Ratchet And Clank: BTN Brings The Feel Of The Console Franchise To iOS In An Endless Runner

Ratchet and Clank: Before the Nexus [BTN] (Free) by Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC is an endless runner that is undoubtedly similar to Temple Run, but with its own uniqueness at the same time. This is the first release of any Ratchet and Clank game on iOS, and also has the ability to sync with the console game Ratchet and Clank: Into the Nexus over Sony's PlayStation Network.

In this installment of the Ratchet and Clank franchise, Ratchet is running along a three-way track, and must avoid obstacles while collecting bolts, which serve as the in-game currency. Obstacles and enemies can be shot at by tapping on them, or avoided, but you should remember that enemies can shoot back. Especially when they are in abnormally large ships that shoot all sorts of madness your way.

While swiping up to jump or left and right to switch between paths, just like in Agent Dash, there are various power-ups available. Also like Temple Run, more can be unlocked and upgraded through the store that is found within the app. I find the power-ups to be both useful and hilarious — especially the one that drops a large disco ball and makes your enemies dance uncontrollably until you shoot them.

Along with power-ups, other items like weapons and armor can be upgraded through the store. Since Ratchet and Clank: BTN is a free-to-play title, you will eventually be asked to shell out some real-world dough to get more bolts, but after a couple hours of playing, I have not found a decent reason to do so. Other than the ordinary bolts that are found along Ratchet's path, the classic character can also collect Raritanium, which is a useful material to sync back to the console game, as well as “hero” bolts, which can be used to revive oneself. Think of the green gems from Temple Run 2.

Despite the similarities between Ratchet and Clank: BTN and the other iOS games mentioned, this title is very worthy of your time. It combines the elements of the these other games with the fun graphics, environments, and feeling of Ratchet and Clank on the console, and for this reason, I found myself playing the game for a couple of hours without even noticing the time fly by.

Ratchet and Clank: BTN [Before the Nexus] is available in the App Store as a free universal download.