Ratchet & Clank (2016) review: Platformer perfection on PS4?

Timed to coincide with the Ratchet & Clank movie, this is the first time two of Sony’s most-loved platform-exclusive heroes have officially appeared in their own game on PlayStation 4. And although fans might be bemused at first with how familiar it all seems, newcomers couldn’t have hoped for a better current-gen debut.

That’s because it is stunning – easily the best-looking platformer on the PS4. It is also packed with content, providing plenty of blasting, puzzling and leaping action. And it offers enough of a challenge for experienced and casual gamers alike.

The catch, for Ratchet & Clank fans, is that even though it looks fresh and up-to-date with its visuals and presentation, it’s actually a remake of the very first game, released on the PlayStation 2 in 2002. As such, those who played that or the HD version on PS3 as part of the Ratchet & Clank Trilogy collection, will be taken down memory lane throughout.

So is Ratchet & Clank in 2016 a wonderful trip down memory lane, or just a yawnsome rehash of same-old content?

Ratchet & Clank PS4 review: Rebuilt from the ground up

Because it’s re-worked content isn’t necessarily a reason to dismiss this game though. Seasoned Clankers can take great heart in the fact that developer Insomniac hasn’t just slapped on a new coat of paint, as with many other remasters or reissues. It has almost rebuilt the game from the ground up.

Not only does it look a million dollars, it also has tonnes of new content, tweaked original gameplay, and all-new cut scenes – many of which have been taken from the movie.

In short, it serves as both a great introduction to the characters for newfound fans of the movie, while providing plenty of extra elements to keep the old guard happy. Win-win.

Like the new movie, the story starts at the beginning, when Lombax mechanic and Galactic Ranger wannabe Ratchet meets his robot buddy Clank for the first time. And it’s refreshing to revisit that tale with a fresh look, better animation, new voice acting and a keener sense of humour (although some of the jokes are clangers).

It’s also great to encounter their first dalliances with the always funny superhero buffoon that is Captain Quark. Not all the comedy in Ratchet & Clank (or the many previous games) works, and some of it is simply puerile for anyone over the age of 13, but it’s harmless and capable of raising a titter here and there.

Sony Computer Entertainment / Insomniac Games

Some of the best gags are self-referential, such as an opening joke about playing a game based on a movie based on a game. And having recently revisited the original Ratchet & Clank, there has clearly been some deft script editing and extra work done on bringing some of the themes and mirth up to date.

Ratchet & Clank 2016 review: Familiar gameplay

The menu systems are similar to before, although updated in style and functionality to match more recent PS3 remake efforts. You can buy new weapons and upgrade existing ones from Gadgetron Vendors scattered around the many visitable levels and worlds, which open into their own user interfaces.

Through these you can now beef-up weaponry through individual upgrade grids, by spending the reasonably-hard-to-come-by Raritanium (which almost sounds like an Avatar joke – only it wasn’t a joke in that movie). This feature wasn’t available in the original game and was introduced in later sequels. Favourite blasters and the like from later games have also been added, and can be bought in exchange for blots collected throughout the game.

Sony Computer Entertainment / Insomniac Games

We have always been big fans of Mr Zurkon, the floating robot helper with a psychotic demeanour, so we’re thrilled that he’s as feisty and useful as always.

The mission and travel menu systems are refreshed more than a little too. Throughout the game, the story will continually point you in new directions, to new planets where plot points will play out. However, as each is discovered and unlocked they are added to a galactic map list so you can choose to revisit previous levels whenever you like.

This is important as each level doesn’t just feature elements of the story missions, but there are secrets and optional side quests too. Some of these cannot be completed on the first visit either because, as the story progresses, Ratchet and Clank’s abilities are enhanced, meaning tricky-to-reach areas on early landscapes might be suddenly accessible thanks to a rocket pack or magnetic boots picked up later down the line. This encourages further exploration and expands the game’s running time somewhat.

Ratchet & Clank 2016 review: New additions

There are also sections on planets that divert from the action-platforming gameplay. There is a hoverboard race segment, for example, that plays like a cross between Wipeout and Mario Kart. A new flying sequence has been added. And there are even all-new planets that didn’t feature in the first game at all.

