Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault (2012): The Review

Overview

Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault tries to fuse the series’ trademark run-and-gun platforming with tower defense mechanics, and the result is a strange, uneven experiment that never quite finds its rhythm. While the humor and characters are still here, this spin-off abandons much of what makes Ratchet & Clank special in favor of repetitive base defense gameplay and a barebones story. It’s a far cry from the franchise’s high points, and while there’s some fleeting fun in co-op, it often feels like a half-baked detour rather than a full-fledged adventure.

Score: 5 out of 10

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The Positives ✅

Ratchet, Clank, and Qwark are as charming and hilarious as ever, effortlessly carrying the game with their classic banter, even if the story and scenarios feel a bit thin compared to past adventures. The game shines in its pick-up-and-play co-op, offering both split-screen and online modes that are perfect for short, chaotic sessions with friends. While the weapon selection is smaller than usual, staples like the Combuster and Warmonger still pack enough punch to deliver satisfying mayhem. There’s also a touch of light strategy, with players managing defenses and scuttling around the map collecting bolts, adding a tiny but enjoyable layer of planning.

On the plus side, the game comes at a budget-friendly price, making it clear it’s not pretending to be a full-blown mainline entry. For what it asks, it delivers a solid dose of fun, especially for casual players who just want to jump in, blast some enemies, and enjoy the antics of Ratchet and Clank. It’s not the most ambitious adventure in the series, but the familiar characters, co-op chaos, and iconic weapons make it worth a look for fans or newcomers looking for lighthearted, accessible action.

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The Negatives ⚠️

The gameplay quickly wears thin, with a repetitive loop of defending nodes, capturing generators, and rebuilding turrets that offers little variety across levels. Fans of the series’ traditional tight platforming and creative exploration might feel disappointed, as this entry largely abandons those roots in favor of arena-style skirmishes that grow monotonous fast. Even the story barely registers, offering just a thin villain setup and occasional quips, leaving the experience feeling more like a side mode padded out into a full game.

Playing solo only highlights these flaws, with unhelpful AI making missions feel like a slog, and the single-player experience clearly treated as an afterthought. Coupled with low replay value, once a handful of missions are complete, there’s little reason to return, as the game fails to offer meaningful variation or rewards for experimenting with different strategies. Overall, it’s a shallow diversion that struggles to capture the charm or depth that longtime fans expect.

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The Experience 🎮

Full Frontal Assault comes across as an odd experiment that forgets what makes Ratchet & Clank so beloved. Stripped of exploration, story, and the series’ signature creative worlds, it leans heavily on shallow strategy mechanics and repetitive objectives. There’s some fun to be had in chaotic multiplayer, particularly with friends, but as a standalone experience, it ranks as one of the weaker entries in the franchise.

Ultimately, it’s a turret-filled misfire that trades clever platforming for padding, leaving the series’ charm buried under a stack of repetitive arenas. 🛡️🔫🤖💤