Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal

 PlayStation 2
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 615 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 552 out of 615
  2. Mixed: 30 out of 615
  3. Negative: 33 out of 615
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  1. Gamer147
    Jul 23, 2013
    9
    Out of the three, this is probably the funnest game in the series. I wouldn't know how much fun an adult would have, but I can guess it should still be pretty darn epic!
  2. emlugo123
    Feb 23, 2015
    9
    There is so much customization in this game! I love it! This was the only Ratchet and Clank game that I played on the PS2, but I had so much fun with it! I wish I still had my PS2 so I could relive playing this game.
  3. homer4president
    Oct 12, 2015
    9
    For what the game is mainly all about, (platforming), it excels at it and a whole lot more. From top to bottom, its a very humorous game to play for everyone
  4. Azgar5991
    Aug 10, 2015
    9
    Ratchet and Clank, there is no game more fun than this. Up your Arsenal is one of the best from this saga. The story os good. The gamplay is perfect, the guns are awsome, the levels are perfect, simply one of the best ratchets and clank games.
  5. klyted2
    Apr 16, 2016
    9
    this game is really good although it is a were the **** do i suppost to go this is the kind of game but its really fun in other words you should get this game is you are good at were the **** do i go games
  6. otsegolator
    Feb 9, 2017
    9
    For the longest time, my favorite game was this. Ratchet and Clank: Up Your Arsenal. I beat it over and over until I 100 percented the game, then continued to beat it over and over because I was on a complete power trip with the strongest armor, maxed health, and every weapon on max level, and decimating everything was pure unadulterated joy. But what exactly made Up Your Arsenal soFor the longest time, my favorite game was this. Ratchet and Clank: Up Your Arsenal. I beat it over and over until I 100 percented the game, then continued to beat it over and over because I was on a complete power trip with the strongest armor, maxed health, and every weapon on max level, and decimating everything was pure unadulterated joy. But what exactly made Up Your Arsenal so perfect back then, and what keeps it so good now? I'm gonna take a look at that with this review. Up Your Arsenal does some things better than Going Commando, and it's also missing some things that Going Commando had that I wish it had kept. To start things off, it's feels a lot more polished than the previous two games in the original PS2 trilogy, and I tribute that to a higher level of detail, a perfected lighting engine, a slightly upgraded character models. Everything just looks better. The soundtrack this time around is really making an effort to get you pumped to blow things up, but it also has a little bit more of a dramatic feel to it, to reflect what feels like higher stakes. In reality, the stakes are about at the same level as the original, but you care more about what's happening to the galaxy around you because you get to connect to more of it through the characters, which Insomniac really seemed to put a lot of focus on in this game. In UYA, you have a hub world in the form of the Phoenix, where you get missions from, and can interact with your pals in the Q-Force. It is entirely composed of characters that you talked to like, once in the first game, and then never saw again. This game brings them back, and gives them a bigger role. Flawless writing and top tier voice acting makes each member memorable, and you come to feel like your an important part of a team of professionals and there's a sense of gratification in that. And it makes sense, seeing as this time around, Ratchet is at a higher value to his allies. He's saved two galaxies now, at this point, he and Clank have made names for themselves. Ratchet is now a sergeant in the galactic military and dating the president's daughter. And yes, this game is somewhat military themed. You will be fighting large scale battles with the galactic rangers. This game is a lot more combat heavy, and the RPG mechanics introduced in R&C2 have been fine tuned to fit it. Ratchet's nano-tech leveling system has been tweaked to function in percents now, so that damage reduction with armor can actually be measured in a way that makes sense. And the number of times our weapons can upgrade has been increased. You can now upgrade a weapon four times, the first three awarding you new mods, raising the power levels little by little, and then the fourth drastically increasing the power and destruction in an instant. And yes, mega weapons still exist. And they can also be upgraded multiple times now. As a result, in this game, your weapons have the potential to become far more deadly and destructive than the puny little pea shooters you had in Going Commando, the best of which return for free if you gave a GC save file btw, and have been given the new upgrade system treatment as well. You will become overpowered. And it will be amazing. Mowing down all enemies that cross your path with merciless devastation while the army you command and that of the enemy's fight around you in a glorious, chaotic battlefield. Also at your disposal are two vehicles: the Turbo Slider and Hovership. These sections are fun enough, and they don't overstay their welcome. There are optional things you can do to get more bolts as well. Including galactic ranger battles, and arena battles which make a return. I should also mention the Qwark vid comics that become optional on a challenge mode playthrough, but are mandatory on your first. In all honesty, they can be fun if you're in the mood, but most of the time they're just a roadblock when I just wanna get back to blowing stuff up as Ratchet. The comics themselves are 2D platforming segments where you play as Captain Qwark. They don't show up too often though, thankfully. Platforming does still exist for Ratchet too, so don't worry, it is still within the genre. Despite all the fast paced adrenaline pumped action, the game still has it's drawbacks that honestly make it fall below Going Commando in my eyes. You see, the game gives you the option to upgrade your ship, but all the changes are purely aesthetic, To me, the feature feels wasted because in GC, you could trick out your ride for epic space battles. But here, those battles are absent. And where in the last game the platinum bolts bought you mods for your weapons, since the upgrade system has mods taken care of, they now buy you... skins. I also wish the arena level was more fleshed out. These drawbacks aside, UYA is still a great game, from reclaiming your home planet from an alien invasion in the beginning, all the way to an epic final battle where armies clash at the end. UYA is BAD ASS. Oh. And Neffy… Expand
  7. BlakDak666
    Jun 21, 2017
    9
    While I consider Going Commando better, Ratchet and Clank: Up Your Arsenal is quite fantastic and once again proves how such a short development and staying creative to the formula by refinement and improving can really make an experience better. UYA adds a mix of new and old guns, plays off the game's universe creatively like callbacks to previous characters and using the memory cardWhile I consider Going Commando better, Ratchet and Clank: Up Your Arsenal is quite fantastic and once again proves how such a short development and staying creative to the formula by refinement and improving can really make an experience better. UYA adds a mix of new and old guns, plays off the game's universe creatively like callbacks to previous characters and using the memory card system to rewards fans for their dedication to the series that is creative. Dr. Nefarious is a very goofy but far more intimidating villain and going back to some of the original RAC worlds like Rilgar and Kerwan with a better remix version of those themes were very wonderful. The Rangers are quirky and really play a parody on the modern military shooter. Coupled with the humor that the series had done since the first game and it stays consistent where it never feels old. Difficulty is better addressed in this over GC, but the power of the guns in later runs make it an absolute cakewalk. It also has the same feeling of GC, which isn't a bad thing but a common issue the series would start to face is franchise fatigue and not as compelling changes to the formula. That being said, you'd be hard pressed to find anything to fault UYA that some go back and forth on whether they like GC or this entry more.… Expand
  8. viky109
    Aug 3, 2017
    9
    Probably the best game from the original trilogy. It's basically Going Commando with awesome story and great weapons. Completed the challenge mode 3 times and don't regret it!
  9. aditya1101
    Oct 9, 2017
    9
    Super innovative game that really takes upgrading weapons to a new level. It's a super solid platformer that feels really nice to play and really satisfying to grind through. My only real criticism is that the non-platforming game modes aren't that great.
  10. AKthaBeast
    May 18, 2018
    9
    Everything done bigger and better than the previous 2 and completes the trilogy as far as story.
  11. Pakon
    Dec 24, 2018
    9
    An outstanding platformer game. Both graphics and gameplay are awesome. A must-have PS2 game.
  12. PixelGamer115
    May 1, 2021
    9
    Pretty much the same thing as the second game, in a good way. Silght improvements here and there.
  13. ryman221
    Apr 20, 2020
    9
    9.5 out of 10 - This game, along with Locked and Loaded, was my childhood. One of my favourite games ever made.

