Reimagining versus HD Port: What Ratchet and Clank Does Right

Bringing back games from the past has become increasingly popular with all three big video game console companies, and who could really blame them. Throw on a few HD visuals, tweak a few things, and rerelease your title to consumers at nearly the same price as a new release. Don’t get me wrong, I think most companies and developers put in a fair amount of work when creating these HD ports, but no one has done it better than Insomniac, and their latest reimagining, Ratchet and Clank.

Our Ratchet and Clank review goes up today, and while most of the games getting remastered today are hits of yesterday, I have a slightly different way of reviewing something we’ve all see before. I don’t focus on story – which to its credit, is slightly altered in this new launch with new scenes, areas, and animations from the movie – but rather, on what has changed. Some games change a lot, some very little. But more often than not, they all find a way to slap a 50$ or more price tag on their product and make a killing.

Many HD ports are, when compared to their origin, not worth it. The value most of is accessibility. Perhaps you don’t have that PS2 anymore, or your original Xbox no longer works. This is why I think we are tempted to dive into HD remakes head on. That, and it’s a great way to pass the time between big, new releases on our favorite consoles.

We just recently finished our review of Ratchet and Clank, which will go live later together. However, this game really demonstrates what kind of care and effort should go into HD ports. In reality, calling this a port – whether HD or not – is a slap in the face to Insomniac. This is a reimagining. Insomniac has recreated a nearly 15 year old gem, and gave it back to us with updated graphics, new weapons, a new weapon upgrade system, new items to use, new areas to explore, and so much more. This isn’t simply a port of the original Ratchet and Clank. This is something that will feel very new, even to veterans of the franchise.

More developers need to take a page out of Insomniac’s playbook. I’m not here arguing that The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD is not a good title, or that somehow Gears of War Ultimate Edition does not have any value. I’m simply saying that Insomniac has gone to the absolute extreme with their reimagining, making your price of entry much more valuable then other rereleases. Hopefully, more companies will trend this way in the future.