Sony Computer Entertainment / Insomniac Games

The controls, too, are more familiar to those used in later Ratchet & Clank outings, with a customisable quick-select option on the D-pad for the large array of weapons. Certain puzzles on levels have also been enhanced or changed entirely.

But perhaps the biggest addition to the all-new Ratchet & Clank comes in the form of collectable cards. Scattered throughout levels, and often requiring puzzle-solving skills to attain, are holocards. They also sometimes pop-up while defeating waves of aliens and enemies. They aren’t just for show though, as collecting ranges of three will give our hero special boosts and bonuses; they can also be used to obtain some of the game’s more elusive weapons. This further adds to the exploration of each world, and gives extra incentive to return.

Indeed, when a game looks this good and plays as intuitively as any other platformer out there on the market, you’ll want to wring it dry before declaring the game finished. You won’t be satisfied until you search every nook and cranny of the new Ratchet & Clank – and even then you might decide to start again on a harder level.

Verdict

We’ve only recently completed the PS3 HD remaster of the original Ratchet & Clank, but were more than happy to plough through it again on PS4. The levels that overlap are extremely similar in layout and goals, but the amount of extra content added pleasantly threw us off-balance often. The game is so stunningly good-looking that it’s also a joy to complete it again just to see everything in a new light.

It helps that the PlayStation 4 is largely devoid of decent 3D platformers so this now sits happily atop a very small pile. And let’s not forget that it is a movie licensed title, something of a rarity these days. That in itself harks back to the early 2000s, when movie tie-ins where nine-to-the-dozen. There’s one major difference compared to many of those, though: Ratchet & Clank is actually good. Splendid in fact.

Smart umbrella tells you when it’s going to rain

Everything is connected these days, so why not an umbrella? Oombrella is an upscale parasol that alerts you if it’s going to rain before you head outside and reminds you not to leave it behind. That’s a neat idea, but is it worth a $75 (€64) bet on Kickstarter? Clement Guillot (above), the Paris-based entrepreneur behind it certainly thinks so, and was recently at the Hacking Hôtel de Ville event in Paris to find more backers. I was able to check out the device and found it to be a charming use of connected tech, though the price may dissuade many folks.

Oombrella tries hard to be worth it. It has Kevlar ribs to maximize wind resistance, and the “shiny” style canopy is a head-turner. It even has a camera screw on top to double as a GoPro selfie/boom pole. However, similar weather-resistant dumb umbrellas can be had for under $30. So most of what you’re paying for is the “capsule” tucked inside Oombrella’s handle, which can be bought separately for €29. It’s a mini weather station with temperature, pressure, humidity and light sensors on board. Those communicate with a smartphone app via Bluetooth LE to perform a variety of functions.

The company behind Oombrella already has a weather platform called Wezzoo with some 200,000 users. The app uses that system to give you a 15 minute warning when it’s about to rain so you can grab it before heading out. Another feature is “forget me not,” which helps ensure you don’t lose Oombrella by notifying you when you stray too far away from it.

As with other connected devices, there are tracking and social functions. You can see the stats of your last rainy trip, including where you went, how much you used it and what the weather was like. You can also spot other Oombrella users in the area using the social functions. A nice touch is a handle light that blinks when you get a call or message, in case you can’t hear your phone during a torrential downpour. If you let it, Oombrella can also “collect data and share it with the community to make hyperlocal weather data more accurate,” according to Wezzoo.

The idea of a stout umbrella that reminds you to bring it when it’s raining and helps makes sure you don’t leave it behind it is nice use of connected tech. However, the price may be a touch high for many folks. While Oombrella has sold out at the €59 ($67) early-bird pricing on Kickstarter, the €64 ($73) and up offerings are still available. The campaign is €10,000 short of its €59,000 goal, but if you’re a weather nerd or want a high-end umbrella that doubles as unique connected device, there’s a week left to grab one.