    Scoring Scale: 1 - (AWFUL) Among the worst games ever made. The developer should be ashamed. 2 - (VERY BAD) These games are so bad they're insulting. 3 - (BAD) Just bad. Game suffers from a wealth of problems in all areas, very few redeeming qualities. 4 - (MEDIOCRE) A    9.5 out of 10 - This game, along with Locked and Loaded, was my childhood. One of my favourite games ever made.

    Scoring Scale:
    1 - (AWFUL) Among the worst games ever made. The developer should be ashamed.
    2 - (VERY BAD) These games are so bad they're insulting.
    3 - (BAD) Just bad. Game suffers from a wealth of problems in all areas, very few redeeming qualities.
    4 - (MEDIOCRE) A game that has its fair share of serious problems with a few glimmers of quality sprinkled throughout. More than anything it's forgettable.
    5 - (OKAY) For every positive this game has there is just as many negatives. You may be able to find enjoyment in these games however you will likely be met with equal amounts frustration and disappointment.
    6 - (GOOD) There is a decent amount of fun to be had in these games albeit with a few noticeable drawbacks. Worth checking out at some point especially if on sale.
    7 - (GREAT) A game that has some flaws but all in all is a great game worth every penny of its purchase price.
    8 - (AMAZING) Game of the year contender only allowing for some minor flaws.
    9 - (SUPERB) One of if not the best game released that year, truly special.
    10 - (NEAR PERFECT) One of the best games ever made.    … Expand
  14. ZetaZ98
    Jul 1, 2020
    9
    One of the best, and to many, THE best game in the R&C franchise, UYA is a great time for anyone of any age. The game has characters and events that are amusing and funny in a way that can appeal to all ages at once, with gameplay that makes it a great challenge for children, a nice way to casually game for adults, and is enjoyable for all.

