fighting arena, go back to the swamp world on the first planet. Right to the right of that place where the Dynamo activates a bunch of crates to convey towards you, as well as open a door, there's a magnetic flooring.

Follow this floor, and you'll eventually end up a place where there's a mega, mega, *MEGA* monster. But there is a weapon purchase machine just before the monster, in case your interested. Honestly, the prize isn't all that great, just something that opens all crates if you do a jump & smash with you're ratchet.

I just really like the battle.

Sky Warrior Bob
- And what is the deal with Big Heads always being the first secret to be unlocked?

That IS a bit odd, isn't it? :P

Well, before when I responded I didn't have the magnetic boots yet. But now I do. And I'm gonna have to head back to the first planet to get this. Heh. This games just full of secrets, huh?

Ratchet and clank "up your arenal"
 

:D hey did you guys know that the third one comes out tomorrow, november 2nd ? i played the demo and its great, i love those two. the new weapons are really cool and now its going to be a multiplayer game,so i can play it online. woohoo! love it!!

I'm pretty psyched for the third one, but it'll be a while till I pick it up. Too many good games! :\

Me? I could get R&C III, but I'm going to wait until the reviews start pouring in. R&C 2 was too much like R&C 1, and I'm not a huge fan of carbon copies.

Multiplayer doesn't help me, as all I can get local is dial-up and even if Playstation is compatible with that, it isn't worth my time just to buy that equipment.

Besides, I just got Wanted: A Wild West Adventure, the adventure game so I think I should hold off. (Not to mention the Nuklear Power book, Paranoia XP, and a buch of tape traded MST3k.

SWB