Kotaku: Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters

Size Matters PS2 Mutliplayer Details

Mike Fahey — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 09:40:38 MST

With the PlayStation 2 port of High Impact's excellent PSP take on the Ratchet & Clank series just a week away, the official PlayStation Blog posts some details about the game's multiplayer. PS2 Size Matters takes the same amusing multiplayer functionality from the PSP version and splits it in two for split-screen goodness between you and a friend. You get four maps - Island Escape, Danger Valley, Mega Cannons, and Moon Cow Disease - complete with the Iron Lombax special challenges for each map. Personally I miss my R&C online multiplayer, but how much can you really expect from a $29.99 port of a PSP game?

Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters PS2 Multiplayer Details [PlayStation Blog]

Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters Coming To PS2, Officially

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 16:00:00 MST

Looks like Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters appearance on the PlayStation 2 isn't just a well-founded rumor. A recent PlayStation Underground e-mail update shows the former PSP-only game will get the PS2-port treatment, but provides nothing in the way of upgrade details or specific release date. Gamestop says we'll get it in March, Amazon says February. So far, no release date from Sony themselves.

Size Matters PS2 Looking Increasingly Legit

Mark Wilson — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 12:20:13 MST

Not so long ago we mentioned a rumor that Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters might come from the PSP to the PS2 after it had appeared on GameStop's website for $29.99 with a February 2008 ship date.

Now the plot thickens! While we've heard nothing official from Sony or Insomniac regarding the title, GameSpot has updated their page with box art. And even the ESRB has jumped on board by adding the title to their database.

While Size Matters may have induced my most heartbreaking gaming moment of 2007, it also gave me the best experience on the PSP this year. And the experience was complete enough to imagine it on a full-blown console.

I'm just curious—the PSP version of Size Matters used a larger Ratchet to make up for screen size. Will Insomniac tweak the perspective? The PS2's beefier processing power should certainly support a wider level view and a smaller protagonist, so I'm guessing that they will. As for the brilliant "size matters" pun, that part might not translate so well.

Gamestop [via siliconera]

What Was Your Worst Glitch Of The Year?

Mark Wilson — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 13:40:57 MST

With 2007 almost behind us, it's easy to look forward to the bright and beautiful future or look back to good times had by all. But sometimes the more cynical route is the more real, and learning from our past transgressions is the only way to kick ourselves when we make the same future mistakes.

In that particular mindset, we'd like to know your worst gaming moment of 2007—when a bad glitch that had no right to be in a sold copy of a game ruined the experience for you (funny glitches are also acceptable, but frowned upon by our emo side). My personal worst glitch was during Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters (PSP). Some sort of bug occurred about 2/3 through the game while saving, corrupting my progress file. It translated to several lost hours, especially since I'm a gun upgrade whore, and was a big enough blow that I put down the game for good. I tried once to rekindle the magic, but alas, it was gone. And I loved that game.

So what about your worst glitch of 2007? Hit the comments and let us hear it. Then we'll cry together, trash our distant relatives and feel better about ourselves, as is tradition during the holidays.

T-Mobile Brings HotSpot Access To PSP

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 18:40:18 MDT

If you've ever wanted to impress your local Starbucks barista crush with up to the minute news from your PSP RSS reader or your Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters prowess, T-Mobile has you covered. They've announced a deal with Sony Computer Entertainment America to bring hotspot access to PSP owners who've upgraded to 3.30 firmware.

Don't have a T-Mobile HotSpot account? Well, for the first six months (after the first log-in) PSP users can enjoy the service gratis, then decide if they want to keep it going at a "special rate."

I have an account and use it quite frequently for work when I'm away from home, but don't see myself busting out my PSP during my next Hyatt stay. More details are in the release after the jump. Michael McWhertor

Sony Computer Entertainment America Offers PSP(R)(PlayStation(R)Portable) Users T-Mobile(R) Hotspot Access

Online Gaming and Internet Access at T-Mobile HotSpots Now Available to PSP Owners as Part of Latest PSP System Firmware Update

FOSTER CITY, Calif., March 29 — Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced a new firmware upgrade for the PSP(R)(PlayStation(R)Portable) system, version 3.30, enabling PSP users to play compatible games online, surf the Web, and download podcasts at more than 7,000 T-Mobile(R) HotSpot locations, including select Starbucks coffee shops, Borders bookstores, Hyatt Hotels, and more than 70 major airports across the United States.

