In our previous episode, the mechanical partner of the adventuring duo known as Ratchet & Clank was mysteriously abducted, leaving Ratchet alone and without a foil for mishaps and comedic wit. What’s a lombax to do but set out in search of his friend and partner?

Quest for Booty picks up that thread and bridges the gap between the full-on Tools of Destruction release and the next full-length adventure featuring the duo. “Full-length?” Well, this title is only available on the PlayStation Network, is meant to be a summer release like a movie and only takes about four hours to get through. Or even better, think of it as an episode of your favorite television show. Not a lot is really decided, but it is an entertaining romp.

And that is what Quest for Booty brings – an enjoyable romp. It is not as deep as an R&C game, but the game does have some great graphical elements and, as always, the weapons are fun to play with. And some of the puzzle elements are truly entertaining. Take, for example, when you have to use the Kinetic Tether (which is applied by Ratchet’s trusty wrench) to move objects around, affecting the shadows the objects cast. It doesn’t take long to realize that what you are really doing is using the shadows to create jigsaw puzzle pieces that have to be aligned just right to create the picture you are trying for. That is a bit of creative genius, and ramps up the entertainment value.

The game picks up after Clank’s disappearance and has Ratchet on the search for his partner. Slag, one of the main protagonists from Tools, is back and his storyline is a little deeper (little being the operative word because the length of this episode precludes a whole lot of depth). The action takes off right from the onset with Ratchet and his partner-of-the-moment fighting pirates, getting captured and then being shot to a remote island. Of course, with a nice little arsenal of weapons, Ratchet is tasked with getting off that island and working back onto the trail of Clank – who appears, at times, in a glowing dream-like sequence … except Ratchet is not asleep.

There are the nice arrays of weapons that can be selected through the radial menu and then employed if you have the ammo. The Tornado Launcher is back, and so is the Predator Launcher. Also making return appearances are the Fusion Grenade and the Lightning Ravager. Each of the environments have minor puzzles to solve (whether navigating the scene or unlocking items) and the game keeps up a solid action-packed pacing.

The sound is typical of an R&C title, with clever asides, and a steady barrage of effects. Graphically the game is well done, for a short title or not. This is a vibrant three-dimensional world that is delightfully animated. The lighting, textures and effects are first rate.

Insomniac knows the series very well and while this is not the Ratchet & Clank title that is respected, admired and gobbled up, it is a nice little summer fix. And the price tag takes into account the short nature of this title. It is available on the PSN for $15.

Gameplay: 7.5
The game is short in length and just lacks that sense of grand adventure often associated with R&C titles. That aside, the controls are familiar, some new puzzle elements are in place and the game does provide an enjoyable gaming experience.

Graphics: 9.0
Ratchet & Clank titles are delightful three-dimensional PS3 romps. The environments are lush and a true visual treat and the animations are top drawer. This may be a short title, but it is still visually well done.  

Sound: 8.5
A solid supporting cast-mate to the visuals. What is here is what is expected, but that does not make it any less entertaining as a total audio-visual package.

Difficulty: Easy/Medium

Concept: 8.0
Some nice new puzzle concepts that would work well in the next full-on adventure. And give credit for the idea of an episode to bridge releases of full games, but having become used to the grand nature of R&C titles, this just feels a little hollow.

Overall: 7.8
Insomniac tried something different – and it’s a good attempt. It might have a place in a different game, but when it comes to Ratchet & Clank, it really needs to be a grand adventure that consumes days, not hours. This is a good game, make no mistake about that. It is a solid R&C release, despite its shortness. It would not get a good score without being a high-quality game. But when you are building off an established franchise, anything less than what is familiar is … well … less.