Hiring a robot waiter can cost you your business

If you’ve ever whined that employing people means dealing with their personal messes, don’t think hiring robots can make your life any better. Two restaurants in China have been forced to close after replacing their flesh-and-bone waitstaff with robots turned out to be a terrible mistake. According to the Worker’s Daily (translated by Shanghaiist), the expensive droids were incapable of taking orders, carrying soup or pouring water. That means that a sophisticated artificial intelligence is being outdone by a 17-year-old on minimum wage with their head in a cloud of marijuana smoke.

A few years back, we reported on comments made by Song Yugang, the owner of another robot restaurant. At the time, they said that, compared to living employees, robots “can’t get sick or ask for vacation,” although as it turns out, they are able to pour drinks. On the upside, it’s a lot easier to fire a robot: simply tell them to deliver a takeout order to your nearest car crusher and make sure nobody spots the single tear of oil running down their plastic cheek.

Codemasters snaps up ‘Driveclub’ developer Evolution Studios

It was a sad day when Sony decided to drop Evolution Studios from its pantheon of first-party video game developers. Following the announcement, it was unclear what would become of the company best known for creating Driveclub and the MotorStorm franchise. Well, now we have an answer. Codemasters, another racing specialist in the UK, will be picking up the company on April 25th. It’ll create something of an independent super-studio, with Mick Hocking, co-founder of Evolution, taking on the role of VP Product Development at Codemasters.

It’s unlikely that Evolution will work on another Driveclub or MotorStorm game. Those franchises are owned by Sony, meaning the studio will probably move on to something new. That could be its own project, or something co-developed with the rest of Codemasters, which have flourished through the GRID, DIRT and F1 franchises. Whatever it makes next, there’s every chance it will be multi-platform, given that the team is no longer funded by Sony. That means, potentially, more racing titles on Xbox One, PC and, perhaps, whatever Nintendo is cooking up next.

Source: Codemasters

Apple Watch Shipments Expected to Decline 25% in 2016 Despite Apple Watch 2 Launch

Apple Watch shipments will decline more than 25 percent year-over-year in comparison to 2015, according to a new research note issued by KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The wearable device sold an estimated 10.6 million units in eight months last year, but Kuo predicts that even with the launch of the Apple Watch 2, and a full twelve months of sales, the device’s shipments will still come in at less than 7.5 million units in 2016.

The analyst describes an “immature wearable device market” and a few key lacking features of the first-generation Apple Watch — iPhone independency, no killer app, limited battery life, etc. — that will contribute to its overall sales decline prior to the launch of the second-generation version. Kuo believes that the Apple Watch 2 will enter mass production in the third quarter of 2016, in line with a fall launch alongside the iPhone 7, so its overall contribution to shipping numbers for the year is predicted to be limited.

Kuo’s note also predicts some of the features of the next version of the Apple Watch, which is expected to adopt the same upgrade cycle as the iPhone. In essence, 2016’s Apple Watch 2 will see some under-the-hood spec improvements and possibly minor form factor changes, while fans will have to wait until 2017 for a massively redesigned wearable from Apple. The similar design is one of Kuo’s biggest reasons for declining Apple Watch shipments in 2016, despite even the uptick in sales the device could have during the holiday season.

The recent KGI Securities research note directly conflicts with a report from less-reliable Apple analyst Brian White, released last Friday, that predicted the Apple Watch 2 will not only launch in two to three months, but adopt a 40 percent slimmer case design. That launch window would put a reveal by Apple at WWDC in June with a launch following a few weeks later.

In either launch scenario, the Apple Watch 2 is rumored to have a bevy of feature improvements over its predecessor, including a FaceTime video camera, an expansion of its Wi-Fi capabilities, and new model tiers. Rumored casings of the next iteration of the device could possibly even incorporate new materials such as titanium, tungsten, palladium or platinum.

Related Roundups: Apple Watch, watchOS 2
Tags: KGI Securities, Ming-Chi Kuo
Buyer’s Guide: Apple Watch (Buy Now)
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Google drops free Fiber in Kansas City

Google Fiber is now available in Kansas City on a selection of monthly plans, as opposed to the one-time payment for construction and free connectivity thereafter. Now, as noted by Recode, the company will offer its service for free to economically underserved communities while everyone else can pay out $50 a month without signing a contract.