This limited time promotional offer includes six months of Wi-Fi network access to T-Mobile HotSpot starting at the initial log-in on the T-Mobile HotSpot network for PSP owners who have downloaded the firmware update. Once the six-month period is complete, T-Mobile will offer PSP owners an option to purchase a subscription at a special rate. Details of the post offer will be available directly from T-Mobile. PSP owners must log-in to the T-Mobile HotSpot Network by March 28, 2008, to access the
six-month promotional period.

"This new offer enables SCEA to take portable gaming and entertainment to a new level of mobility and convenience for PSP owners," said Peter Dille, senior vice president of marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "With T-Mobile's service, we're making it possible for the PSP community to connect in new ways and access the online content they want in more places than ever before. More and more PSP users are going online to challenge each other in multi-player games, and we can now make it more convenient to access online gaming as well as the Internet, showcasing the rich feature set that PSP has to offer."

Joe Sims, vice president and general manager, broadband products and services, T-Mobile USA, said, "Through SCEA's offer to PSP owners, T-Mobile HotSpot is expanding the ways customers can stay connected. Now the millions of loyal PSP users in the United States will be able to go online at thousands of T-Mobile HotSpot locations across the country that they may already frequent daily."

PSP users can now enter a T-Mobile HotSpot location and access compatible online games via the PSP's Wi-Fi functionality. Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters, the highly acclaimed newest chapter in the popular franchise, is the first title to take advantage of this new online access, enabling PSP owners to tackle the title's various multi-player options whenever they're at a T- Mobile HotSpot. Additional software titles supporting access to T-Mobile HotSpot locations will be released later this year.

Additionally, this new capability makes it easier than ever to access the PSP system's multimedia features beyond online gaming. PSP owners can take a break from the controls and watch a streaming video or download a podcast while drinking lattes at Starbucks, check out online reviews of the latest book releases while browsing at Borders, or access online city guides for restaurant and nightlife recommendations when passing through the airport or a Hyatt hotel.

Additional Firmware 3.30 Upgrades
The firmware 3.30 update is now available and includes the addition of T- Mobile HotSpot access as well as the following upgrades.
— Full-resolution video — PSP users can now view videos saved on a Memory Stick Duo in full resolution (720x480).
— Thumbnail support — Thumbnail files for video and RSS content can now be displayed.

PSP system firmware updates can be wirelessly downloaded directly to a PSP system using a Wi-Fi connection; downloaded to a PC from http://www.us.playstation.com/psp and transferred to a PSP system through a USB cable; or installed using upcoming UMD(TM) software.

About PSP (PlayStation Portable) handheld entertainment system
PSP is the first truly integrated handheld entertainment system designed to handle multiple applications - music, video, photo, Internet, live and recorded TV, and wireless connectivity, with games as its key feature. PSP system features an unmatched library of entertainment content, totaling more than 200 games and nearly 450 feature films, TV programs, and videos from major studios and record labels, as well as downloadable content from the Internet.

About Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation(R) and PS one(R) game console, the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, and the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system, and the ground-breaking PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system.

Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets, and distributes software for the PS one game console, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and the PSP system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif. Sony Computer Entertainment America, Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment
Inc.

About T-Mobile USA
Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile USA, Inc. is a member of the T-Mobile International group, one of the world's leading companies in mobile communications, and the mobile telecommunications subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom AG. At the end of December 2006, more than 106 million mobile customers were served by companies of the Deutsche Telekom group — 25 million by T-Mobile USA — all via a common technology platform based on GSM, the world's most successful digital wireless standard. T-Mobile's innovative wireless products and services help empower people to connect effortlessly to those who matter most. Multiple independent research studies continue to rank T-Mobile highest, in numerous regions throughout the U.S., in wireless call quality and wireless customer care. For more information, please visit the company's Web site at http://www.t-mobile.com. T-Mobile(R) is a federally registered trademark.

