Going Commando
Hired heroes race to recover a stolen Protopet from a mysterious thief threatening the galaxy.
Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando stands as the second chapter in the original PlayStation 2 trilogy developed by Insomniac Games. Following their victory over Chairman Drek, the duo finds themselves hired by Megacorp CEO Abercrombie Fizzwidget to recover a stolen Protopet, plunging them into a new conflict involving corporate intrigue and a mysterious thief. This entry deepens the lore of the Solanae Galaxy while introducing more complex characters and higher stakes. It serves as a crucial bridge between the initial adventure and the larger threats that would follow in subsequent sequels.
- Antagonist
- The Thief of the Protopet (later revealed as Fizzwidget's assistant)
Lore & Background
After the defeat of Chairman Drek, peace was short-lived across the sectors. The Thief of the Protopet stole a dangerous genetic experiment from Megacorp, and CEO Abercrombie Fizzwidget hired Ratchet and Clank to retrieve it. Captain Qwark, the space hero whose past actions were scrutinized in this conflict, became an unlikely ally. The narrative deepened the bond between the Lombax and his robot companion as they navigated betrayal and danger across new worlds. Their journey highlighted themes of trust and resilience against overwhelming odds.
In Their Own Story
Ratchet wiped sweat from his brow, scanning the wanted posters plastered on the dusty wall of the spaceport. Clank hovered anxiously nearby, his optical sensors flickering with worry. We need to move, the little robot whispered. A bounty hunter's ship descended in the distance, engines roaring like a hungry beast. Ratchet tightened his grip on the wrench. Not today.
Reader's Guide
Released in 2003 for the PlayStation 2, this sequel expands the universe significantly beyond the original title. The premise follows Ratchet and Clank as they are framed for stealing a powerful weapon by Emperor Percival Tachyon. They must evade bounty hunters while uncovering the truth behind the conspiracy. Alongside Captain Qwark, who plays a pivotal role in their mission, the heroes travel to diverse planets filled with new enemies and environments. The game advances the timeline by introducing deeper character dynamics and higher stakes for the galaxy's safety. It also debuted an extensive weapon upgrade system that became a staple of future entries. By defeating Tachyon's forces, Ratchet clears his name but sets the stage for further conflicts. This entry solidified the franchise as a premier platformer-action series on consoles. Combat feels faster and more fluid compared to its predecessor. The story concludes with the immediate threat neutralized, though the galaxy remains vast and dangerous.
Did You Know?
- Introduced the ability to upgrade weapons using Bolts collected during gameplay.
- Marked the second mainline adventure for Ratchet and Clank on PlayStation 2.
- Features a significant role for Captain Qwark in the central narrative arc.
- Expanded the game engine to allow for larger, more detailed planetary environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando?
It is the second installment in the original PlayStation 2 trilogy developed by Insomniac Games, released in 2003. The story follows Ratchet and Clank as they navigate a new conflict involving galactic espionage after defeating Chairman Drek.
Who are the main villains?
The primary antagonist is Emperor Percival Tachyon, a tyrannical ruler who frames the heroes for crimes they did not commit. He threatens the Solanae Galaxy while Ratchet and Clank fight to clear their names.
What makes this game unique mechanically?
This entry introduced the Weapon Upgrade System, allowing players to enhance their arsenal beyond simple purchases. It also deepened the lore of the Solanae Galaxy with more complex characters and higher stakes than the first adventure.
How does the story conclude?
The duo ultimately defeats Tachyon's forces and exposes his treachery to save the galaxy from tyranny. This victory sets the stage for larger threats that would emerge in subsequent sequels within the trilogy.
Why is this game important for fans?
It serves as a crucial bridge between the initial adventure and the larger narrative arcs found later in the series. The plot expands on galactic politics and establishes Ratchet and Clank as seasoned heroes rather than newcomers.
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