It’s likely Google has altered its pricing model for Fiber to attract more customers. The substantial installation fee turned off potential customers, but this new monthly fee could entice those who seek faster connectivity without having to take out a loan to afford the installation. The $50 a month will bump those on the free 5Mbps up to 100Mbps.

Those who reside in Kansas City will have until May 19 to switch to the new plan in order to continue using Fiber. Should you require even more from the web, there’s a $70 a month option for a gigabit connection.

HTC 10 spotted in leaked video ahead of April 12 launch

The HTC 10 is set to be announced tomorrow, but already we’re seeing a early look thanks to a newly leaked promotional video. The handset featured in this video matches what we’ve seen in previous leaks, so it’s certainly plausible this is the phone that will be featured during HTC’s announcement tomorrow.

The video (found via The Verge) also sees HTC dropping the “One M” branding from of its flagship smartphone, as widely rumored. Leaked specifications point to a 5.15-inch QHD display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, an Adreno 530 graphics chip, 4GB of RAM, a 12MP camera and a USB Type-C connection.

We expect to have more details to share with you tomorrow. In the meantime, hit the comments and let us know if you’re excited for the HTC 10?

LG on track for its most profitable quarter in nearly two years

LG has announced its earnings guidance for Q1 2016, forecasting an operating profit of 505 billion won ($440.7 million), up from 305.2 billion won ($266 million) a year earlier. The 65.5% increase in profits marks LG’s best-ever quarter since Q2 2014, and the uptick is largely driven by falling television panel prices.

Year-on-year sales are estimated to be down by 4.5%, with overall revenues at 13.3 trillion won ($11.4 billion). LG will disclose its earnings in full in late April, which is when we’ll have more details on how individual business units are performing.

Remix OS 2.0 is now available for Nexus 9 and 10 tablets with PC features

Jide has announced that Remix OS 2.0 is now available for Nexus 9 and Nexus 10 tablets. What makes the ROMs with version 2.0 of the OS interesting for owners is the included multi-window support, which is slated to arrive on Android later this year. If you happen to be in the camp of those who simply cannot wait for said new feature, Remix OS 2.0 may well be your solution.

The OS is powered by Android 5.1.1, but there are numerous enhancements and features added to improve the overall user experience. You can expect to see some features available in the Android for PC release in these Nexus packages. We’re talking resizeable windows, file manager, notification panel, and even a taskbar.

You can download both the Nexus 9 and Nexus 10 ROMs from the official Jide website. Flashing guides are also available.

• Download Remix OS for Nexus 9
• Download Remix OS for Nexus 10

Game of Thrones season 6: When is it on and how can I watch it?

Game of Thrones season 6 is nearly upon us and after months of speculation (and harassment for Kit Harrington) we will finally find out if Jon Snow is really dead.

HBO returned to its native US for the world premiere this year (having hosted last year’s in the moat of the Tower of London), and the cast, other celebrities and revered guests got to see the season opener, The Red Woman. It took place on 10 April but hopefully, attendees will remain reasonably tight-lipped until the show airs for the rest of us, in order to avoid spoilers.

Certainly you’ll find the following completely spoiler-free (bar the trailer we include below, which you can skip if you want). We simply want to let you know when and where you can watch the first and subsequent episodes of Game of Thrones season 6 for yourself.

When does Game of Thrones season 6 start?

The first episode, The Red Woman, airs on HBO in the US at 9pm ET on 24 April. Sky has announced that it will simulcast it on Sky Atlantic, having done so with the debut of season 4 a couple of years ago.

That means UK fans can watch the show at 2am on 25 April.

For those who wouldn’t rather get some sleep and watch it the day after, Sky will also show it at 9pm on Sky Atlantic later that day.

Where can I watch Game of Thrones season 6?

Considering that each subsequent season of Game of Thrones has broken records for the amount of pirate downloads, we suspect you’ll see episodes in standard and high definition (720p and 1080p) available on torrent sites soon after they air.

However, if you rightfully refuse to head down the less salubrious stealy web route, you might be wondering where else you can see the show.