NOTE: "PlayStation", "PLAYSTATION", "PSP" "PS one" are registered trademarks and "PS3" is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Visit us on the Web at http://www.us.playstation.com.

Frankenreview - Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters

Mark Wilson — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 10:30:45 MST

Ratchet & Clank started on the PS2 and it's already turning 6 in videogame years. What looked to be a shallow 3D adventure has proven itself as an involving, rewarding series with great gameplay and funny stories.

But how does the experience translate to the PSP in Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters? (And doesn't the title imply it sucks?) Hit the jump for the Frankenreview: the review that sums up all the reviews, along with our 3D bar graph so you can save your reading energy for cock and fanboy jokes.

1up
"...why doesn't it feel like a Ratchet game?...Perhaps it's for technical reasons: the camera, for instance, which seems to have the hardest time doing its...Or maybe it's the awkward controls, which alter their configuration — sometimes strafing, sometimes turning... Maybe it's the level design, which fails to take either of these technical issues into...Or it could be the fairly uninspired weapon and gadget design...

Game Vortex
The analog nub moves while the face buttons are your primary actions like attack, gadget control and jumping...If the PSP has shown anything, it is that trying to work a two-analog stick system into a one-stick system is a difficult task. Size Matters manages to pull off the conversion...though some actions, like doing a super-jump, are a little too complicated and never seem to work all the time.
PSP Fanboy
Size Matters goes above and beyond by delivering even more gameplay variety. You'll play a small segment of the game as Clank, Ratchet's lovable robot companion...These segments can include squad-based gameplay, or...for example, you'll end up in a Battlebots-inspired arena where you'll have to destroy opposing ...Or, you'll be flying in space as Giant Clank in one of PSP's most impressive sequences. These Star Fox-esque space segments are absolutely mind-numbing...they're almost worth the price of admission alone.

Gamepro
The biggest new addition, however, is the inclusion of different types of armor, which is a great new feature. There are six complete types of armor, and you'll find them in pieces throughout the game. It's all customizable, but once you find and equip a complete set, Ratchet will gain a new ability. For example, the Wildfire armor sets enemies ablaze via Ratchet's now-flaming wrench.
Rocky Mountain News
Ratchet & Clank: Size Matter is the sort of original game that most Playstation Portable owners likely envisioned when that bought the system. It's smart, well-crafted, original, lengthy and most of all, fun...Not only did the game designers manage to capture the essence of this popular franchise, but they delivered it in a way that works on a platform that only has one thumbstick...I think it might be the best title to ever hit the platform.

I don't know, Crecente..."best title to ever hit the platform"? Maybe you should send me your review copy for a second opinion. Mark Wilson

Week in Games: PSP Edition

fdemarco — Sun, 11 Feb 2007 18:00:00 MST

It's a great week to be a PSP owner with 6 new titles, while Wii owners are all aflutter over the new WiiPlay. The PC also has a few titles, including a new MMO. If you've been cautiously hanging on to your game budget, this might just be the week to break open the piggy bank! Flynn De Marco

Ghost Rider (PS2, PSP, GBA) He of the flaming skull rides in to your heart and your PS2.

The Warriors (PSP)
Can you dig it?

Wii Play (WII)
A collection of casual games including billiards, air hockey, tank battles, table tennis rally, Mii poses and a cow-riding race. Comes bundled with a Wii remote!

Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters (PSP)
No matter what they tell you, bigger is better.

Galactic Civilizations II: Dark Avatar (PC)
The expansion pack for Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords laser blasts it's way to your PC.

Test Drive Unlimited (PC)
Racing reinvented. Or so they tell me.

Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure (PSP)
Use a magical drill to bore your way into this cutsey-poo action RPG.

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas (PSP)
Viva la Rainbow Six! Viva la PSP! Viva Las Vegas!

Monster Kingdom: Jewel Summoner (PSP)
Become a Jewel Summoner and fight The Abomination.

Dreamlords (PC)
Another MMO enters the ring.

Chulip (PS2)
Kiss the girls, but don't make them cry.

Disney's Kim Possible: Global Gemini (DS)
Disney's teen spy in an all new DS adventure.