Ratchet and Clank, the ultra successful Playstation franchise from Insomniac Games is set to get a new PS3 entry this year under the guise of Ratchet and Clank Future: A Crack in Time. A teaser trailer was shown at GDC and since then I have been waiting for any drop of information. Lucky for me the US Playstation site has released an official description including Key Features.

From US Playstation:

· An original new adventure and story that answers many of fans’ most-asked questions and wraps up the story arc that started in Ratchet & Clank® Future: Tools of Destruction and Ratchet & Clank® Future: Quest For Booty.

· Non-linear levels with plenty of hidden areas to explore, and new gadgets like the Hoverboots that let Ratchet soar to new heights.

· All-new Clank gameplay and special “Time” abilities that bring new meaning to “past selves”.

· The series’ renowned arsenal gets even larger with brand new weapons, as well as weapons that players can customize with various modifications.

· New space gameplay that gives players the opportunity to engage in space battles, explore the surrounding star system, and discover hidden items and collectables

The most interesting part in this list is where they plan to go with “space gameplay”. Will it give us more control over the space ships in previous games? Or will this be something brand new to the series. As always I will be expecting some new and inventive weapons.

The last game took the story and feel of the game to a more grown up direction while keeping the trademark humour of the franchise. This was extended with the PSN exclusive (though it was released and sold at JB-HI-FI's around Australia) Quest for Booty. The new game is a full Blu-Ray release and a continuation of the story. According to the US Playstation website a rift between our heroes is being hinting at.

From US Playstation:

After discovering that Clank’s disappearance was engineered by Dr. Nefarious, Ratchet races to rescue his best friend. Unfortunately, he discovers that Clank’s capture is just the beginning of Nefarious’s latest diabolical plot. In this follow-up to the best-selling series, Ratchet & Clank® Future: A Crack in Time puts players into the role of both Ratchet and Clank as they attempt to reunite and save the universe. Along the way, both will finally uncover the hidden truth behind their origins, and discover their ultimate destinies. As the duo come closer to reuniting, they’ll have to ask themselves the biggest question of all: Do Ratchet and Clank’s destinies lie with each other? Or is it finally time for the universe’s greatest duo to separate for good?

I wholeheartedly recommend any one interested in this game go and buy Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction, it is a great game and is now apart of the PS3's greatest hits range. I honestly can’t wait for this game and I’m sure the always reliable people at Insomniac will add another great game to the PS3 exclusive line up for 2009.