Ratchet and Clank Future: A Crack in Time (Sony; PS3; rated everyone 10+)

If you’ve been feeling like high-concept platformers have been failing you in the last couple of years, Ratchet and Clank Future: A Crack in Time will remind you of why you used to love them. It’s simple to pick up and play, is filled with clever writing, and adds new features to the gameplay to keep things fresh without making them overwhelming.

Clank has been kidnapped by the cryptic and faerie-like Zoni and finds himself at the centre of the universe and caretaker of the Great Clock.

You’ll alternate between playing as Clank, who learns where he came from and what his job is at the Great Clock, and playing as Ratchet, who is searching for Clank. The trail takes Ratchet from system to system, from planet to planet, where he assists the locals. In a first for the series, Ratchet can actually pilot his spaceship between the planets, moons, and other astral bodies in the systems he’s exploring. In completing these side missions Ratchet collects stray Zoni, who, he’s been told, can help him in his rescue attempt.

Along the way, Ratchet picks up new sidekicks, including the so-called superhero Captain Qwark and Azimuth, another Lombax. Seems like Ratchet’s not the last of his species after all.

With crisp and responsive controls, finely tuned level design, and hilarious characters, A Crack in Time is a welcome return to fun and playable platformers.