    Weapon design, variety, balance, and the    One of the best, and to many, THE best game in the R&C franchise, UYA is a great time for anyone of any age. The game has characters and events that are amusing and funny in a way that can appeal to all ages at once, with gameplay that makes it a great challenge for children, a nice way to casually game for adults, and is enjoyable for all.

    Weapon design, variety, balance, and the game's economy are improved from the 2nd entry, resolving its greatest flaw. However UYA suffers from its short development time, with a minor reduction in length to the game as well as the simplification of level and art design.

    Make no mistake, UYA lives up to its reputation and is a must play for anyone with a PS2 or 3.    … Expand
  15. JoseManuel10_
    Aug 1, 2023
    9
    Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal is a 2004 3D platform video game developed by Insomniac Games and published by Sony.
  16. Gordy
    Jul 6, 2005
    8
    Not having played the first 2 this is pretty good...but why the lack of save points???!!!! You have to complete each stage at a time. B.S!
  17. Hades
    Nov 7, 2004
    8
    This is a good game overall and I am walking into it having NOT played the previous installments but I HAD played both Jak 1 and Jak 2 before playing this. Overall this game is quite fun and very enjoyable, but as far as it being the second coming as these reviews would have you think, it still isn't ~that~ good. Definitely a well-produced game with some great gameplay elements This is a good game overall and I am walking into it having NOT played the previous installments but I HAD played both Jak 1 and Jak 2 before playing this. Overall this game is quite fun and very enjoyable, but as far as it being the second coming as these reviews would have you think, it still isn't ~that~ good. Definitely a well-produced game with some great gameplay elements (online is good too, but a little slow to find games..) the graphics are great and the sfx are awesome. The music, however, kind of lurks in the kiddy/generic range. Also, the characters and story are strictly flat, instead you'll just want to get to the next amazing looking locale to blow up more finely animated enemies. Overall a good game, but not as great as all these reviews make it out to be.… Expand
  18. SergeiG.
    Dec 27, 2004
    8
    Yearly produce games suffers from short story and a very mission driven game kinda like xbox games like splinter cell, rainbow six, ghost recon, new maps to explore the area and then finish the game feeling empty. dont get me wrong the games i mention is fairly enjoyable but dont have the quality of game that was well-thought to have a strong feeling of ( yes ive finish the game and itYearly produce games suffers from short story and a very mission driven game kinda like xbox games like splinter cell, rainbow six, ghost recon, new maps to explore the area and then finish the game feeling empty. dont get me wrong the games i mention is fairly enjoyable but dont have the quality of game that was well-thought to have a strong feeling of ( yes ive finish the game and it feel great) it felt empty when you accomplish the game.… Expand
  19. PeterAlexander
    Jan 6, 2016
    8
    This is the game that put the series of Ratchet and Clank truly on the map. More enemies, more planets, more weapons, more characters, more story, Ratchet and Clank 3 screams more. With an array of innovations, including multiplayer game modes, Ratchet and Clank 3 serves as the overwhelmingly perfect finale to the PS2 trilogy.
  20. caligula_king
    Oct 4, 2015
    8
    Que recuerdos me trae este juego , Tiene buenos gráficos, historia, y armas. Aunque es un juego, lo que se diría, antiguo a que un seguro que muchos niños ( o no tanto niños ) disfrutarían mas con Ratchet & Clank 3 , que muchos juegos actuales .
  21. 2000mudkip
    Apr 20, 2018
    8
    Ratchet and Clank 3 is a great game that is not as good as good as the ones before it, The Multiplayer is great but the level design is a bit repetitive, returning planets are also not very good. This game is actually a lot of fun at parties.
  22. sebastianali
    Apr 14, 2021
    8
    Si bien este juego a comparación del anterior carece de algunas opciones como el bestiario, tiene menos armas y los minijuegos y la historia siguen siendo olvidables, el gran bombazo que se pega este juego es en la jugabilidad que se siente la mas refinada de la trilogía así como el modo multijugador. En lo personal Ratchet 2 me gusta mas, sin embargo, Ratchet 3 esta totalmente a la altura.
  23. Kostas101
    Jul 18, 2020
    8
    Groundbreaking when it came out yet still a great game nonetheless, very fun shooting mechanics, good sense of humor, interesting story, nice characters, decent side content and fun multiplayer.
  24. 09havocworm
    Jul 3, 2019
    8
    I like this game but have my problems. Most people think this is the best one. I personally like the second one better. The story is not as interesting as the first two and the game play not as refined. I still recommend check this one out.
  25. AkitoAK
    Dec 6, 2021
    8
    The reason why i am glad i bought a PS2, even though PS3 was out and was too costly..
    Would love to play again from the beginning..
  26. ChesterField
    May 1, 2020
    8
    One of the quintessential ps2 platforms / adventure, slightly higher than its predecessors although, in my opinion, it still does not reach the level of those of the competition jak and daxter or jak 2.
  27. neojotic
    Aug 31, 2020
    8
    Really great platformer for the PS2 and arguably the best Ratchet and Clank game in the series
  28. MaddoxWhite
    Apr 25, 2021
    8
    The multiplayer mode in this game is a blast. Ratchet and Clank games are always so fun.
  29. EvilPlayer
    Jul 10, 2022
    8
    I hated this game so much, but now I surely know, which things are bad in this game. 1). I think developers shouldn't return old planets, because they got their copies, which are much worse. 2). There could be fully new OST, but many tracks were just moved from R&C 1 and R&C 2 to R&C3. Some tracks got little remixes, but changes aren't so noticeable. Generally, it's good game, but it couldI hated this game so much, but now I surely know, which things are bad in this game. 1). I think developers shouldn't return old planets, because they got their copies, which are much worse. 2). There could be fully new OST, but many tracks were just moved from R&C 1 and R&C 2 to R&C3. Some tracks got little remixes, but changes aren't so noticeable. Generally, it's good game, but it could be better if not those flaws.… Expand
  30. HildaSimp5
    May 14, 2022
    8
    Ok, so Up Your Arsenal is overrated. This was my first Ratchet and Clank game and i do still love it. Its just that there are many things the two games before did better.

