SK Paradox Galaxy Cluster

The Starship Phonix returns home once again, and the Nobodies immediately get to work as Kaden speaks. "The Solana Galaxy. It's been a while since I've been over here." "Feeling all nostalgic?" "Funny. Maybe it's wanting to separate himself from me after that first adventure, but I've heard Ratchet honestly regrets how he acted during said first adventure, given how much criticism came his way…" "Do you have any idea where Ratchet would be?" "Planet Veldin. He was a mechanic for broken ships around the time he met Clank. The info is so well known that it was even a part of the recent attempt at a Ratchet and Clank holofilm. I'd say we should check at his garage first. Luigi, would you like to do the honors?" "With pleasure. Let's-a go!"

SKSKSK

Another Kingdom Hearts Gummi Ship style section on the way to Veldin. Well, it's KH Gummi Ship content mixed with the space sections from the PS3 Ratchet games. Specifically the gameplay where the space sections were mini open worlds. A Crack in Time was the reason I got a PS3. I see an opportunity to reference a deep cut from one of my favorite games, I take it. The graphics switch to the Ratchet and Clank artstyle as we blast through an asteroid belt on the outskirts of the Solana section of the Galaxy Cluster. Just like in A Crack in Time, there's moons you can land on for little platforming challenges. Some of them are character specific, such as one that's similar to those levels in Rayman Origins where you're chasing down a runaway treasure chest. The Chest Chase here is for Kaden, meant to prep you for a harder course in the Dream Galaxy where Drayke takes the lead. Some of the jumps require franchise team ups like Roxas freezing lava into platforms via a Kingdom Hearts 2 style Reaction Command, and you grabbing onto Drayke similar to the Slingshot in Ratchet and Clank: All for One multiplayer. Also, it wouldn't be a Ratchet and Clank experience without connectable RYNO blueprint pieces. That's what's in the chest, actually. You won't be able to assemble the full thing, Ratchet and Kaden's ultimate weapon that can Rip You a New One, until well after this point. Who knows what I have in store for the Future of this story? There may or may not be a hint there. Back to gameplay as the Nobodies land on Veldin.

SKSKSK

"Planet Veldin. The place where everything started for my son. Honestly, not much has happened here since the filming of A Boy And His War Grok." Roxas responds with, "I have a feeling that's about to change. To Ratchet's Garage!"

Veldin is covered almost entirely in desert and rocky terrain, with few large bodies of water. It is home to several large buildings built into the features. It is also home to horny toad wildlife, which attack by biting their prey, and skreeducks, pterodactyl-like creatures flying in the skies of the planet. The Nobodies move through a platformer-shooter mix, classic Ratchet. Only difference is, there's enemies from the Mushroom Galaxy around to throw you off and get you thinking about the encounters in a different way.

As the group gets close to Ratchet's Garage, Kaden speaks. "There's no telling what the True Darkness will do once we get down there. You guys ready?" The player selects the yes option in the Kingdom Hearts style dialogue box, and the group jumps off the cliff they are currently on.

Siccon calls, "Ratchet!" Roxas responds with, "Remember the plan! He doesn't know who we are!" "Sorry, I forgot to pay attention to the slideshow." "When this is over, I'm telling Bentley." A smirk comes onto Siccon's face. Roxas says in response, "You think I'm joking."

Ratchet notices Kaden's appearance. "You look… familiar." "Yes. Yes I do. And those hoverboots you're wearing? They were mine years ago…" "You knew Azmuth? Then you must be…" "Take all the time you need." As the True Darkness explodes out of Ratchet in frustration, the boss intro says,

Superbia

Sin of Pride

And we head to gameplay. The Sin has electric powers, think Cole McGrath, when it jumps in and out of Ratchet's body over the course of the fight. Roxas isn't recommended to be used for this fight, because water and electricity don't mix. As we SLOWLY wear the health bar down to zero, because seriously, this Sin is a borderline tank thanks to its massive health bar, with platforming sections in between phases, we finally corner the Sin of True Darkness. But just before we deal a finishing blow… Drayke says, "Dang it! Escaped again." "Soul Kingdom?" Kaden responds with, "Wouldn't surprise me. Where's Clank?" "He's off filming another season of Secret Agent Clank right now. Man, will I have a story to tell when he gets back!" "It's good to have you back to normal, son."

End Chapter