Various multiplayer modes further enhance the experience. Featuring both ad-hoc (within the immediate area) and infrastructure (online) play and supporting up to four players, Size Matters consists of three modes: the self-explanatory Death Match, the also self-explanatory Capture the Flag and the intriguing Iron Lombax. Whereas the objectives of Death Match and Capture the Flag remain static regardless of the map, those of the team-based Iron Lombax vary from stage to stage.
Considering that multiplayer contains only four maps, the combination of the two standard modes and Iron Lombax's map-specific objectives mix things up. Danger Valley involves luring mines to an enemy's base via a homing beacon, though other players can either steal or destroy any trailing mines. Island Escape requires careful team work to capture and transport nuclear material before the carrying player mutates. Mega Cannons demand equal parts defense and offense to obtain the generators necessary to power a team's cannon while preventing it from sabotage. Lastly, Mad Cow Disease marks a frantic rush to avoid UFOs and the other team as players capture cows and transport crates of them across the map to their transport.
However, even with Iron Lombax's variety, multiplayer feels a little sparse with only four maps at four players each. Still, the mere existence of Iron Lombax in lieu of additional maps implies the crew over at High Impact Games focused on squeezing as much game play as possible out of multiplayer, suggesting unavoidable technical limitations as the root culprit.
Fortunately, hardware limitations couldn't stop High Impact Games from turning out an adventure on par with past Ratchet & Clank offerings. Nearly indistinguishable from its console counterparts, in terms of graphics, game play and design, Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters represents both a remarkable achievement and one of the best games available on the PSP.
Final Score: 9 (out of 10)
Related Links
Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters Game Guide
Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal [PS2] Game Guide
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