    Story is fun enough, Dr. Nefarious is a funny and loveable villian, but Lawrence is also needed and him sometimes roasting Nefarious without the latter realising it is hillarious. In fact, this is one of the funniest RAC    Ok, so Up Your Arsenal is overrated. This was my first Ratchet and Clank game and i do still love it. Its just that there are many things the two games before did better.

    Story is fun enough, Dr. Nefarious is a funny and loveable villian, but Lawrence is also needed and him sometimes roasting Nefarious without the latter realising it is hillarious.
    In fact, this is one of the funniest RAC games of them all. Insomniac should return to the kind of raunchy, edgy humor of this game. The Galactic Rangers have so much fun banter.

    Gameplay is as good as ever. Lots of new and amazing weapons like the Plasma Whip, Shock Blaster and returning weapons like the Agents of Doom, who can now be leveld up!

    Arena combat has mostly been improved. The addition of obstacle courses was great and i wished it was implemented in future games.
    The arena announcer is kinda annoying and its a shame i can't explore the space station that holds the arena combat. Annihilation Nation is a fantastic name.

    The bosses in this game are very good and the final battle against Nefarious is fun and challenging, but the battle against the Biobliterator is just lame.

    Levels is where the game falters for me. They are not as detailed as before and are abit too linear for my taste. I only truly love Florana (mostly due to nostalgia since it was basically the first planet i played in the whole franchise), Qwark's hideout and Koros. All three have catchy soundtracks and are fun to traverse.
    Other planets are fine enough, but not very memorable. Returning levels gets its even worse. Aridia and Blackwater City are there in name only, Blackwater City has that wonderful tune, but could have been a whole different planet all togheter if the theme was not there.
    Kerwan is treated better, but looks nowhere near as good as in the first game and Veldin is allmost completely butchered.

    Collecathon also sucks in this game. Its placed in claustrophobic tunnels, that can make me dizzy and is crawling those annoying ameboids.

    There is no flying, racing or grindrail sections and these things are integral to Ratchet and Clank of ya ask me, at least Flying and Grindrails.

    Music is still very good, though some tracks are reused.

    Up Your Arsenal is a great RAC game for sure, but both the first game and Going Commando are much better imo.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Best PS2 Game of 2004
4
#4 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2004
10
#10 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 65 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 63 out of 65
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 65
  3. Negative: 0 out of 65
  1. Gamenikki
    85
    An enjoyable experience worthy of the Ratchet name...even if we're hoping the next iteration of the series pushes the envelope instead of merely experimenting.
    Read full review
  2. Eurogamer
    80
    One of the best of its genre, of that there is no doubt. But is it really acceptable to release a game that's so similar to the previous two that it would take the most devoted fan to spot the difference at first glance?
    Read full review
  3. GamerArchive
    90
    With a sublime mix of a humorous storyline, fantastic weaponry, some pure comedy moments, and some amazingly solid platforming sections, there's very little to criticise in Ratchet and Clank 3.
    Read full review
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