Ratchet: Gladiator: The Review

Score: 7.5 out of 10

Overview: "Ratchet: Gladiator takes the beloved Ratchet & Clank formula in a darker, more combat-focused direction. Stripping away many of the series’ platforming elements in favor of an arena shooter experience, Gladiator delivers intense action, satisfying gunplay, and an enjoyable co-op mode. While the shift in tone and gameplay style makes it stand out from its predecessors, it also removes some of the charm and variety that made previous entries so special. It’s a solid entry with plenty of fun to be had, but it may not be what longtime fans were expecting."

The Positives

• Gladiator puts a heavy emphasis on gunplay, and it delivers in spades. With a wide arsenal of upgradable weapons, responsive controls, and explosive firefights, the combat remains engaging throughout the game;
• The game’s structure revolves around completing high-stakes arena battles and objective-based missions, offering a nice variety of combat scenarios and set pieces that keep the action from feeling repetitive;
• One of the standout additions is the cooperative mode, allowing players to tackle the campaign with a friend. Playing through the game with a second player makes for a more dynamic and fun experience;
• The weapons in Gladiator feature a deep level of customization, with mods that let players tweak how their guns function. This adds a nice layer of strategy and personalization to combat;
• While Gladiator leans into a grittier tone, it still retains some of the series’ signature humor, mainly through the returning characters like Clank and Al. The game’s villain, Gleeman Vox, is a solid antagonist, and the dystopian, gladiatorial setup makes for an interesting departure from previous games.

The Negatives

• The game shifts away from the classic Ratchet & Clank formula, removing much of the platforming and adventure elements that defined earlier entries. Fans who loved the exploration aspects may find Gladiator too linear and combat-heavy;
• Unlike the previous games’ diverse planets, Gladiator primarily takes place in industrial and arena-style locations that start to blend together. The lack of varied environments makes the game world feel less memorable;
• While Gladiator still has moments of comedy, the darker tone results in a less charming and quirky experience compared to its predecessors. The absence of classic characters like Captain Qwark also removes some of the series' usual comedic appeal;
• The game is noticeably shorter than previous entries, and the structure of completing mission after mission in combat arenas can start to feel repetitive over time.

The Experience

Ratchet: Gladiator is an exciting, action-packed entry in the Ratchet & Clank series that successfully delivers fast-paced gunplay and an enjoyable co-op experience. However, its departure from the series’ traditional mix of platforming, exploration, and humor may leave some longtime fans wanting more. While it doesn’t reach the heights of its predecessors, it’s still a solid shooter that’s worth playing for those who enjoy combat-heavy action games. If you’re a fan of Ratchet & Clank and don’t mind the shift in focus, Gladiator is an entertaining—if somewhat different—adventure in the franchise.