So we list several ways to do just that. And it’s all above board.

HBO, HBO Go and HBO Now

As HBO makes the show it’s only obvious that it will screen it in the US. That means it will be available on the channel’s subscription services – the main HBO channel for TV viewers, through the HBO Go apps and platforms for existing HBO subscribers, or HBO Now for those who don’t pay for the main channel.

It will screen the first episode at 9pm ET on 24 April. Naturally, all of its on demand services will then offer the show as catch-up content.

A HBO subscription is generally offered as a premium service through cable providers in the States, costing around $15 a month to add to an existing package.

HBO Go is a free service for subscribers to the TV channel.

HBO Now is an alternative for those who don’t have cable TV but still want access to the channel. It also costs around $15 a month. There are HBO Now apps for a wide array of devices, including iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Android TV and Roku.

Sky+ and Sky Q

Sky exclusively screens HBO content in the UK, so has the rights to show Game of Thrones season 6, albeit with adverts. The US screening is ad-free.

It has announced that it will be simulcasting the show on Sky Atlantic with the first HBO screening, so you can watch it at 2am on 25 April. All following episodes will then be screened in their normal time slot of 9pm on the channel the day after the US airing.

The show airs each Sunday on HBO so will appear on Sky Atlantic on Mondays.

That means that Sky+ and Sky Q subscribers will be able to watch them live, record them (with series link) or catch up with each episode on demand, as long as they have their set-top-box connected to the internet.

A Sky+ subscription starts at £30 a month, which includes Sky Atlantic, while a Sky Q subscription starts at £44 a month.

READ: What is Sky Q, how much does it cost and how can I get it?

NOW TV

With a £6.99 a month NOW TV Entertainment Pass you can watch Sky Atlantic live alongside a range of other channels, Sky and otherwise. That means you can watch The Red Woman as part of the simulcast or it airs in its normal slot.

However, you can also watch it on demand on the service. And NOW TV catch-up is devoid of adverts, save for a few dedicated stings, so you can jump straight into a mostly uninterrupted version.

NOW TV can be viewed through a dedicated NOW TV box, available for £14.99 or £24.99 with a three month Entertainment Pass, Roku media streaming boxes or online through a browser. Apps are also available for iOS, Android, PS3, Xbox 360, PS4, Xbox One, YouView and select LG Smart TVs. You can also use the NOW TV app on a smartphone or tablet to play the show through a Google Chromecast.

READ: New Now TV Box (2015) arrives, we get watching the latest movies, TV and sport

One additional benefit to NOW TV is, like general Sky TV, you can catch up with any of the previous series of Game of Thrones ahead of season 6’s debut.

Sky Go and Sky Q apps

Sky Go will also offer the show on catch-up (preceded by a minute of adverts) or live, and you don’t necessarily need a Sky subscription to access the app for iOS, select Android devices, PS4, PS3, Xbox One and Xbox 360. Or watch it online through a PC or Mac.

Technically you can subscribe to Sky Go if you’re not an existing Sky customer. From £15 a month you can have access to the broadcaster’s entertainment channels through Sky Go, which includes Sky Atlantic, on a laptop, desktop computer, smartphone or tablet. However, at £6.99 a month, NOW TV is a better option and is available on all the same devices and more.

Where Sky Go comes into its own is if you have a parent or friend with a Sky subscription and they have no interest in registering their free Sky Go accounts on mobile devices. You could ask if they would let you use one of the device slots instead (you can register up to two devices on one account). They might even let you take up a device slot for the duration of Game of Thrones season 5 and you can deregister it after.

Alternatively, if they subscribe to Sky Go Extra or you upgrade them to Sky Go Extra for £5 a month, you can take one of four device slots.

One issue with this method is that the iPhone and iPad app won’t allow AirPlay mirroring or direct connection to get the pictures onto a TV. In this case, you really do get what you paid for.

The new Sky Q app works similarly to the above, but cannot be subscribed to separately. It is for Sky Q subscribers only.

READ: Which is the best movie streaming service in the UK? Netflix vs Amazon Prime vs Now TV and more